Pathways conference and OHIO YAB workshop

Event: Fostering Pathways to Success Conference
Date: Monday, August 6, 2018
Location: Columbus Convention Center, 400 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Theme of this year’s conference: Reach for the Stars
OHIO YAB Workshop: "Youth Voice Matters: Increase the Positive People in Your Orbit"

This workshop will be comprised of station activities.

1.) Youth will receive shirts. The front of the shirt will say: “I am” And the back of their shirt will say: “I can make a difference.” They will use permanent markers to write down their strengths, such as: “I am… articulate. I am… a leader. I am… resilient” Their friends and other youth can be invited to write things as well. This hands-on leadership activity will strengthen youth self-confidence.

2.) Hands-on activities from the OHIO Youth Advisory Board Toolkit:
a.) Conflicts and Resolutions activity with buzzers (to build diplomacy skills)
b.) Communication exercise with puzzle pieces (to build communication skills)
c.) Networking activity with icebreaker balls (hands-on social networking)
d.) When Helping You is Hurting Me activity with paper boats and marbles (which explains how important it is to keep your boat afloat and not risk sinking by trying to rescue other people. This is a common challenge for many of our young people who “age out” of foster care)

Workshop Outcomes:
1.) Participants will build interpersonal skills and participate in hands-on, interactive social networking experiences
2.) Participants will gain self-confidence, and leave with a tangible example of their personal strengths (literally written on a shirt that they can keep as a momento)
3.) Participants will learn more about youth advisory boards, and how they can help build leadership skills and a sense of belonging