Schedule

Speakers will sign books throughout the day as time permits Service fair will be open throughout the day in the expo hall


 

Annual Conference on Youth - Past Conferences

2004

Thursday, October 7, 2004 7:15 a.m – 4:30 p.m.

Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Ave. Fort Wayne, IN

Introduction:

Fifteen years ago we followed our instincts and began a journey. We sensed, for example, that there was value in gathering together the community of youth and family professionals. We acted on faith that the heart of this community was centered on family and children. That faith was well-founded. In the past fifteen years, this community has embraced, with ever increasing numbers, the opportunity to learn and employ the best practices for positive youth development. We have thus taken the first steps on a journey that continues today. However, we no longer need to follow our instincts. We now have a clear roadmap to guide us. Join us October 7, 2004, at the “Fifteenth Annual Conference on Youth” as we unfold the map, listen to our guides, and renew a journey toward making a Great COMMUNITY for Great KIDS. — Judge Charles F. Pratt

Understanding and employing the power of relationships is central to building resiliency, resolving conflict, and promoting positive youth development. As this year’s conference will demonstrate, relationship building is the essential component of any plan designed to help families and to protect children. Every serious study underscores that we must work with families. In doing so we must be prepared to truly partner with families to develop appropriate services tailored for their specific needs. Relationship building is at the core of strength based practices. This truth is at risk of being shadowed by emerging efforts to centralize services and to implement “one size fits all” social service plans. We, therefore, are again faced with the responsibility to be a voice for children and families. Thus, this fall we are facing new challenges and with them new opportunities. From the presentations at this conference you will be given the resources to speak as experts on the proper means by which families can be restored and children protected. And from this conference we can collectively demonstrate to the entire state the best practices for positive youth development. Join us on October 5, 2006 as we use the POWER OF RELATIONSHIPS to build a better future for our community. — Judge Charles F. Pratt

Keynotes

The Road to Community Support Michael Clark, MSW, CSW, Director of the Center for Strength-Based Strategies, Mason, MI Turning High-Risk to High-Yield

Strength-based approaches have “come of age” through programs that have learned to balance the critical objectives of safety and compliance with the larger goals of behavior change and growth. Mr. Clark returns to the Annual Conference on Youth by popular demand to share important initiatives that seek to provide a balanced assessment of human strengths, resources and fulfillment. This keynote will detail national efforts that have brought strength-based approaches into mainstream practice. You’ll leave energized and encouraged by the description of this new science and it’s systematic classification, measurement, and application of widely valued positive traits.

---

The Road to Academic Achievement Crystal Kuykendall, Ph.D., President, Kreative and Innovative Resources for Kids, (K.I.R.K. Inc.) Potomac, MA Bringing Out the Best in ALL Youth

Dr.Kuykendall is president of her own firm, Kreative and Innovative Resources for Kids. This firm produces video tapes, workbooks and learning tools for counselors, administrators and parents. A prolific writer and speaker, Dr Kuyendall has presented at national and international conferences. Her keynote will share insight and information regarding the causes of youth alienation, anger, and rage. Dr. Kuykendall will provide information on how those who serve youth can implement strategies to facilitate youth success in academic and non-academic settings. Conference participants will be enlightened, inspired, and moved to make a greater difference in young lives.

---

The Road to Cultural Competence Herman Boone, Former Coach of the Titans football team, Alexandria, VA Remember the Titans: Resolution & Unity

Coach Boone was the inspiration for “Remember the Titans,” a film still popular today for its’ positive message. Coach Boone helped his football team overcome the racial tensions that resulted from the integration of schools in 1971. Coach Boone faced the challenge of a lifetime as he succeeded in tearing down the prejudices of a community. He unified his players to form a team whose common vision was to respect each other, and win football games. By doing so, Coach Boone was able to help his small Virginian community put aside their intolerance, and join together to support their children. Coach Boone’s presentation will focus on respect, teamwork, community involvement, and the importance of character.

