Student Selected for Children's Defense Fund Leadership Training

March 3, 2009

Jessica Hannah, a social work pre-major, has been selected by the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) to participate in the 5th Annual Young Advocate Leadership Training program, Our Children. Our Hope. Our Future.—Today. Tomorrow. Together. to be held March 20-22 at the Children's Defense Fund Haley Farm, in Clinton, Tenn. (near Knoxville).

The Young Advocate Leadership Training (YALT) program is part of CDF's vision to develop the next generation of leaders who are committed to social justice and improving the lives of all children in America.

Hannah joins a selected delegation of young leaders from across the country who will participate in a weekend-long training program where they will develop knowledge and skills in child advocacy. Hannah is an assistant teacher at the university's Child Development Center and has volunteered at the Center for Child Protection and Heart House after-school program in Austin.

"Attending the YALT program is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn about ways to improve the lives of the children in our community," said Hannah. "I hope to become a better leader and share my awareness on various issues and solutions with others attending the training." The YALT program offers participants an opportunity to connect with other young leaders, community organizers, child advocates and to learn new advocacy methods, models and strategies that can be implemented in their communities and on their college campuses. CDF covers participants' travel costs, meals and lodging for the three-day conference.

"Being selected to participate in the Young Advocate Leadership Training program is a testament to Jessica's interest and commitment to achieving social justice for children," said Donna Aguiniga, a School of Social Work assistant instructor who has taught Hannah in two classes this year. "The program will provide Jessica with a great opportunity to increase her networking and child advocacy skills and to become more knowledgeable about children's issues on a national level."