HBYC Annual Conference 2010
This year’s conference was a huge success, but as always, this didn’t happen easily. Months of planning from the whole youth council went into making the day happen, so a huge thanks to everyone, young people and youth workers alike.
CONFERENCE DAY:
On arrival, a few hours before the conference was due to start, everyone got straight to work, with a conveyer belt system for filling folders, nervous but excited vibes flying around the room, accompanied by everyone running up and down stairs, in and out of rooms, making sure that everything would be done on time. One thing is certain; everyone was definitely giving preparations 100% effort.
Schools were arriving quick and fast, and after a few minutes of sign in, everyone was shown to the main room, where Chloe and Cassie gave an excellent opening talk before everyone went off to their first workshop.
Young People in the Media Workshop;
Liam led the workshop with great enthusiasm, and his leadership skills grew throughout the day, as he got more familiar with the material. This workshop was all about the media’s impression of young people, and how young people can get good publicity, rather than trying to change the Medias impression of us. The workshop involved finding articles in newspapers and talking about them, as well as the participants’ impression of young people today, using art and annotations. Overall, I think this was the most energetic workshop of the day.
Stop And Tell:
This workshop was based in the large dance studio, one of the many amazing facilities in the new “Green Towers” youth facility. The group seemed extremely focussed and engaged, especially after an interesting ice breaker to get everyone ready.
The workshop had a powerful message, hate crime and bullying using prejudice against travellers as an example, and the groups responded well to the seriousness of the subject, and treated it appropriately.
Anti Drugs and Alcohol:
This energetic workshop was led by Xav, using hard hitting facts teamed with exciting, modern fact games; match the drug, inflatable question balls and a “fruit salad” style ice breaker. Although alcohol and drugs are commonly discussed in schools, this particular workshop seemed to get through to the participants.
General Day:
The day was an amazing success, with excellent feedback & promising participation in the priority setting section of the day, and those priorities should be set using the notes taken from that feedback very soon. Overall, the group of young people seemed very responsive, and everyone involved put their all into the day, and should be extremely proud of their achievements.
By Courtney
HBYC Press & Publicity Officer.