2018 was a great year! We welcomed a record 75 teens from across the Capital Region. Our theme was Tomorrow is Now…. be the change! We were fortunate to have international and national human rights advocates share their stories and inspire participants to get involved in causes important to them. Check out the highlights below:
We were joined by the following speakers:
- Attal Nang is a recipient of the United Nations Youth Courage Award for his work on behalf of Afghan girls and young women and shared his experiences supporting girls’ education in Afghanistan. His is the single male voice in the book, We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope.
- Syrian artist, activist, and humanitarian Nada Odeh discussed her experiences leaving Syria, the current conditions in Syria, and how art can be used as a form of resistance. She led students in an art session.
- James Shultis is LGBT+ rights advocate, community educator, and creative writer currently living in Western Massachusetts. With a long history of working in community non-profits, they shared how young people can organize and mobilize to raise awareness about issues important to them.
- Kate Breslin, President & CEO of the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy shared her experiences working to shape policies to improve health, welfare and human services for all New Yorkers, but especially those most vulnerable.
- Several state legislators answered questions, spoke about the election process, voting, lobbying, and provided insight into how to be active and engaged citizen.
Ready to learn more about our program? Visit our “About” page.