International Youth Advocacy Federation

Vision Statement
The International Youth Advocacy Federation (IYAF) envisions a world where all children and young people are safe and sheltered, experience emotional well being and justice, have a powerful voice, and can access opportunities to fully develop their potential.

Mission Statement
The International Youth Advocacy Federation (IYAF) is a multinational consortium of like-minded organizations and individuals that directly partners with young people, promotes family and community advocacy and assists vulnerable young people and their families to lead safe and productive lives in their communities. The IYAF maintains a dual focus on advocacy action and policy change.

The Federation will focus its efforts and energies on the young people, families and communities where the risk for detention and institutionalization is the highest, where the treatment is the harshest, and where the likelihood for falling through the cracks is the most prevalent. While these circumstances exist for young people everywhere, they are more often seen in countries that are recovering from civil war or domestic unrest (often designated by the United Nations as "Fragile Nations"); have a government that is hostile to young people and the organizations that advocate on their behalf; or have no effective justice or human services system to prevent homelessness, victimization, or unnecessary imprisonment or institutionalization of young people.

Guiding Principles
The International Youth Advocacy Federation (IYAF) shall:

1. Ensure all federation actions are transparent, accountable and reflect reciprocity among members;
2. Demonstrate cultural respect and competency in all activities, learning from the richness of varied cultures;
3. See all children, young people families and communities through an asset and strength based lens;
4. Promote community based, relevant sustainable solutions that come from the community and can be maintained in the community;
5. Mandate inclusive and collaborative participation by all members to ensure a cohesive message that amplifies the voices of young people;
6. Utilize non-violent, action oriented strategies in addressing issues and needs identified by federation members.

To read the letter from the IYAF Steering Committee in its entirety, click on the link below.