Services for Governments and Policy-Makers

ICP has worked with numerous governments on the development of national youth service policies and programs that are tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of a country.

Policy Creation and Review

ICP brings expertise in the design of the policy, including scope, target population, focus, budget, implementation etc. for governments interested in creating a National Youth Service Policy.

EXAMPLE: ICP worked with legislative staff in the US House and Senate to draft the Summer of Service Act of 2007, which was introduced to Congress in April 2007. ICP Executive Director, Susan Stroud, also testified before Congress at a Hearing on “Renewing the Spirit of National and Community Service" in April 2007, which was held in conjunction with the release of the Summer of Service Act. ICP continues to work with congressional staff to support the development and passage of national service legislation.

TESTIMONIAL: from Rep. George Miller, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities

“I would like to take a moment to thank you for testifying before the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities at the Hearing entitled “Renewing the Spirit of National and Community Service” held on April 19, 2007. Your testimony before the Committee promoted great dialogue and discussion on this very important issue. As we move forward I hope to continue to exchange ideas in an effort to develop thoughtful and effective policy.”

Strategic Consulting

ICP has worked with governments interested in implementing a new national youth service program or scaling up an existing program in their country.

EXAMPLE: ICP provided strategic consulting to the British government on a strategy for increasing youth civic engagement and developing a national youth service program. As a result, the British government committed £150 million with the goal of engaging 1 million young people in service in its first year.

TESTIMONIAL: from Pat Samuel, Head of the Voluntary and Community Sector Team, Public Services Directorate, U.K. Treasur

"We strongly encourage investment in ICP. Susan Stroud's expertise proved invaluable in our efforts to develop a strategy through The Russell Commission that would greatly increase youth civic engagement in our communities here in Britain, and we are confident that she and ICP can do the same in other countries, and at the highest levels."

EXAMPLE: ICP provided strategic consulting to the government of Scotland during the development stages of the Project Scotland programme.

TESTIMONIAL: from Jack McConnell, First Minister of Scotland

"I am writing to convey my very sincere thanks to you for your assistance and input during the development stages of the Project Scotland programme ... I considered our meeting in Washington extremely productive and was really impressed by your commitment and enthusiasm. We continue to be dedicated to developing Project Scotland in order to channel the energy, enthusiasm, and skills of our young people and to improve the lives of many others through the contribution they can make. I very much appreciate the part you have played in bringing this about."

Technical Assistance

ICP offers technical assistance in the implementation of policy for countries with an existing National Youth Service Policy or a National Youth Policy with a service component.

EXAMPLE: In December 2006, ICP staff traveled to South Africa to provide technical assistance the the Ministry of Youth in setting up their National Youth Service Programme.

Capacity Building

ICP has organized international exchanges for policymakers from South Africa, Chile, the US and the UK to share experiences.

If you are interested in learning more about how ICP can work with your organization, please contact Susan Stroud at stroud[at]icicp.org or call 202-775-0290.