This paper describes the work of Youth Service California, a state-wide collaboration of public and private organizations that since 1990 has brought the voice of the local youth service field to state level policy and program development. Youth Service California's purpose is the further development of a diverse state movement to increase and integrate youth involvement in service from kindergarten through 12th grade, colleges and universities, conservation and service corps, and throughout the community. The term "youth service" is broadly defined to include both curriculum-based service efforts commonly referred to as "service learning" and co-curricular community service. Congress passed The National and Community Service Act of 1990 and the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 in order to develop the potential and power of service for all young people. Both laws put the burden on individual states to develop high quality plans for making service part of the fabric of life. Effective state plans require the involvement of local practictioners and policymakers. Efforts of Youth Service California are suggested as a model for other local initiatives. The paper concludes with strategies for implementation. (EH)