In 2003 the White House Task Force report on Disadvantaged Youth noted that despite billions of dollars spent on services to youth, many of the neediest youth are still left behind .The report cited another need – that of a greater ability for those on the federal, state, and local levels to communicate, coordinate, and collaborate much more effectively if we are to better serve our youth at risk.

Out of a desire to actualize these ideas came the Shared Youth Vision – a systemic attempt to strengthen coordination, communication, and collaboration amongst youth-serving organizations to support the neediest youth and their transitions to successful adult roles and responsibilities

In April 2009, teams from Shared Youth Vision states will convene in Kansas City, MO, to share successes, lessons and future plans. The Peer to Peer Regional Conference will also give state teams an opportunity to delve deeper into statewide action planning — refining and modifying existing plans — while at the same time, working with national experts and networking with other state colleagues to explore promising practices and share innovative approaches across a range of state efforts. Participants will have a facilitated opportunity to “roll up their sleeves” and utilize proven tools and strategic planning concepts to solidify long-term local investment approaches and create a strategic action plan to be used in their state work.