Who We Are 
What Is the YDN?
Vision and Values
YDN Team
Board of Directors & Committees
Partners/Sponsors/Supporters
Job Opportunities
Contact Us
What Is the YDN?
The Youth Development Network (YDN) is a collaboration of individuals and organizations from throughout the Sacramento region committed to promoting strength-based principles that support the positive development of youth.
Our Mission
The YDN's mission is creating life changing experiences for youth to thrive and succeed.
Background
The YDN was created in October 2000 as a result of two studies conducted by Sierra Health Foundation and the Sacramento County Integrated Services Team. These studies identified a need in Sacramento to support youth providers with training and networking activities focused on promoting youth development research and practices. In 2004, the YDN formally affiliated with LEED. In October of 2006 the YDN incorporated as the Youth Development Network (YDN).
How Does the YDN Work?
The YDN offers networking and learning opportunities via convenings, skill-based trainings, policy/system work and an extensive e-mail list. The YDN promotes alignment with the principles and practices of youth development research. The YDN's flagship training is the Youth Development Institute (YDI).
Vision and Values
Youth development includes families, communities and organizations in supporting youth as they build skills and relationships to become healthy adults.
The YDN's vision is to see that young people will 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.
Integrating ‘youth development principles’ – those of resiliency, asset, youth and community development – into a broad cross-section of businesses and organizations greatly increases youth opportunities for success.
Youth worker training and professional development is a critical component
in improving the quality of youth services and promoting youth development
principles. 
YDN VALUES
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.