Global Youth Service Day

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is an annual celebration of young volunteers around the world. It is designed to encourage youth to participate in community service and service-learning and to honor those who have contributed to their communities through voluntary commitment. GYSD is usually observed on a weekend in April, beginning on Friday and ending on Sunday.

Thousands of young volunteers around the world participate in GYSD each year. ©iStockphoto.com/mangostock

What do people do?

Every year on Global Youth Service Day, youth organizations, schools and individuals around the world realize thousands of projects. They focus on voluntary community service and range from learning sessions about current social and environmental challenges to clean-up actions, nursing home visits, and concerts. In 2012, the total number of projects on all five continents was 4467.

Public life

Global Youth Service Day is a global observance but not a public holiday.

Background

Global Youth Service Day was launched as National Youth Service Day in 1988. It is coordinated by Youth Service America, and most of the projects are based in the United States. However, a growing number of volunteers from other parts of the world take part in the activities each year.

External link

Learn more and get involved!

Global Youth Service Day Observances