Teens from around the state will gather at Willamette University on Friday, Feb. 21 for the 3rd Annual Oregon Youth Summit. Participating students are all members of Youth Councils affiliated with their respective cities. Through interactive activities and guided discussions, the teens are encouraged to voice their ideas and share ways by which their Youth Council is making an impact in their local community. Topics include issues related to safety, health, and special initiatives the teens would like to see established in their community or are currently working on.
This year’s theme, The Sky’s the Limit: Let Your Leadership Soar will focus on engaging the group’s aptitude toward creating change and problem-solving challenges affecting their peers. Motivational speaker, Eric Post, will open the event and help kick off the day’s activities. Guest speakers will also include former athletes, Dan Devaney and Walter Bailey, who will talk specifically about addiction and mental health, two subjects the youth have indicated affect their communities. Students will also have the opportunity to tour the State Capitol and meet several representatives.
The Oregon Youth Summit was spearheaded by the City of Happy Valley Youth Council, which set out to work collaboratively with other Youth Councils from across the state to create a meaningful event to share ideas. The Oregon Youth Summit has allowed students an opportunity to be more directly involved in state government and let their voices be heard.
“The Oregon Youth Summit provides the youth attending an opportunity to learn from one another and make new friends,” says Rob Drake, City of Cornelius City Manager. “Attendees at the Oregon Youth Summit can share what they have been doing as a Youth Advisory Council and take new ideas back to their local communities. The Oregon Youth Summit also offers students a chance to visit the State Capitol and see the Oregon Legislature in person. For many, it will be their first time.”
For further information, please contact Steve Campbell, Director of Community Services and Happy Valley Youth Council Advisor.