3rd Annual Youth & Peace Conference
Speaking Up & Out, Expressing Ourselves, Engaging Our Community
With Art & Technology
“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future, and the future is ours.”
~ César Chávez
WHEN: Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm – After Party: 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
WHERE: Higher Ground at Wakefield, 101 W. 44th St., Tucson, AZ 85713
WHAT: Educational, Interactive Workshops, Inspiring Speakers, A Resource Fair, Art Show, Martial Arts Demo & Other Special Activities
WHO: For youth (10-23 years) and adults who live with/work with youth
CONTACTS: Kate Meyer (520-891-9639), Ann Yellott (520-991-6781), & Caitlin Lee (info@higherground.me)
FACEBOOK: Facebook.com/youthandpeace
TO REGISTER OR VOLUNTEER: www.higherground.me/youthpeaceaz
***THIS CONFERENCE IS FREE***The 3rd Annual Youth & Peace Conference takes place this year during Global Youth Service Day (April 11-13), and highlights the leadership of local youth to create a more peaceful, just, and respectful community.Youth have taken a lead role in planning this conference and are involved as workshop presenters, speakers, and performers.Members of the conference Youth Leadership Team will receive the 2014 Youth Peace Day Proclamation issued by the Mayor and City Council at their April 8 meeting. In recognition of the Council’s recent decision to approve a city holiday honoring César Chávez, the Youth Team selected a quote by this civil rights hero to highlight on their conference t-shirt.According to one Youth Team member, “By the end of the 2014 conference, it is our goal that all participants learn how to speak up and out to more effectively express themselves and successfully engage their community to spread the skills gained at the conference. We want everyone to take peace home.”Over 300 youth and adults are expected to attend the event. Over 90 volunteers are needed to make it all work. Local businesses and organizations have donated enough food to serve breakfast and lunch to all participants. Additional donations, especially of raffle prizes, are welcome.A Resource Fair will provide interactive activities and information about youth-focused programs and community service opportunities. A unique Martial Arts Demo will showcase a variety of physical skills and techniques designed to build self-confidence, personal integrity, and positive identity.Councilmember Regina Romero is scheduled to address the conference, along with slam poets Enrique, Gabe, Wanye, Tyget Pinto and keynote speakers Leilani Clark and Jansen Azarias, founder of Higher Ground at Wakefield where the conference is being held.After the conference, which is open to both youth and adults, the Youth Team have scheduled a party just for youth attending the conference. DJ Alias is providing the music. As one team member stated, “We want to end the day with a really fun social time where we can strengthen new friendships formed at the conference.”The Annual Youth & Peace Conference is another great example of how Tucson is building a unique culture of kindness, civility, and nonviolence. Come experience all that the Youth Leadership Team have planned for this 2014 Youth Peace Day!
Carolyn’s note: I’ve attended this conference in the past, and it’s inspiring to see young people working together to learn and discuss civility, cooperation, nonviolence, and peace. Last year Alejandro Chavez, grandson of civil rights organizer Cesar Chavez spoke about his grandfather’s work and legacy, and I also sat in on a workshop about anti-bullying by Levi Fallavollita, young author of two books on the subject. Levi’s two books are “The Good, the Bad and the Bullies” and “Be Courageous”, both available on Amazon.com.