About YDN

History:
The Youth Development Network (YDN) began in 2000, as a result of two studies conducted by Sierra Health Foundation and the Sacramento County Integrated Services Team. These studies identified a need to support youth providers with training and networking activities focus on promoting youth development research and practices.

Today YDN is the region’s leading resource on the youth development approach. YDN collaborates with individuals, organizations, families and communities throughout the Sacramento region who are committed to promoting positive development of children and youth.

Mission and Vision:
YDN’s mission is to create life-changing experiences for youth to thrive and succeed. YDN believes that training and professional development for people who work with youth is a critical component of achieving our vision. YDN’s training programs, networking, resources and public policy efforts all work together to improve the quality of youth services and promote youth development principles across a broad range of communities, youth serving organizations, education, faith groups, juvenile justice agencies and businesses.

We envision communities filled with youth who can achieve personal and academic success; be connected to adults and their community; have a positive vision of their future and grow up to be healthy, productive and civic-minded adults.

Our Organization’s Values:
At YDN we recognize that to create change in our community, the way we operate our organization must align with our mission. We hire and support highly talented people who share a commitment to youth success. At YDN, we hold the following values to be fundamental to our success:

Relationships – Positive relationships are the key to our human existence; the need to treat and care about all people with genuine interest and mutual respect is essential.


Social Responsibility – Is a shared, collective action, based on justice, equity and access; that promotes respect to diversity, inclusion and collaboration in support of all young people.





Change – To foster change is to be curious, rather than certain; to regularly reflect and put our learning and insights into action; to be in a mode of continuous improvement.



Fun - A key in building partnerships and transforms what we must do into what we want to do.