The Conference theme, “Maine Youth Making Waves”, was inspired by the quote from a student in the Philippines: “Indeed, I wish to be the drop that creates the ripples of change.” ~ Alialchbar A. Jumrani.

The 7th-12th grade aged youth will develop leadership skills and learn about adolescent health issues through the 70+ workshops being offered, action planning session, networking and resource sharing. Teen leaders will leave motivated by the information and skills learned at the conference to create and expand student-to-student, youth-driven programs in their own communities.

The names of the local youth attending the conference are: Amelia Butman, age 14, Skye Hinkley age 14, Jonah Lizotte age 16, and Mark Gilbert age 17.

The statewide Peer Leadership Conference is coordinated by the Maine Youth Action Network (MYAN) in partnership with PROP’s Youth Resiliency Project and the Muskie School of Public Service. MYAN is funded by the Bureau of Health, Maine Department of Human Services.