Bridges to Unity Summit aims to decrease violence and racism in schools - April 10th
From Public Affairs:
Two hundred fifty middle school students will tackle the issues of racism and violence in schools at the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. The summit will be held April 10, 2008 at George Middle School. The conference is titled “Building Bridges Across Cultures” and aims to help students learn how to successfully interact with other cultures, decrease conflict and gain leadership skills.
Joanne Fuller, Director of Multnomah County Department of Human Services stated, "I am pleased to support the third annual Bridges to Unity Summit. As we have seen in past youth summits, this event helps build stronger cross-cultural communication and leadership skills that help kids achieve success in their school and communities.”
According to event organizers, participating students are peer leaders who want to be a positive force for change and unity in their communities. The summit has grown from 60 participants in 2006, to 150 students in 2007. This year, more than 250 student leaders are expected to attend. “The Unity Summit is an excellent opportunity for courageous conversations about race,” stated Beth Madison, George Middle School Principal.
“The Bridges to Unity Summit will provide our young people with the opportunity to develop their leadership skills as they gain insight and experience working with other ethnic groups and cultures in an effort to better understand each other and work together positively. The summit is particularly timely,” said Willie B. Poinsette, Chief Officer, Office of Student, Family & School Support, Portland Public Schools.
The success of past youth summits sparked the creation of a year-long class on diversity and cross-cultural communication through SUN Community Schools at George Middle School and Ockley Green. The “Youth Ambassadors on Race Class” helps students develop their leadership skills and become role models in the effort to help decrease conflicts and violence within their schools and communities.
The Bridges to Unity Summit is sponsored by Metropolitan Family Services, Self Enhancement, Inc., NAYA (Native American Youth Association), IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization), El Programa Hispano, Portland State University, Portland Public Schools and Multnomah County SUN Service System.
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The event will be held Thursday, April 10, 3:30 pm to 8:30 pm, George Middle School, 10000 N. Burr Ave., Portland, 97203.
Posted on April 8, 2008
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