The nonprofit Youth Service Inc., which provides support services to at-risk Philadelphia teens, is hosting its 18th Rise & Dream Philly Teen Conference, a collaboration with The Advocacy Institute, Health Promotion Council, Urban Youth Racing School and the Mayor’s Office of Youth/Black Male Engagement.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, teens will tackle these topics at the Rise & Dream Virtual Philly Teen Conference on YouTube from noon to 2 p.m.
The goal of this year’s conference is to empower more teens to stand up against gun violence and tobacco use and address trauma. Conference organizers want to equip youth attendees with the knowledge to become leaders, positive role models and agents of change.
The organizations involved will be putting together a 60-minute video that will include various teen musicians, dancers, speakers and mentors.
This year’s event will include guests such as Mayor Jim Kenney, Councilman Isaiah Thomas and motivational speaker Wallo267. Other local artists will be performing such as rapper Eli Capella and Project Positive.
“The trauma layered on our communities from unnecessary violence will take the entire community rallied to stop the violence,” said Gwen Bailey, executive director at Youth Service Inc. “The Rise and Dream Teen Conference is bringing together young people and supporters from all areas to launch an effort to prevent and stop the violence. We need your voice and support.”
Register at riseanddream2020.eventbrite.com. ••
