THEME & TRACKS

Investing in Promising Futures for All

A kaleidoscope of evolving cultures, traditions, and demographics, our nation serves as a beacon of hope, a safe harbor offering immigrants a more secure and prosperous life.  Private philanthropy is also an American tradition, a testament to the promise of prosperity. In the United States, financially successful individuals with a philanthropic spirit have used their wealth to support major social movements.  They have remembered the needs of our country’s most vulnerable residents, opening to them the doors of opportunity.  American philanthropists have made investments aimed at leveling the playing field for children, youth, and families, developing services and systems to support individuals who are working to achieve their potential.
 
The 2012 Grantmakers for Children, Youth and Families (GCYF) Annual Conference recognizes the foundational values of the United States. Our American values mandate that we seek a better life for our children, for ourselves, and for our communities. We celebrate and appreciate our differences, but we also embrace our shared values. Because of our shared values, our differences do not divide us, but unite us. Families and communities strive to create legacies for their children that ensure the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Today’s youth grow up to become the leaders of tomorrow.  From their infancy, our children, regardless of their race or their socioeconomic status, remain our deepest and most inspiring symbol of hope and opportunity.
 
This year’s Annual Conference reflects on three trends that are changing the face of our communities—immigration, migration, and demographic shifts. During GCYF’s 2012 Conference, we will explore the challenges and opportunities these trends present for public and private funders concerned with improving outcomes for children, youth, and families.
 
Topics for discussion include the following:

• How public and private systems can offer children, youth, and families opportunities for better health, education, and employment
• How changes in policy and in political leadership affect our country’s most vulnerable populations
• How supporting the values of diversity, inclusion, and equity can strengthen the fabric of our society
• How persistent economic volatility may affect private grantmaking
• How public and private funders can support communities and nonprofits, ensuring sufficient capacity and resources to serve vulnerable populations
• How public and private funders can work together to enable the greatest collective impact

Track Descriptions

Concurrent sessions will address priority populations for CYF funders and broad thematic intersections drawing on the best and most promising local, regional, state and national collaborative approaches to improving the lives of children, youth and families.
 
Early Childhood
This track explores programs and systems serving our most vulnerable population: infants, toddlers, and young children (ages 0−8). This is a critical developmental period characterized by rapid changes in social and emotional development and learning. This track reflects the collaborations, systems, and supports needed to achieve optimal health and development for all children.
 
Youth
This track explores programs and systems that serve the diverse and rapidly changing needs of youth and young adults (ages 9−24). Substantial emotional, physical, and social changes, equivalent to the changes that occur in early childhood, characterize the developmental period of youth and young adulthood. This track reflects the collaborations, systems, and supports that aim to inspire young people with hope for their future and to provide them with opportunities to engage with their communities in meaningful and positive ways.
 
Family and Community
This track explores the wide range of supports and services for families within the community, services aimed at improving economic, health, and social outcomes for children, youth, and families.   
 
Cross-Cutting Issues
This track explores a wide spectrum of issues that affect families and communities.  Family economic security and poverty; fragmentation of services and systems among various government departments at the local, state, and national levels; geography; and racial and ethnic disparities are all issues that complicate grantmaking for children, youth, and families.
 
Download the full 2012 Annual Conference Theme Statement