National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference

The National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference, hosted at the Hyatt Regency Savannah, is designed to empower youth through innovative presentations led by their peers, under the theme Igniting Youth Creativity for Innovative Solutions. This unique event aims to provide high-quality training for professionals and community members dedicated to fostering the well-being of youth. The conference is expected to attract over 1,400 participants from across the globe, including educators, school administrators, counselors, mental health professionals, community organizations, and policymakers, all working together to create supportive environments for young individuals.Celebrating its rich history, the conference has evolved since its inception in 1990 by the College of Education of Georgia Southern University. Initially known as the National Youth-At-Risk Conference, it underwent a name change in 2021 to reflect the guidance of the youth it serves. Over the last three decades, the conference has hosted notable speakers such as Geoffrey Canada, Ron Clark, Stedman Graham, and Judge Glenda Hatchett, enhancing its reputation as a platform for national leadership and advocacy in youth development.With a focus on addressing critical challenges faced by youth today, such as school violence, poverty, and academic achievement gaps, the conference will feature over 100 presentations by nationally and internationally recognized presenters. These sessions aim to equip participants with research-based educational strategies and proactive solutions to empower young people in overcoming social, emotional, and intellectual barriers. Topics include effective school leadership, reducing achievement gaps, fostering social and emotional skills, preventing violence, promoting mental health, and enhancing family and community support.The conference concludes with a Farewell Fusion social event, allowing participants to network and collaborate on the insights gained throughout the day. With an ambitious goal of expanding participation and enhancing program diversity in the coming years, the National Youth Advocacy and Resilience Conference remains a vital platform for developing effective educational tools and best practices for the holistic development of youth.