Anchorage Youth Development Coalition

04/25/2026

Every child deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. When children know the adults in their lives care about them, listen to them, and believe them, they’re more likely to speak up if something feels wrong.

💙 Supportive relationships are one of the strongest ways we can prevent child abuse and neglect.

🔗 Learn more:alaskachildrenstrust.org/child-abuse-prevention-month

04/22/2026

What are the most pressing issues affecting Anchorage youth? Where should we prioritize advocacy to make a greater impact for the communities we serve? Join us as we identify advocacy priorities for the next five years. Facilitator: Tom Begich, Advocacy Consultant with the Alliance at Recover Alaska. Register: https://forms.gle/YKWvpCyTa8oeSesS7.

Note: We’re skipping our May coalition meeting to prioritize this event.

04/21/2026

Play isn’t just fun, it’s essential for healthy childhood development. Safe places to explore, create, and connect with friends help children build confidence, resilience, and strong relationships. Afterschool and summer learning programs are a wonderful place for 🌱 positive childhood experiences that help kids thrive!

🔗 Learn more about Alaska’s afterschool programs and the incredibleprofessionals working with kids:alaskachildrenstrust.org/afterschool

04/19/2026

Preventing child abuse and neglect starts with simple, everyday actions that build strong, supportive communities. Prevention can be as easy as:
💙 Checking in on a parent who may need support.
👂 Listening to kids and respecting their boundaries.
📚 Learning about the signs of abuse and how to report concerns.
🤝 Advocating for policies that strengthen families.
Every action adds up to a safer world for children.
📢 Learn more about prevention: alaskachildrenstrust.org/ways-to-help

04/18/2026

Want some ideas to improve quality time with your family? Positive childhood experiences help kids feel safe, supported, and connected. Alaska Children's Trust's website is packed with fun, family-friendly activities to spark creativity and strengthen bonds. Whether it’s crafting, games, or songs to listen to together, these activities help foster joy, resilience, and lifelong positive memories. Visit: 🔗

OUR WORKMaterials for Caregivers & EducatorsCaring for one another is one of the grounding values of Alaska Children's Trust. Check out our Care Packages full of activities or browse some of our other publications, including our online safety cards, Strengthening Families coloring book, Random Acts....

04/17/2026

WE ARE HIRING: We’re looking for a passionate and community-minded Program Manager to help lead injury prevention efforts across Alaska. If you enjoy building relationships, working collaboratively, and making a meaningful impact in communities, this role offers a great opportunity to do just that. See the position description and details here:
bit.ly/3OLwiRN

04/15/2026

Kids need to be able to identify trusted adults they can turn to for support. Try this activity with your child:
📝 Draw a hand on a piece of paper (or trace their own!).
✋ For each finger, write the name of a trusted adult they can go to for helpor support.
💡 If they struggle to name five people, brainstorm together—an uncle orauntie, teacher, coach, family friend, or counselor might be a good option.This activity helps kids build their support network, which is especially asthey grow and seek guidance beyond their parents. 💙

04/13/2026

Wednesday: Join us for a free workshop on social-emotional wellness strategies. The session will offer strategies to support both youth program participants and the adults who lead them.

Facilitated by Nigel Gannon, Ph.D., who brings extensive experience supporting youth development as a teacher, program coordinator, evaluator, mental health counselor, and trainer. He specializes in social-emotional wellness, youth mental health, and trauma-informed practices.

When: Wednesday, April 15 | 1:30–3:30 pm AK
Where: Attend in person at Center for Safe Alaskans OR join online via Zoom
Cost: Free (limited to 20 participants)

Ready to make a real difference for Anchorage youth? Register now—spots are filling up! https://forms.gle/QX8TAcVe6zduvK1m8

04/12/2026

Did you know that family activities like fishing, berry-picking, dancing, and outdoor adventures help prevent child abuse and neglect? Traditions strengthen cultural connections, help kids build relationships with mentors, and create a sense of belonging that keeps kids safe.🌱 Strong communities are a protective factor that helps families thrive!

Learn more about Strengthening Families: 🔗 alaskachildrenstrust.org/strengthening-families

04/08/2026

This April we’re joining our partners in promoting Child Abuse Prevention Month. Teach kids that safe adults never ask them to keep secrets—especially about their bodies. If someone tells a child to keep something hidden, they’re being tricky—and it’s always okay to tell a trusted adult. Open conversations help keep kids safe.

👉 Learn more about protecting children from sexual abuse: www.alaskachildrenstrust.org/csa-prevention

03/19/2026