2013 Youth Rights Conference: Challenging Stereotypes, Bridging Differences

Annual Event Co-Sponsored by ACLU of Kentucky, Muhammad Ali Center

March 11, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: (212) 549-2666; media@aclu.org

LOUISVILLE, KY – Registration is open for the 2013 Youth Rights Conference sponsored by The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky and the Muhammad Ali Center. The annual conference is FREE and open to local high school students. The youth-led, youth driven event will be held Saturday, March 16, 8:30-3PM at the Muhammad Ali Center.

This year’s theme is “Identity: Challenging Stereotypes, Bridging Differences.” All event speakers and workshop leaders are from Louisville. They include immigrant rights activist Sagar Patagundi, disability rights advocate Whitney Foster and LGBT social justice advocate Rachel Determann.

“We want students to walk away having had a meaningful experience,” said ACLU of Kentucky Program Director Kate Miller. “By learning other people’s stories, we hope conference participants will be able to learn something about themselves and ultimately influence how they think about current events and the world around them” added Miller.

“The Conference creates the perfect setting for young people to come together to discuss current issues and devise ways to bring about social change. The Youth Rights Conference represents our Generation Ali initiative in action as it encourages attendees to change the world for the better,” said Erin Herbert, Education Manager at the Muhammad Ali Center.

The Muhammad Ali Center Council of Students (MACCS) will be among the high school students attending the Youth Rights Conference.

“As a participant in the upcoming Youth Rights Conference, I am looking forward to the opportunity to work toward a more compassionate community that embraces the differences in others. Without compassion, we are missing the heartbeat of society. As a result of the conference, I want to work with my peers to better our community,” said Jamarco Carnell, a senior at Valley High School and member of the MACCS.

“The Conference is incredibly important for high school students because we are at the age when we are trying to find ourselves and create our identities. Attendees can learn how to find their voice and speak up on topics that are of importance to them and their peers,” said Andrea Wilson, a junior at Central High School and member of the MACCS.

For more information and to register for the conference, visit the ACLU of Kentucky website. Snacks and lunch will be provided to attendees.