More than 58% of young people belong to a community group, club or team.

The contribution young people make to the community is being celebrated and encouraged on UN International Youth Day and New Zealands Hoodie Day, 12 August.

The finding from the Youth 07 research means that more than 245,000 secondary students are part of a community group, donating their time and participating in society.

Hoodie Day organisers NZ Aotearoa Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) executive officer Sarah Helm said the evidence is that most young people are Goodies.

The current generation of young people are making a positive contribution to society and this is increasing with over 7% more secondary students belonging to community organisations in 2007 compared with 2001.

This Hoodie Day take a moment to look beyond the stereotypes about those who choose to wear hoodies and see the Goodie underneath, said Sarah Helm.

As part of Hoodie Day events are being held across New Zealand with funds raised being used to support the people who work with youth. Ten per cent of proceeds will be donated to Age Concern.

Age Concern are also marking Hoodie Day, encouraging their affiliates to hold their own Hoodie Day events.

We hope International Youth Day will be seen as a day to bring different generations together. We are all young at some time, and end up being seniors.

Hoodies are mainstream clothing evidenced by the fact New Zealand designers Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, Laurie Foon and Kate Sylvester have included hoodies in their ranges.

On 12 August get your hoodie, be a goodie, and donate at http://tinyurl.com/hoodieday