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SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Drawing inspiration from waves of student-led activism and protests across the nation, Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) will host a free event designed to encourage local youths to take action through lobbying and advocacy. “Your Voice: An Activism Conference for Teens Who Want to Change the World” will take place on Sunday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Farmer and the Seahorse in La Jolla.
Teens of all backgrounds and faiths are invited to learn about the process of lobbying and engage with issues related to education, environment and climate change, gender equality, and hunger and food insecurity.
Keynote speakers Rep. Susan A. Davis and Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry will talk to teens about the challenges of growing up in today’s world and explain how young people can use their voices to make a difference. The day’s activities will include mentor-led mock lobbying sessions, hands-on service projects and networking opportunities. Attendees will also have the chance to speak with professionals and representatives from the offices of Rep. Scott Peters, Assemblymembers Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher and Shirley Weber, and Councilmember Myrtle Cole.
“We are proud of our youth leaders’ efforts to address and combat the issues they and their peers are facing,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “Just as we’ve seen student activists lead movements for social change today and throughout history, we hope to empower the next generation of young people to stand up – and speak up – for their beliefs.” “Your Voice” is hosted by JFS’s programs Girls Give Back, which promotes social mindedness and critical thinking in tomorrow’s female leaders, and Hand Up Teen Leadership, which engages high school students in advocacy and community service around the issue of hunger. The event is generously supported by the Jewish Teen Initiative, a partnership between the Jewish Federation, Jim Joseph Foundation and Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center, on behalf of the San Diego Jewish Community.
Admission to the event is free with RSVP by May 3. All teens are welcome, and business casual attire is recommended. Farmer and the Seahorse is located at 10996 Torreyana Road. To RSVP or for more information, visit www.jfssd.org/yourvoice.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to more than 25,000 San Diegans every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families in crisis move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
