Our call for proposals for this conference is now CLOSED. Thank you to everyone who submitted a proposal!
Proposals must fit within at least one of the following four focus areas:
- Accessing Educational Equity: All young people deserve equal access to education, but inequality is built into the system. How do we, as educators, social workers, prevention specialists, and support staff, work to correct these inequalities? How do we change the systems that allow some students to succeed while others slip through the cracks? What elements are necessary in an equitable education system?
- Addiction in Context: Science has proven that addiction does not happen in a vacuum. Environmental factors like ACEs, toxic stress, lack of resiliency, lack of supportive relationships or community, all increase the likelihood of substance abuse and addiction in young people as they grow into adults. What can the world of prevention learn from this research? How can we incorporate this new understanding into our approach to preventing substance abuse and addiction and advancing the health and well-being of young people, their families, and our communities?
- Building Community Resiliency: Resilient communities save lives. But what makes a community resilient? How can we work together to build and reshape systems, practices, and policies to create more vibrant and resilient communities for our kids and families? We want to know what innovative partnerships you are building that strengthen your community. How do community involvement and community relationships impact the youth you work with?
- Health and Wellness: Health is a lot more than what happens at the doctor’s office, especially in a world where healthcare is becoming less and less accessible. Research clearly shows the link between health outcomes and social, economic, and environmental factors. How are you making healthcare accessible in your community? How are you incorporating an understanding of the social determinants of health into your practice? And, how can we take care of ourselves as youth workers in the midst of compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma?
Successful proposals will:
- Fit within a 75, 90, or 120 minute time slot
- Challenge us to think about prevention in a new way
- Draw connections between fields and sectors to create innovation solutions
- Feature youth voices when possible
- Bring equity to the forefront