2020 Virtual Youth Summit

2020 Virtual Youth Summit

Executing Our Power Into Action

August 19, August 26, September 2, September 9 
3:30 - 5:00 PM Eastern 

Each year, CJJ's Youth Summit brings together young people from across the country who are interested in juvenile justice reform. The Summit aims to cultivate and empower the next generation of leaders by providing them with the tools they need to leverage their lived expertise. Participants will learn the basics of juvenile justice and have the opportunity to delve into more detail about key topics in the field of juvenile justice. The Summit's theme, agenda, and content are created by the CJJ Emerging Leaders Committee

The 2020 Virtual Youth Summit was a four-part weekly webinar series beginning August 19, 2020. Each week ELC members discussed a different topic related to youth justice and shared their thoughts, opinions, and ideas with the audience through an interactive Q&A session. Highlights, resources, and recordings of each session are detailed below. 

Session 1: Youth Voice & Advocacy
Aaron Toleafoa, ELC Chair, moderated a question and answer session about the importance of youth voice and advocacy. ELC members Guillermo Padilla, Essence Blakemore, and Kristen Powell each shared their advocacy journeys, discussed the importance of strategic sharing, provided valuable advice to emerging young leaders, and much more.

Recording
PowerPoint 


Session 2: Child Welfare & Youth Justice
ELC members Kristen Powell and Joseph Huntley shared their knowledge and personal stories about the intersection of the child welfare and youth justice systems. Kristen and Joe shared the impact the systems had and still have in their development, how best to support youth involved in both systems, and the importance of listening to youth with lived expertise.

Recording
PowerPoint 


Session 3: Sentencing Reform
ELC members Guillermo Padilla, Edgar Calixto, and Evan Quaintance discussed the urgent need for sentencing reform. They shared data and information on the history of sentencing, the effects and incarceration, and solutions to the problem. The ELC members shared their personal experiences and ideas on how to best reform the system.

Recording 
PowerPoint 


Session 4: Mentoring & Reentry
Aaron Toleafoa, ELC Chair, was joined by ELC member Dennis Beard-Hammond to discuss the importance of reentry planning and positive mentors. They discussed the barriers and solutions of a young person's successful reentry, shared the importance of accountability from individuals, families, friends, schools, and institutions, and provided advice for both mentors and mentees. Aaron and Dennis both shared their thoughts, experiences, and ideas.

Recording
PowerPoint 

For questions, please contact info@juvjustice.org