Published March 2 2016
Bellevue Youth Link will host the all-city Youth Involvement 2016 Conference on March 25, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE Sixth St. Since the early 1990s, the city has hosted the biennial youth involvement conference to give Bellevue teens an opportunity to learn leadership skills, identify youth priorities in the community and connect to volunteer opportunities.
"YIC is planned by youth for youth to set the path for the future of Bellevue," said Helena Stephens, parks and community services family, youth and teen services manager. "The conference invites all teens -- from public, private and home schools -- to share ideas and learn new concepts to make Bellevue a great place for young people."
Registration must be received by March 23. Space is limited to the first 300 registered participants. Registration is available at www.myparksandrecreation.com. For more information, please call 425-452-2846.
This year's conference theme is "Hello, I am -------: Moving Beyond First Impressions." Bellevue middle school and high school teens will focus on our community's growing diversity and explore topics related to identity.
Featured speakers include Tamam Waritu, a nationally acclaimed motivational speaker and prominent youth trainer, and Terrence Roberts, a civil rights hero who helped desegregate Central Little Rock High School in 1957 as part of the Little Rock Nine.
Parents, business leaders, youth workers and adults interested in youth needs are invited to attend the free conference. Teachers and youth group leaders are encouraged to participate with their classes. A continental breakfast and lunch are provided. The event is an excused absence in the Bellevue School District, and students may earn six community service hours for attending.
Bellevue Youth Link is a national award-winning partnership of the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Public Schools that engages young people in community leadership. Through Bellevue Youth Link, teens and adults have teamed up to develop youth programs and projects including: Bellevue SkatePark, Ground Zero Teen Center, Bellevue Youth Court, Youth Connections, Teen Closet and Youth Volunteer Corps.