Milwaukee community advocates: Annual Youth Summit returns

Milwaukee—Milwaukee’s annual Youth Summit is back with the theme “Vision 2020.” This year, organizers have created an online summit that will explore young people’s hopes, dreams, and self-expression. Now, amid a global pandemic and social unrest linked to racism, it’s even more important for young people to connect, learn why living substance free is a good decision, and explore how they can live out their dreams even during tough times like 2020.

“This year has provided many challenges for our youth,” said Jody Rhodes, executive director of Neu-Life Community Development, which is hosting the online summit.  “But young people have shown a huge amount of resilience and creativity throughout 2020. This summit is one way they are adapting and finding ways to express themselves and also to give back to their peers.”

“Vision 2020” will be held online from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, and will be hosted at Neu-Life Community Development’s NeuMedia Studio by the youth themselves and community leaders. “Vision 2020” is an art contest that asks youth to express their vision for themselves as a way to share their aspirations and inspire others.

In addition, keynote speakers include local community leaders Khalil Coleman and Chanda Harris (Neu-Life Program alum) as well as Jeremy Triblett, Kwabena Antoine Nixon, and Muhibb Dyer. The Summit will feature a presentation on youth mental health by Brooks Griffin, the screening of the Milwaukee youth-created substance abuse prevention video “My New Friends,” virtual line dancing, games, and giveaways.

Along with Neu-Life, the summit’s organizers are the Milwaukee County Substance Abuse Prevention (MCSAP) coalition, Safe & Sound, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, and Light & Unite Red.

Reporters are invited to watch the summit in person at NeuMedia Studio or to interview presenters over the phone. To ensure everyone’s safety, please arrange your visit and/or interviews by emailing Lisa Kaiser at lkaiser@communityadvocates.net.