LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL

®

URBAN INITIATIVE

he Little League® Urban Initiative, established in 1999, is a component of Little League Baseball and Softball and Tis currently operating with more than 220 leagues in nearly 90 cities in the United States. The Little League Urban Initiative has stimulated the participation of 4,000 teams, which equals out to approximately 52,000 players, and has participated in nearly 30 field renovation and development projects. The Little League Urban Initiative provides assistance packages for eligible leagues that aid the local volunteer group with equipment acquisition, capital improvement cash grants, field development and renovation, access to Little League Baseball and Softball Education and Training programs, advocacy, and networking. Little League® Urban Initiative TRAINING AND EDUCATION: Any volunteer involved with a local THE PRESENT, THE FUTURE: The Little League Urban Initiative Urban Initiative league can attend Other aspects of the Little League promotes recruitment and retention any of the clinics at no charge and Urban Initiative include a Summer for local leagues through Little receive resource materials free or at Baseball Camp Scholarship for League Training and Education a reduced cost. players ages 10-14; The Howard programs. At various times & Gail Paster Urban Initiative throughout the year, Little League NETWORKING/ADVOCACY: Volunteer of the Year Award given provides a variety of clinics at its five Because many of the Little annually during the Little League regional centers and at Little League League Urban Initiative leagues World Series; and the numerous International in Williamsport. The and independent organizations Urban Initiative Jamboree events clinic topics include instruction operating in these environments that take place across the country for managers, coaches, umpires face the same problems, each spring. Additionally, the Little and league administrators, networking opportunities League Urban Initiative plans to with emphasis on safety, child are crucial to the growth of a continue to help renovate and protection, and parent orientation. volunteer-based organization. Little develop Little League fields for League encourages mentoring Urban Initiative leagues. relationships with other Urban Initiative leagues, working toward positive relationships with the appropriate municipal agencies, developing an assessment of their program’s budgetary needs and concerns, and compiling a list of funding opportunities in their communities.

These companies and organizations have supported and contributed to the Little League Urban Initiative:

• The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation • Popular Mechanics Magazine • The Wilson Sporting Goods Company • Comcast/The Comcast Foundation • Major League Baseball • The Annie E. Casey Foundation • The American Honda Motor Company • The 25th Century Foundation • Bank of America • The Tampa Bay Rays • The Torii Hunter Project • The Los Angeles Dodgers • The Walt Disney Company • The San Diego Padres

For more information about the Urban Initiative contact: Demiko Ervin, Director of the Urban Initiative 570-326-1921 ext. 2245

[email protected] Scan for more information 539 U.S. Route 15 Highway • P.O. Box 3485 • Williamsport, PA 17701-0485 • 570-326-1921 • LittleLeague.org Friend us: facebook.com/LittleLeagueUrbanInitiative Follow us: twitter.com/LLBUrban