Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference is an opportunity for high school age students to experience a leadership program that is truly unique.  For one week during the summer, delegates will gather on a college campus and become actively involved in a variety of exercises that will enhance their knowledge of who they are and where they fit into the complexities of an ever-changing society.

During both large and small discussion group sessions, delegates have an opportunity to share their views on a wide variety of topics that are of concern to today’s teens.  The format is simple:  since each of us comes from a slightly different background, our opinions will differ.  That’s understandable and we must learn to listen and/or argue those opinions without personally attacking the speaker for holding those beliefs.  Over the years, it has been proven that delegates do not change what they think or value.  Instead, these sessions tend to solidify the values of the delegates.  For many, it is the first time that they have been given the opportunity to vocalize how they actually feel about the issues being discussed.

It is through the diversity of the delegation that Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference obtains its strength.  The seminar does not look at race, creed, color, sex or ethnic background when selecting delegates.  Rather, it truly embraces the differences that each delegate brings in this ever shrinking world of ours.  It is those special and unique qualities that each delegate possesses that the seminar capitalizes on to prove that every person is of special importance to the world as a whole.  To be able to look at a person as a valuable asset to society means to look past the stereotypes that may otherwise blind us to the true worth of the individual.

Throughout the week, delegates are grouped and regrouped during a variety of exercises to demonstrate the value of teamwork.  In today’s work force, the ability to function as a member of a team is more important than what a person may do or know individually.   It is the belief of Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference that every delegate is a leader and to become more effective and self-assured, certain qualities may need to be enhanced.  Through the deliberate structuring of activities that promote teamwork, each delegate has the opportunity to demonstrate his or her individual skills within a safe and non-threatening environment.

There is no better place for the youth of today to experience a program designed to enrich their lives and develop their leadership capabilities than Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference.  It offers, in one short week, what the average individual might take a lifetime to experience.  The Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference makes a commitment to a better future by bringing together selected young people into an environment conducive to easy listening, the fruitful discussion of common problems, quiet reflection, and enjoyable recreation creating “friendship through understanding.”

The only criterion is that delegates must be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grade in the fall.  Applications are due by June 1st. For more information visit Civitanseminar.com

To contact us:

Civitan Conference Director

PO Box 800

Wayne, MI  48184