To build on its existing momentum and spur the growth of youth leadership and activism worldwide, YouthActionNet.org today launched a substantially expanded website, with a host of interactive features. The new, technologically sophisticated, user-friendly site offers young people a range of tools for strengthening their work and stimulating public awareness--and action-- around the issues they care about.

Launched in 2001 by the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Nokia, YouthActionNet celebrates the vital role youth play in leading positive change throughout the world. Among the new site's features are:

• A "make your own web page" function enabling youth leaders to publicize their work and launch action-oriented campaigns
  
• A global awards program through which accomplished youth leaders may apply for US$500 grants
  
• A featured YouthActionNet "visionary" of the month
  
• An action toolkit including resources to help youth leaders raise money and work with the media
  
• A monthly quiz aimed at testing visitors' knowledge of current global issues
  
• An interactive forum that lets visitors exchange ideas and collaborate in addressing key challenges in their communities

Martin Sandelin, Nokia's Senior Vice President of Marketing, agrees that the site fills a critical niche. "We're extremely excited about the role YouthActionNet plays in offering young people a virtual medium through which to exchange ideas and strengthen their outreach efforts. Young people represent a powerful force for positive change in the world. We need to give them every opportunity to express their voices and be heard."

YouthActionNet is part of the Make a Connection program, a global initiative of IYF and Nokia to provide opportunities for young people to connect to their communities, to their families and peers, and to themselves. Visit the new site at: www.youthactionnet.org.

About Make a Connection
Make a Connection, launched in April 2000, is a global initiative of the International Youth Foundation and Nokia to promote positive youth development by giving young people an opportunity to make a connection to their communities, to their families and peers, and to themselves. The program improves young people's educational opportunities, teaches them life skills and helps them make a positive contribution to their societies. Programs are now up and running in 17 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. To learn more, visit: www.makeaconnection.org.

About the International Youth Foundation
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the conditions and prospects for young people where they live, learn, work, and play. Since its founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and non-governmental organizations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in nearly 60 countries and territories, IYF and its partners have helped millions of young people gain the skills, training, and opportunities critical to their success. More information can be found at www.iyfnet.org.

About Nokia
Nokia is committed to having a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products, and services the company creates. Through its cooperation with IYF and other regional philanthropic and social responsibility programs, the company prepares young people to embrace opportunities and possibilities created by the global economy and new technological advancements. The company has been an active regional contributor to youth and education causes for many years, with Nokia employees making their own contributions as volunteers in a range of programs throughout the world. For further information, see: www.nokia.com.

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