In 2000 the Community Network for Youth Development convened and trained youth workers through their Youth Development Learning Network. At the end of the 8-session learning network, CNYD asked participants if they wanted to continue to meet. They responded “Yes!” It was then that the Youth Worker: Collective seed was planted. It would take a few more years to publicly launch.

In February 2003 at the Central YMCA in San Francisco the Youth Worker: Collective officially launched as a completely volunteer run collaborative. This event got youth workers connected to each other and recruited new members to the Steering Committee. Over the next four years, Youth Worker: Collective produced many peer-led events such at “The Summer Resource Exchange”, “Fundraising and Fund Development for Youth Workers”, “Days of Rejuvenation and Self Care”, and “Incorporating Youth Media into Your Program”

Thanks to the generous support of the Walter and Elise Haas Jr. Fund, the Youth Worker: Collective received money to produce a feasibility study to determine if there was a there there for the Youth Worker: Collective. This money enabled the YDPN to go out and listed to youth workers. Instead of just hiring a consultant to do this work, the Youth Worker: Collective hired Moira De Nike to lead a process that built the skills of youth workers in focus group facilitation and survey creation, so that youth workers were involved in all aspects of the feasibility. The result was more than just a feasibility study. It was a process and product that represented youth workers voices. This document and process now guide all aspects of the organization.

The Four Points of Connection represent the crux of our work. It is our workforce development agenda. It was birthed from the Feasibility Study and follow up conversations with youth workers about the results of our feasibility study. We believe if we truly want to move from the field of youth development to the profession of youth development all sectors of our field need to come together to realize the outcomes listed under each Point – Financial, Intrapersonal, People, and Professional.

The Youth Worker: Collective dreams of many youth workers in many settings for many years. And we strive to be the voice of youth workers for many years to come.