Today there are 108 YouthBuild U.S.A. sites in 44 states, in rural counties as well as large cities. The record of this organization speaks for itself and for the strength and tenacity of its founder, Dorothy Stoneman. Young people who had no aspirations are finding a way to transform their lives, to build and strengthen their communities, to continue their educations, and to grow into their full potential. Stoneman has helped develop the principles of YouthBuild and its curriculum and program content. She has created a YouthBuild culture that expects the best of young people and values their contribution.
Youth hire staff, sit on boards of directors, help develop plans and evaluate programs.
Dorothy Stoneman was a founding board member of Youth Service America, and now serves on the board of directors of Wheelock College, Stand for Children, and Youth Action Programs and Homes. She is currently a member of the Harvard Saguaro Seminar convened to develop ways of improving civil society in the United States. She is author of several handbooks on the management of independent community schools, day care centers, leadership development programs, and YouthBuild programs. Financial support for the 2000 John W. Gardner Leadership Award is provided by the William Randolph Hearst Foundations. Founded in 1980 and based in Washington, D.C., Independent Sector is a national coalition of more than 700 voluntary organizations, foundations and corporate giving programs with national interest and impact in philanthropy and voluntary action.