Motivated young people gather virtually for the annual YouthBuild USA AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders
With a distinct focus on equity in service, 65 young leaders from YouthBuild programs around the world and 15 YouthBuild alumni staff members came together virtually at the 33rd Annual YouthBuild USA AmeriCorps Conference of Young Leaders (CoYL) to further develop their leadership skills and expand their network.
Through CoYL, YouthBuild AmeriCorps students are brought together to fully experience the breadth and impact of YouthBuild’s global movement rooted in leadership, service, education, and job skills training. Throughout the four-day conference, participants shared their experiences with each other and participated in trauma-sensitive workshops to strengthen their leadership development, personal communication skills, learning strategies, asset-based storytelling, social justice thinking, and mental health and wellness. While tending to their own personal growth, they explored solutions for community healing and rebuilding, and increased their social capital. By building connections with each other and YouthBuild alumni, participants realized the critical role they play in the extensive, global YouthBuild network.
“No matter where you come from, no matter what challenges you face, your dreams are valid,” said Alfred Sigo, a co-emcee of the event and CEO of the Pwani Youth Network.