SCHOOL and YOUTH PROGRAM REGISTRATION

for the 2021 Youth and Peace Conference

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School and Youth Program Registration for the 2021 YPC is now closed.

We are inviting high schools and youth programs in Tucson and Southern Arizona to register a select group of their students/youth (10-20 students per school/site) to participate in the 10th Annual Youth and Peace Conference! This year’s conference is being presented virtually on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 8:30am to 1pm, using a Zoom platform provided by Pima Community College. Registration for schools and youth programs opens October 18 and closes November 12, 2021. ​

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The 2021 YPC Youth Leadership Team decided to focus the year’s conference on Fostering Equitable Education by Prioritizing Safe & Diverse Dialogue by addressing three themes:

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1. Racial Justice, Equity & Inclusion in Schools

2. Mental Health Concerns

3. Youth Voice & Decision Making in Education Systems

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Workshops, dialogue circle conversations, and opening and closing ceremonies designed by the Youth Leadership Team will highlight these issues and provide multiple opportunities for participating youth to gain important information and share their viewpoints and perspectives.

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RESOURCE FAIR and EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION

for the 2021 Youth and Peace Conference

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The 2021 YPC Resource Fair/Exhibitor Registration

is now closed. 

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The Resource Fair at the Annual Youth & Peace Conference (YPC) is an important opportunity for youth to learn about community resources, especially organizations that address issues connected with the theme of the conference. 

For the virtual 2021 YPC Resource Fair this year, we are inviting community organizations to provide a video or ad to explain their programs and services for youth and young adults. These videos and ads will be posted on our Facebook page and Instagram (@TucsonYouthandPeace) beginning on Monday, November 15, 2021  and continuing during the week leading up to the virtual conference on November 19, 2021.

In addition, organizations are invited to provide give away items and resource information to be included in swag bags/resource bags that will be assembled and delivered to all youth participating this year from their school or from another platform.

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See the Call for Virtual Exhibitors for more information and to indicate your interest in participating in this year’s virtual resource fair.

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WORKSHOP PRESENTER REGISTRATION

for the 2021 Youth and Peace Conference

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The Call for Workshop Proposals for the 2021 YPC is now closed.

Individuals and organizations in the community are invited to provide a virtual workshop to educate and inspire youth ages 13-24 about the following issues:

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1.  Racial Justice, Equity & Inclusion in Schools

2.  Mental Health Concerns

3.  Youth Voice & Decision Making in Education Systems

During our selection process, the Youth Leadership Team, along with the 2021 YPC Workshop Committee, will prioritize workshops that are participatory and focus on supporting the voices and lived experiences of youth participants.

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Given that all workshops need to be presented virtually on Zoom, the Workshop Committee is offering assistance for any presenter regarding how to integrate participatory activities into their Zoom workshop. 

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VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION

for the 2021 Youth and Peace Conference

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Volunteer registration for the 2021 YPC is now closed.

The Annual Youth and Peace Conference would not be possible without volunteers! Each year we rely on dedicated community members who truly support youth empowerment and peace building in our community. Click the button below for more information and to register to volunteer. 

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The 10th Annual Youth & Peace Conference was hosted on Friday, November 19, 2021, from 8:00AM to 1:00PM. Youth Leaders, Mazzy and Elayna, were this year's MCs. More than 130 youth and adults from schools and community programs throughout southern Arizona and beyond gathered virtually to participate in the event. The conference program included an opening ceremony featuring a history of the Youth & Peace Conference and an art montage by youth artists; eight dynamic workshops relating to this year's conference themes of mental health, racial equity, and youth voice in education systems; 13 Dialogue Circles; the presentation of the Dennis D. Embry Peace Award; and a closing ceremony. The videos below offer a snapshot of the event.

Read the full Documentation Report for the 10th Annual Youth & Peace Conference

An outline of the 10th Annual Youth & Peace Conference Opening Ceremony. 

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00:00    Welcome

08:25    Meet the Youth Team

15:10    Youth & Peace Conference History 

27:06    Esperanza Dance Project video

30:10    Art Montage 

39:45    Meditation

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Dialogue Circles were hosted and facilitated by the Center for Community Dialogue & Training, a program of Our Family Services. Skilled community volunteers facilitated thirteen virtual dialogue circles through Zoom. Using a talking piece, participants spoke one by one in a safe, respectful format that encouraged thoughtful exploration of experiences and values. Ten youth circles and three adult circles all engaged in conversation with six rounds and a report out with this year's theme "Fostering Equitable Education by Prioritizing Safe & Diverse Dialogue."