Serving is essential to greatness.
Dakarai Carter, Co-Chair GYSD

Our mission is to revitalize the State of Michigan's community through the collaboration of many partners.

This is a youth led, youth driven project that will involve youth from all over the State of Michigan.   Middle School and High School students will be working together to make a difference in their communities. 

Global Youth Services Day is a program that is sponsored by State Farm Companies Foundation, involving millions of youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries planning simultaneous service events and service-learning projects to celebrate Global Youth Service Day. YouthVille Detroit will mobilize more than 3000 young people to participate in the 22nd Annual Global Youth Service Day. April 23rd – 25th 2010.

Our mission is to revitalize the Southeastern area of Michigan through the collaboration of many partners.

The group’s theme “Be the Change” was embraced by the planning team and all the youth who were involved in organizing the event.  It really is about neighbor helping neighbor.  It is about moving away from the TV and meeting face to face with the people we live with.  It is about meeting new people, making new friends and reaching out and giving a hand where it is needed.  It is by developing these friendships that we change the world. 

This is truly about making our world a better place to live.  And best of all, it is the young people who are leading the way.

FAST FACTS 2009

1400 people participated in the 2009 event revitalizing Detroit and Southeast Michigan.

Six grants were awarded through our first mini-grant program providing $250 to each organization to create their own projects for GYSD.

We conducted work in 6 areas in Detroit – Brightmore, North End, Southwest, East English Village, 7 Mile and Grand River, and East Side.

Nine churches collaborated with us.

YouthVille Detroit has planned projects for Saturday, April 24th in all four corners of the City:

• Downtown – Cass Park Clean Up
• North End – Gordon Park Revitalization
• North End – Gladstone – Board Up & Secure Abandoned Home
• North End – St. John the Evangelist – Work On Community Garden
• Brightmore – Remove Abandoned Structure – Partner with Blight Busters
• Northside – Orange Lawn & Decatur – Revitalize Neighborhood Park
• SouthSide –  Assist in Dia Del Nino Event
• East Side – Neighborhood Clean Up.

Other projects are also available in Ann Arbor, Port Huron and Oakland County.