The United States Origin
Dr. Daniel A. Poling was the founder of this organization. He felt that young people should feel free to voice their opinions about the different social concerns that they were being faced with and also specifically to voice their opinions regarding the prohibition issue, which arose in the U.S.A., mid-1900's.
As a result of Dr. Poling's strong beliefs, Allied Youth was formed in 1931 at a national conference of youth leaders which was held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Over time, the objectives have evolved but are still there and all members know that they all have a common purpose in being involved in Allied Youth. Allied Youth became the popular organization in the United States. Posts were started in every state of the U.S.A. and after only one year of being in existence, Allied Youth membership totaled over 500,000 members.
Famous Supporters of A.Y.
When Allied Youth was formed, it had many famous supporters. Some of A.Y.'s first supporters were Thomas A. Edison, J.C. Penney, W. Roy Breg and president Herbert Hoover. Allied Youth was also supported by many congressmen and many outstanding community leaders from across the United States.
Original Objectives
As with any organization, the newly formed Allied Youth had objectives. The three original broad objectives were:
• To support the government and the constitution
• To improve public health and morals
• To advance their own well being and that of others
International Status
Allied Youth became an international organization after the expansion into Canada. Nova Scotia joined Allied Youth in 1949, followed by Prince Edward Island in 1961 and finally by Newfoundland and Labrador in 1963. Allied Youth is currently stronger in Atlantic Canada. Right now there are no active posts in the United States.
Although Allied Youth members in Canada and in the United States share a common purpose there were a couple differences in the organization, namely funding and structural formats. However, the principles and objectives remained the same. Allied Youth focuses on educating young people about issues of the day and abuse and helping to lead a healthy, positive lifestyle.
History of Newfoundland & Labrador A.Y.
Newfoundland and Labrador Allied Youth began in 1963. A.Y. in our province began through the efforts of Ms. Jean Alcock (a teacher in Corner Brook) and Dr. Al Cooper, who was a prominent man in St. John's at the time. The first Allied Youth post in Newfoundland and Labrador was formed in the Western Region at Herdman Collegiate in Corner Brook.
Right now in Newfoundland and Labrador there are approximately 20 posts all across the province. Allied Youth membership in NL now totals approximately 800 members.