ABOUT TAYWD

WHO IS A YOUTH WORKER?
An individual (staff or volunteer) who works with or on behalf of children and/or youth to facilitate their personal, social, and educational development and enable them to gain a voice, influence, and place in society as they make the transition from dependence to independence (Definition from the National Collaboration for Youth).

HISTORY
In 2009, a group of youth work professionals in Indiana started Thank a Youth Worker Day as a way to help Youth Workers feel good about their profession and to raise awareness of the impact of the field on the lives of children and youth.

Inspired by CYC-Net’s  effort to recognize the field of Child and Youth Care Work during the first week of May, ACYCP adopted the practice and took over sponsorship of Thank A Youth Worker Day in 2015.

Get Involved:
Join us in celebrating Youth Workers who make a difference in the lives of young people! Celebrate the first Thursday in May or pick a date in the first full week of May, adapt the language and materials as needed, and join us in the simple but profound act of saying thank you to those who work with our children and youth.


BECOME A PARTNER ORGANIZATION
Being a partner does not cost anything! All we ask is that you promote the day and say thank you to Child and Youth Care Workers. 


Being a partner is a simple investment in the following:

• Promote Thank A Youth Worker Day in your networks
• Help spread the message through social media
• Honor Child and Youth Care Workers in your organization on Thank A Youth Worker Day, if you are a child and youth serving organization

As a partner, you will receive:

• Your logo on the Thank A Youth Worker Day page
• A link to your organization on the Thank A Youth Worker Day page
• Use of all Thank A Youth Worker Day resources (letters, media releases, ideas for celebrating, logos, etc)

Ideas & Resources
Celebrate Thank A Youth Worker Day (TAYWD) by engaging your community, organization, and network. Below are ideas and resources—including sample press releases, proclamations, newsletter inserts, and ribbons—to help you recognize and uplift youth workers.

What Can I Do?

• Add Thank A Youth Worker Day to your calendar
• Share TAYWD information with friends and colleagues
• Sign up to receive updates and reminders
• Wear and display an orange awareness ribbon
• Encourage others to participate and celebrate
• Post on social media (example: “Today is Thank A Youth Worker Day—thank a youth worker who has made a difference in your life or community.”)
• Add a TAYWD message or tag to your email signature
• Reach out to a local youth-serving organization to get involved
• Write or blog about the importance of youth workers in your community

What Can My Community Do?

• Request a local proclamation from city or county officials
• Engage youth-serving organizations, faith groups, and community networks
• Submit press releases to local media and encourage feature stories
• Host a community event celebrating youth workers
• Partner with local businesses to promote TAYWD on signage
• Distribute flyers throughout the community
• Encourage organizations to promote TAYWD on their websites
• Involve parents in recognizing youth workers
• Invite local restaurants to offer discounts or specials for youth workers

What Can My Organization Do?

• Distribute orange ribbons to staff, youth, and supporters
• Host a recognition event (luncheon, breakfast, open house, etc.)
• Empower youth to plan thank-you activities for staff
• Collect and share appreciation notes from families and participants
• Promote TAYWD through flyers, newsletters, and social media
• Engage local media and invite coverage of your efforts
• Highlight youth worker stories internally and externally
• Feature TAYWD on your website and in communications
• Partner with other organizations for a larger community celebration

Together, these actions help elevate the child & youth care profession and ensure those who make a difference every day receive the recognition they deserve.