We are proud to support the SPEAK Youth Advisory Board as they work to plan and execute the 2024 Youth Summit, titled “Embrace the Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard, Empower the Future” hosted by Youth Development Services. SPEAK is a state-wide advisory board made up of youth 16 – 24 years old who have lived experience in the Rhode Island foster care system. While the majority of their work is focused on providing feedback to impact change within the system, participants also gain experience in advocacy, public speaking and other skills they can use indefinitely. Planning the summit allows youth to decide what discussion topics would be most impactful among their peers, and gain organizational and leadership skills.

Over 100 youth with experience in the foster care system are expected to attend this year’s Youth Summit at Rhode Island College on Wednesday, July 17th. The summit will include a variety of workshops as well as the opportunity for youth to learn from each other and access a varied Resource Fair.