---

The Road to Positive Values   Stedman Graham, Founder of Athletes Against Drugs (AAD); Chairman and CEO of S. Graham & Associates You Can Make It Happen

As founder and executive director of Athletes Against Drugs (AAD), a non-profit organization, Stedman Graham is committed to developing leadership in youth. He is an inspiring speaker sought after by businesses and organizations around the country. His message focuses on issues surrounding success, self-empowerment, and diversity. Mr. Graham’s extensive involvement with youth and youth issues is impressive. In addition to his involvement with AAD, he initiated and directed the creation of Junior Achievement’s BASE program (Building Achievement Through Sports and Entertainment). This keynote will underscore Mr. Graham’s philosophy of a commitment to youth, community, and life-long learning.

Workshops

All workshops are available in both Morning and Afternoon sessions.

The Road to Asset Development

D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas

Tip of the Spear: Leading Your People to Victory

This workshop uses practical examples and powerful tools for current and emerging leaders in any arena. For people who want to make a difference, understanding leadership skills is critical for success. Traditional Native American wisdom is used to understand the “art of influence” and is used to enable us to embrace and endure any challenges ahead. Explore the six roles of Tip of the Spear leadership: understand the crucial need for self-leadership, how to create a high performance environment, and learn powerful ways to build trust, commitment, and motivation among people. Prepare to lead your people to victory!

---

The Road to Empowerment

Kathleen Cushman, Journalist, Educator, and Author

Fires in the Bathroom: Teenagers Talk About Their Lives and Their Learning

Kathleen Cushman, journalist, educator, and author found that some adults in schools, neighborhoods, and families see teenagers as opponents rather than as allies. As a result, battles over control issues dominate the environment. This climate can change by seizing the opportunity to develop partnerships based on mutual respect. Author Kathleen Cushman will share practical strategies that can help young people find their voices and their strengths and use them to transform their schools, families, and communities.

---

The Road to Spirituality

Richard Hardel, Ph.D., Executive Director of Vision and Creative Ministries at the Youth and Family Institute, Bloomington, MN

Child in Our Hands

Spirituality is a major component for the development of resilience in a child. Faith and spirituality is not only nourished in institutions, but through adult relations as well. In this workshop, Dr. Hardel will focus on the importance of faith formation in children and youth for building healthy communities. He will provide information on how to build resilience in children through a connection with a faith community. He will demonstrate how faith is nurtured intergenerationally by family systems and communities, and how this is influential in shaping values and beliefs.

---

The Road to Positive Community Support

Malcolm Smith, Former Director of the National Youth Care Training Center

Peaceful Intervention

 

President of Parenting Today Productions Inc., and author of, Who’s In Charge Anyway? This workshop will describe the concerns and problems that adolescents raise within our community. Parents and professionals working with teens can confuse typical adolescent behavior with dysfunction. In this workshop you will learn how the developmental goals of teens differ from younger children, why parents have so much difficulty communicating with their teen, and why teens choose to rebel against their parents. Learn how youth serving agencies can assist parents during this challenging time.

---

The Road to Empowerment

Sondra Mergenthal / Joanna Lantz, Consultant for Foellinger Foundation

What Local Youth Want in Youth Serving Professiona

This workshop will share local information gathered from more than 1,000 youth in the Allen County Community. What do young people see as positive healthy attributes of a youth care worker? What behaviors, traits, and characteristics do they want to find in the individuals who administer the programs and activities that they participate in? This workshop will provide individuals who relate to youth on ANY level with information that will help improve that interaction.

---

The Road to Positive Identity

Michael Clark, Director of the Center for Strength-Based Practices, Mason, MI

Emotions, Reasoning & Risk-Taking: Developmental Issues for the Adolescent & Young Adults

Trauma and a lifestyle beset by problems within the home can slow down a youth’s emotional maturation and decision-making capacities, regardless of their actual age. This workshop will explore young adult brain chemistry in practical terms. Learn how many of the youth we serve feel emotions at twice the level of intensity as adults do, both joy and merriment, depression and sadness. Learn how staff can react effectively to youth who are emotionally upset, or make them more “stuck” in the problem. You will be amazed at how much you may have overlooked.