This event is completely FREE to participate
Breakout Session I
Workshop A: Changemakers: Young People Claiming Power
Description: Young people have the power to make change. In this workshop, participants will learn how to leverage their passion to lead projects and make a difference in their communities.
Facilitators:
Noah Simon, Chief of Staff, U.S. House of Representatives (VA-8)
Zipporah Baldwin, Community Coordinator, Center for Youth and Family Advocacy
Cheyenne K.
Biba K.
Workshop B: Sound, Language, Artistry, Movement (SLAM): Defining Justice
Description: Art provides opportunities to build community through curiosity and appreciation for individual perspectives. This workshop provides a medium for participants to explore the meaning of justice through creative expression.
Facilitators:
Nekya Ball, CTE Business Teacher and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Arlington Public Schools
Mary Koles, Founder and Educator, Academic Pathways
Amy Allen, Speechwriter, U.S. Dept. of Transportation
Anna L.
Taylor W.
Workshop C: Deleting the Narrative: 2024 or 1984
Description: Who has the power to determine our stories? When faced with increased efforts to limit open access to information, this workshop examines the impact of censorship on young minds and diverse narratives. It empowers participants to create environments where all young people feel acknowledged, appreciated, and included.
Facilitators:
Diane Kresh, Director, Arlington Department of Libraries
Christine Stein-Lively, Librarian, Fairfax County Public Schools
Zack D
Harsidak S.
Breakout Session II
Workshop D: For You Page: Are You Not Entertained?
Description: Social media is a cultural phenomenon; it has the power to create social movements and destroy lives. This workshop will galvanize participants to harness its power by developing a social media challenge that promotes ethical behavior in the digital world.
Facilitators:
Rebecca Kiessling, Executive Director, NAMI Northern Virginia
Vic H.
Ali M.
Workshop E: The Case for Kindness: One Act, One Person, One Community
Description: Kindness is contagious; it can change the world. During this workshop, participants will utilize the power of kindness to shift community culture by developing a 30-day kindness challenge.
Facilitators:
Zipporah Baldwin, Community Coordinator, Center for Youth and Family Advocacy
Matthew H.
Workshop F: Shining a Light Through the “Loneliness Epidemic”: Finding a Community
Description: People require authentic human connection, but many youth feel socially disengaged and isolated. Participants will explore ways to create and sustain healthy relationships that support connectedness and advance a sense of purpose.
Facilitators:
Gregory Baldwin, Director of Restorative Practices, Center for Youth and Family Advocacy
Sharon Vaughn-Tousant, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Specialist, Alexandria City Public Schools
Derek P.
Marney S.
Breakout Session III
Workshop G: Living 101
Description: You are the company that you keep. Participants will turn their knowledge into action as they reflect on the connection between their relationships, exercise, and nutrition, with the goal of promoting healthier habits in their daily lives.
Facilitators:
Mary Sanders, Coordinator, Healthy Community Action Team Arlington
Abby Gustaitis, Olympian, Coach, and Business Associate, VISA
Cheyenne K.
Workshop H: Destination: Addiction-Free Arlington
Description: Young people have the power to influence and achieve drug-free communities. In this workshop, participants will design a public health campaign to educate youth on the impacts of substance use and addiction.
Facilitators:
Zipporah Baldwin, Community Coordinator, Center for Youth and Family Advocacy
Ibrar Mian, Special Assistant Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Esthela Sandoval, Community Outreach Specialist, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
Niasha John, Juvenile Programming Lead and Substance Abuse Specialist, Arlington Juvenile Court Services Unit
Mya H.
Sonia N.
Workshop I: Lockdown: Students Lives Do Not Come Second
Description: Across the country, students are undergoing lockdowns during instructional time in response to gun violence in schools. This workshop empowers participants to envision solutions to create a safer community for all.
Facilitators:
Wayne Vincent, Deputy Chief, Arlington County Police Department
Bernard Mensah, Special Agent, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
Ainsley M.
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