The Youth Summit is a two-day event that provides youth with a platform to develop their professional leadership skills through networking and workshops facilitated by the YAB leadership and staff.

Day 1
Registration begins at 9:00 am

• Welcome & Presentation by the Office of Children, Youth, & Families
• Speaker’s Bureau overview

• Keynote Presentation: Ebone’ Bell
• Eboné F. Bell (she/her/hers) is a visionary speaker and trailblazer illuminating the realms of DEI, leadership, entrepreneurship, and activism. Widely recognized as the founder and former editor of Tagg Magazine, an award-winning print publication and media company dedicated to serving LGBTQ women across the nation. As a keynote speaker and facilitator, Eboné is celebrated for her warm energy and unwavering transparency. Fearless in tackling tough conversations, she invites audiences to explore their presence in the world. Approachable both on and off-stage, her humor adds an engaging touch, while her dedication to fostering connections solidifies her status as a dynamic community leader and unforgettable speaker. www.ebonebell.com

• Professional Development Sessions
• Strategic Sharing
• This session focuses on equipping youth with the tools to effectively share their stories so that their voices can be heard while protecting their well-being. Youth will learn how sharing their story can inspire, educate, and make a difference.  

• Time Management
• This session is a workshop designed to support youth in prioritizing task as well as managing time and schedules. This training will also support youth in identifying distractions, as well as prioritizing task and responsibilities in a manner that promotes productivity in their daily routines.

• Roadmap to Youth & Family Engagement
• This session helps youth gain insight into the workings of committees and workgroups, understanding their structure, and acquiring valuable tips and resources to enhance their effectiveness as board members.

• Evening Activity: Carlisle Sports Emporium
• Mini Golf, Go Karts, arcade, dinner & refreshments

Day 2
Day begins at 9:00 am

• Welcome and Presentation on SWAN Units of Service

• Professional Development Session
• How to Present YAB 101
• In this session, youth will learn to perfect their elevator speech which will prepare them to answer, “What is YAB?” Youth will also learn YAB’s mission, its purpose, and how each level functions.

• Sacred Circle
• A Safe Space
• Sacred circle is an opportunity for youth to share, reflect, and discuss relevant issues with other youth from across the state. These conversations are youth-facilitated and are an opportunity for youth not only to feel supported, but also to support others who may reflect similar challenges.

• Self-Care
• This session is designed to help older youth learn about mental health and ways they can support their own well-being.

Registration:
Please register by contacting your regional consultant listed below:

Southwest – Beth Wyatt – SWPAYAB@gmail.com
South Central – Temporary contact SLK114@pitt.edu
North Central – Karena Shaner – NCPAYAB@gmail.com
Northwest – Chris Reger – NWPAYAB@gmail.com
Northeast – Sommer Gaydos – NEPAYAB1@gmail.com
Southeast – Deb Seeger – SEPAYAB1@gmail.com

Registrations are due by Monday, May 6, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact Sherri Krodel at SLK114@pitt.edu

As part of this year’s Summit, youth participants are invited to join the Speakers Bureau, a platform for individuals with lived experience to share their unique perspective of the child welfare system in Pennsylvania through committees, workgroups, speaking engagements, trainings, and panel presentations. If you know of a youth/young adult aged 14 to 26 who might be interested in joining the Speakers Bureau, please direct them to apply through the following link: Speakers Bureau Online Application

For more information, contact Sherri Krodel at SLK114@pitt.edu Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center