Why Now?
This year, we’ve all had to do things a little differently. We’ve leaned into new ways of living, connecting, learning, and understanding our communities and world. So much has changed in these past several months, but the power of youth leadership is as evident as ever. Young Mainers across the state continue to take action on the issues that matter to them the most – from mental health, to Black Lives Matter, to implementing restorative practices in schools, young people are leading the way.
MYAN and the Youth Planning Team want to continue supporting your leadership and we didn’t want to wait until our annual Youth Leadership Conference in March. If you’re looking for a space to meet, discuss, and tackle the topics that are most urgent to you, look no further!
On November 14th, Join MYAN and the Youth Planning Team for a special virtual event designed for current and aspiring youth leaders all over Maine! You’ll have the chance to meet with other young people across the state and share what matters to *you*, right now. With an exciting Youth Leadership panel and inspiring break-out sessions representing 6 major topics – Mental Health, Restorative Practices in School, Black Lives Matter and Racism, Youth Leadership, Climate Change, and Body Positivity – you’ll have the opportunity to discuss and explore perspectives and effective actions to take now.
Our hope is that this virtual event will help us create the best Youth Leadership Conference yet for March, where we will cover even more topics directly informed by you!
We hope you’ll join us for “NOW: A Youth Action Forum” and continue to lead and empower your communities! Click the button below to register now for free, space in each topic group is limited!
Your voice matters NOW.
AGENDA
- Start time: 10am
- Introduction of YPT and Event: 10-10:15 (15 minutes)
- Youth Leadership Panel and Q & A: 10:15-11:15 (60 minutes)
- Break: 11:15-11:30 (15 minutes)
- Guest Speaker Break-out Sessions: 11:30-12noon (30 minutes)
- Lunch break: 12-12:30 (30 minute)
- YPT Break-out Sessions: 12:30-1:15 (45 minutes)
- Closing of the Event: 1:15-1:30 (15 minutes)
TOPIC SESSIONS
Mental Health – Lauren and Tristan: Mental health impacts all of us, but continues to be stigmatized. This session will explore how you can help stop the stigma and empower those in your community!
Restorative Justice in School – Lydia and Abbie: Re-imagining education! Explore how your school’s policies impact young people right now and what your ideal school could like!
Black Lives Matter and Racism – Lilah and Idey: This session will explore the history and powerful meaning behind the Black Lives Matter movement!
Youth Leadership – Izzy and Laila: Want to learn how to use your voice and empower others to join you? This is the track for you!
Climate Change – Kylie and Will: This track will highlight all the important work young people are doing in Maine and across the world to take action against climate change!
Body Positivity – Jayden and Kennady: This space is a chance for you to share what body positivity means to you and why it matters!