Empower the Next Generation Through Active Dialogue
This groundbreaking initiative fosters an environment where young minds shape the future of their city, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
A Platform for Youth Advocacy
An annual event known as YouthSpeak brings together students from kindergarten through 12th grade to share their perspectives on vital issues affecting their lives. This unique opportunity allows participants to address elected officials, school administrators, and community stakeholders in an open forum setting. The goal is to create meaningful connections between policymakers and the younger generation who will inherit the decisions made today.
The theme for this year, "Where We All Belong," invites attendees to reflect on their personal experiences within the context of belonging. Participants will discuss how these experiences influence their perception of opportunities available to them in education, social interactions, family dynamics, and environmental stewardship. By encouraging introspection, organizers hope to inspire authentic conversations about what it means to truly call Grand Rapids home.
Collaborative Partnerships Driving Change
Organized collaboratively by Michigan’s Children, the City of Grand Rapids, and GRPS, YouthSpeak exemplifies the power of partnership in fostering civic engagement among young people. These organizations work tirelessly to ensure that all voices are represented, particularly those traditionally marginalized or overlooked. Through such alliances, they aim to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and accountability within the community.
Key partners include Our Community’s Children, which manages the Mayor’s Youth Council. This council plays a pivotal role in shaping the agenda for the event by developing questions that resonate deeply with the lived realities of participating youths. Their input ensures that discussions remain relevant and impactful, addressing topics ranging from academic achievement to mental health awareness.
Distinguished Panelists Listening Actively
Comprising over twenty esteemed members, the listening panel features prominent figures from various sectors of society. Among them are Mayor David LaGrand, State Representative Carol Glanville, Kent County Commissioners Carol Hennessy and Lisa Oliver-King, along with several city commissioners and school board representatives. Together, they form a diverse group committed to understanding and acting upon the insights shared during the forum.
In addition to government officials, representatives from notable institutions such as Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, Urban League of West Michigan, First Steps Kent, and the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum will attend. Their presence underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing complex challenges facing today’s youth. Each attendee brings valuable expertise and resources to the table, enhancing the potential impact of the event.
Expanding Accessibility Through Technology
Recognizing the limited physical seating capacity at the venue located on the ninth floor of Grand Rapids City Hall, organizers have implemented innovative solutions to maximize participation. Residents unable to attend in person can still engage via live streaming options offered through Comcast Channel 26, the City of Grand Rapids Facebook page, and its official YouTube channel.
This technological integration not only broadens access but also democratizes the conversation by allowing broader segments of the population to witness firsthand the powerful testimonies delivered by young advocates. It serves as a testament to the commitment of both organizers and participants towards creating a more inclusive and informed community discourse.