IYAB’s 8th Annual Youth Conference

Registration Opens 

Breakfast: Main Ballroom

Welcome and Introductions

Activity

Keynote Speaker Introduction

Keynote Address

Break / Resource Fair

Lunch / Resource Fair

Breakout Sessions 1

Housing: Know Your Options – Lawrence Room

Have you dreamed about having your own place, but don’t know how to make it happen?  As a young person you have options!  This session is packed with the latest information on housing programs available, eligibility requirements, and common barriers to getting and keeping a home.  Participants will engage in a creative activity called Build Your Own Living Space and design practical ways to turn a house into a home, one that is a true reflection of the person living in it.

LGBTQ+ Panel – Gates Room

If anyone knows the importance of embracing identity, it’s the LGBTQ+ community. In this session, you’ll hear stories from our fabulous line up of young people and adults on their journey towards self-acceptance. Take part in raw conversations about navigating systems as a LGBTQ+ person, finding community support, and taking pride in who you are. After all, June is the month of love. 

 Coping to Be a Better Me – Main Ballroom

Being a young adult is hard. You are expected to have everything together, sometimes with little to no guidance on how to cope with unexpected challenges. The emotions you have during the transition to adulthood can be difficult and confusing to navigate. Coping to Be a Better Me will provide participants with a variety of techniques to manage challenges in healthy ways.  

Break

Breakout Sessions 2

Poetry Pod – Gates Room

Words are a powerful tool. Combined with your authentic voice, they can have a lasting impact. Poetry can be a wonderful outlet of self expression and self awareness. Learn how putting your thoughts and emotions on paper can be a cleansing journey. Participants will be offered a series of writing prompts and discover innovative ways to craft a poem.  

Let’s Vibe Out – Main Ballroom

Do you enjoy connecting with others through music? Join us for a drum circle, where we create an atmosphere of social bonding through compelling rhythms. Drum circles are known to help reduce stress and stimulate creative expression. Learn how to explore your inner self and expand your sense of “synchronicity” to your community. Come vibe out and have fun during this jam session!

Equipment proudly provided by Music for All.

Dance Meditation: Shake It Off – Lawrence Room

Dance isn’t just choreographed moves with eight counts for videos. Dance is also about connecting to your physical, emotional, social and spiritual self for growth. Dance meditation is just that! Come shake it off, free yourself from judgment and embrace your identity through movement.  

Break

Breakout Sessions 3

 Contraception: It’s your choice! – Gates Room

This session will educate participants on the importance of birth control and top choices to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Young people will be offered a safe space to ask questions and engage in healthy discussion. Our goal is that young people feel empowered to make informed decisions regarding which contraceptive methods are best for them.  

Which Path is My Path? – Lawrence Room

There is no one size fits all approach when it comes to education. Join us to explore various educational pathways, including trade schools and certification programs. This well-rounded session will also provide guidance on opportunities for financial assistance to make all career goals accessible.  

Residential Think Tank – Main Ballroom

Do you have a passion for making change within the youth residential sector? Share your voice as we discuss various perspectives on this hot topic. Participants will learn the basics on how to communicate changes they’d like to see within residential facilities and establish a list of initiatives to kickstart the foundation for IYAB’s Residential Workgroup. 

Break

Awards

Closing Remarks