"On Sunday, the White House Office of Public Engagement launched the Native American Youth Challenge program. In a video message, President Obama announced the challenge at the 2011 UNITY Youth Conference, calling for young American Indian and Alaska Native leaders to submit their stories of leadership and service in their communities. The stories submitted will be considered and evaluated based on a demonstrated record of service to one’s tribe, nation, village, or community. Young leaders who have sought to improve their communities are encouraged to submit stories in one or more of the following areas:

Education, Mentorship or Afterschool Programs;
Sports, Nutrition or Let’s Move! in Indian Country;
Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention;
Health and Wellness, including Youth Suicide Prevention;
Building Healthy Relationships and Peer Relationships;
Cultural Preservation and Native Languages;
Anti-Bullying and Personal Empowerment;
Self Expression through Arts and Crafts;
Emerging Leadership in Government Service; and
Economic and Community Development

As a part of the challenge, a handful of exceptional Native youth community leaders will be invited to the White House this fall in conjunction with the activities of Native American heritage month. Submissions should include a description of the leadership initiatives or community programs; the number of people involved or effected; key examples of success; and explanations of the barriers or challenges and how they were overcome. "

Get the Story:
Charlie Galbraith: Winning The Future for Native American Youth (The White House 7/11)