"I think that all the dedication that each of us are giving day by day is being returned to us by the warmth of people, with the good treatment and unselfish help of volunteers, with the good example of smiling and saying “hello” in the street, with the good humor and friendliness of a store clerk. All of this has led me to believe that volunteerism is a way of life and one of its greatest characteristics is the love for those around you…Everyday always brings something new, but here everything is impressive and worth while in many ways. The word “happiness” is small when everything you feel is so great."
                          
Gerson Maldonado Peruvian Youth Leader, 2009
To read the rest of Gerson's note check out our blog at http://changereaction.wordpress.com

The Youth Leaders program expands the leadership skills of Latin American youth during a four week exchange to the United States. Youth Leaders learn about US institutions and culture, share experiences and knowledge with US peers, visit US schools and organizations, and create community projects to implement in their home countries. 

Youth Leaders meet with prominent public oficials and non-governmental organizations and take part in workshops. They live in home-stays with local volunteer families while they attend trainings and briefings at local organizations, attend school with host family members, participate in community events, and learn about their host state. Throughout, the visiting youth work closely with US youth to explore issues of common concern and solutions to similar problems in their communities.

In their home countries, Youth Leaders implement small projects based on their lessons learned during the exchange. They also  share their experiences with friends and neighbors, creating a multiplier effect. The Youth Leaders program not only provides new knowledge and experience for participants, but also prepares them for a lifetime of leadership and community service.

The program is open to young people from Peru and Venezuela, who have outstanding school records, display leadership qualities, are proficient in both speaking and understanding English, and who have demonstrated interests in improving their local community. All candidates will be visiting the U.S. for the first time. They will be selected through a competitive process coordinated by the US Embassy and Consulates, supported by local Partners of the Americas chapters and other local institutions in their home countries.

The Youth Leaders Program is supported by the US Department of State, Bureau of Education and Culture and US Embassies and Consulates in the participating countries.