Youth Conference Focuses on Mentoring & Life Skills

Baton Rouge - In the spirit of collaboration, the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Links, Inc. and the Southern University System Center for Cultural Heritage and International Programs will hold the first annual Expanding the Visions Conference Especially for African American Students Grades 7-12: Their Parents, Teachers, Counselors and Neighbors (ETV). This one day conference to be held on Saturday April 28, 2007 on the campus of Southern Unversity, is designed to connect students in grades 7-12 with role models from all walks of life for one day of workshops and presentations. Discussions and workshop topics will focus on career options, life skills, (including how to be successful in school), conflict resolution, understanding peer pressure, overcoming the lure of negative choices, and other issues confronting our youth.

The ETV conference is designed especially to address issues facing African-American students 7-12. Although especially designed for African-American youth, it is not exclusive. All youth, their families and members of the community are welcome to participate. The theme of the conference is “Legacy: The Power and Gift of Leadership”.

The conference will also offer workshops designed for parents and other adults. Discussions will focus on healthy relationships with children, including understanding the internet, text messaging and issues young people face in school each day. The goal of the parent/adult component is to provide how-to information for parents to provide them with strategies for supporting and encouraging their children.

In addition, we will host a Community Resource Showcase that provides an opportunity for educational institutions, community organizations and others to showcase their programs and services that are designed to enhance the lives of the participants. The schedule for the Showcase is 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Volunteers are needed to serve as workshop presenters and mentors for the day. To obtain additional details and registration information, contact the Southern University Museum of Art at 225.771-4513 or the Baton Rouge Chapter of the Links, Inc. at 225.2010992.