The Maine Youth Leadership Conference
Join young people from around the state—middle school, high school, and college-aged youth—for two days of workshops, skill-building, and connection!
This conference is designed by young people for young people and welcomes adult allies. The MYAN Youth Leadership Conference centers around discussions about youth leadership, restorative practices in schools, Black Lives Matter and anti-racism, adolescent mental health & wellness, climate justice, body positivity, LGBTQIA+ support and advocacy, social justice, college and work readiness, school climate (including student voice in education and/or bullying/harassment prevention), and issues that impact youth substance use rates.
The Conference has always been a space for youth from across the state to come together, share their passions, and get the tools they need to achieve their change-making goals. This year, the emphasis remains on meaningful connection and fun! Join us at UMaine’s Orono campus on November 3rd & 4th, 2022!
PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS
‘Lessons from the Field’ – Share acquired skills or lessons via table hosting and open discussion.
Presenters will host a booth or table focused on a specific lesson or skill they have learned through their work, studies, or community involvement. Conference attendees will move around the space interacting with presenters in an informal discussion format, much like a career or networking fair. This form of presentation will be on the first day of the conference (Nov. 3rd) and will run between 1:15 pm and 2:15 pm.
Present a Workshop – Length: 1 hr
We’re looking for presenters who have interactive and engaging workshop ideas. Workshops typically range from topics like youth leadership & change-making, racial justice, youth activism, storytelling, restorative justice, climate justice, indigenous rights, disability rights, LGBTQ rights, mental health, substance youth prevention, and so much more!
We hope these workshops will allow young people to build their own unique skillsets as leaders; explore, learn, and build positive relationships; and be able to take their learning back home to turn it into action!
Youths and adults are welcome to apply!
Applications are open until October 17th.
If you’re interested in presenting or conducting a workshop at this year’s conference, follow the link below!
NETWORK OR VOLUNTEER
This year we are hosting a networking fair to connect conference attendees with organizations hiring or providing young people with opportunities to learn about their work/organization. If your organization wants to participate in the networking event or volunteer in other aspects of the conference, please follow the link below and fill out this form by Friday, October 22nd!
A HYBRID EVENT
To ensure that this conference is accessible to as many young people as possible, this year’s event will be a hybrid virtual and in-person event so that no one misses out on this event! This means there are two options for attending this year’s conference.
Virtual Conference Platform
This year we will be using Whova to run all of the virtual workshops, community boards, etc. You can also find important conference info, presenter bios, schedules, and more! Classrooms and/or individuals are welcome to join virtually.
COVID Vaccination Requirements
COVID-19 vaccines are strongly recommended by the University of Maine and the Maine Youth Action Network. As of September 1, 2022, no proof of vaccination is required to attend the Conference. We will update this page and communicate with already-registered participants as the situation may evolve. Thank you.
FREE ATTENDANCE
Thanks to local partnerships and sponsors, we are excited to offer this year’s conference free of charge for all participants!
Complete and submit the registration form below to join us:
