Uplifted youth organizing and engagement by convening the Young Minds Matter Conference.

In October, we co-hosted Young Minds Matter: Meeting the Moment Together, with The Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. The conference convened more than 150 youth, families, and community leaders to advance collective action for youth mental health and wellbeing. It was a two-day gathering that combined a community-centered opening with arts, culture, and a resource fair, followed by a full-day conference featuring youth leaders, advocates, artists, and organizers. Sessions focused on youth leadership, wellness and culture, economic pathways, and emerging challenges facing youth and families. Keynote speaker Dr. Raphael Travis highlighted Hip Hop culture as a tool for youth learning and wellbeing, while a youth panel reinforced the importance of centering young people in decision making. The convening strengthened cross-sector connections, elevated youth voice, and reaffirmed a shared commitment to respond to current challenges through collaboration, Meeting the Moment Together.

Funder: Hogg Foundation for Mental Health 

Image by Paul Carrizales.