TJames's blog

The past couple of weeks have seen a flurry of articles highlighting the high numbers of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning youth living on the streets. It seems the media - and hopefully American society at large - is becoming aware that these youth are being forced from their homes because of their sexual orientation.  It is a situation that is alarming and needs to be addressed by cities, states and the federal government.

I am SO excited! The new CODE BLUE PSA raising awareness of homeless youth and funds for the National Network for Youth is launching today! Please go check it out and share it with everyone you know. The more people who see it, the better!

Today was our first day at the 80 Million Strong for Young American Jobs Summit. And, oh my goodness, I am TIRED! We started this morning at 8am and didn't wrap up until 8pm tonight - that's 12 full hours of policy, legislators, hard discussions and great ideas. We worked hard on coming up with what we hope are good strategies for creating new jobs for young Americans and tomorrow we're taking them for a test drive on Capitol Hill. I'll share a full outline of the ideas and more about who we met today after we wrap up tomorrow. Until then, keep the comments coming and stay tuned!

Just a couple more days before I hit the road (or air) on my way to the 80 Million Strong for Young American Jobs Summit in Washington, DC. I've been reading a lot of stats and news articles about youth employment - or lack thereof - and I have to admit that I'm stunned by what I've learned. For instance - unemployment for 17-25 year olds is now at 25%.

I am thrilled to have been chosen to attend the 80 Million Strong for Young American Jobs Summit in a couple of weeks.  Every day I hear new stories about unemployment rising (up to 9.5% as of yesterday) and competition for remaining jobs getting increasingly stiff.  But no single group has been hit harder than the Millennial generation.  Grant

July is just around the corner and half the year is gone in the blink of an eye.  With Independence Day rapidly approaching I've got patriotism on the brain

Beyond the traditional forms of national service - military, police, fire fighters, medical personnel, etc. - there are the many, many people who serve communities across America.  President Obama's emphasis on community service has highlighted the importance of this work and I hope will also raise the profile of our local heroes.

MPress Records has chosen National Network for Youth as their beneficiary for their annual charity compilation highlighting exceptional independent musicians. Volume 4 of the “New Arrivals” charity compilation series is accepting submissions NOW through June 15th.

Hey all,

 

Well, summer is here (thank goodness!) and I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to spend my free time during these longer, brighter days.  Every year I pick a volunteer project and/or organization to work with during the summer, but at the moment there are so many great options I can't pick.  So, I'm hoping you'll share with me what YOU are doing this summer.  Have any suggestions for good projects, organizations, or areas of focus?  Bring 'em on!!!

Peace,

Tara

Check out my Type2Clothe video to help provide clothing for homeless youth.  For every 5 times this video is watched, Virgin Mobile will donate one piece of clothing for homeless youth.

It's very late... or very early, depending on your perspective.  Personally, I'm leaning toward the "very early" side of the line.  Last minute preparation turned into a midnight move down the hall to a new hotel room with working heat.  Oh well, at least I'm not cold!

Stan and I did a walk-through of the training room today.  We've got everything set and ready to go for training tomorrow (ok, well, later today).  So, we'll see you bright and early!