If this is the first time you have heard about the National Youth Institute, or if you've attended the previous editions; either way this year's conference is one you must attend.

We can grow stronger, do more for our communities and be better prepared to lead if we understand the importance of building strong youth networks. A key item for NYI 2008 is the investment made in the youth volunteer's professional development. Woven as a red thread through the Institute's concept are a series of events and sessions geared towards empowering youth and young adult volunteers to gain critical soft skills, work together and build the foundation for new youth networks.

For 2008 we took on the challenge and are offering customized training in accordance with each youth volunteer's level of experience. In addition, the key lines of business for the organization will be in focus. Youth volunteers will be able to learn more about Blood Services, International, Disaster, Preparedness and Service to Armed Forces, and will be faced with the challenge to diversify and expand their services.

The best part is that after following different training tracks, youth and young adult volunteers and their coordinators will work together on building concrete action plans that will be ready to be implemented upon return in their local units.

And as we mentioned before, this is just a glimpse of what the NYI will bring this year. Get connected, check our Web site and do not miss the opportunity to register.

Registration for NYI 2008 is now live. Check our Web site and register now.