Whether you're a social worker, educator, counselor, or community advocate, this summit will provide opportunities to network, learn, and collaborate with others dedicated to serving children, youth, and families in the Marion-Polk region.
We have lined up engaging breakouts, inspiring speakers, and some time to just be with one another as we explore what it means to expand the circle of belonging through four summit tracks:
- Becoming
- Building
- Bridging
- Belonging
New this year, we will also be featuring a poster session as an opportunity for more community engagement, along with a book signing by our keynote and Empower Initiative's own, Ben McBride.
- Interested in Tabling? Please reach out to Heather Pascoe at [email protected].
- Want to Present at the Poster Session? Please fill out this form to share about your poster idea and we will be in contact.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from experts, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections. Mark your calendars and join us at the 3rd Annual Marion-Polk Children, Youth, & Family Services Summit at the Salem Convention Center. We can't wait to see you there!
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Free parking is available onsite.
Agenda:
8:00–9:00am: Check-in & Breakfast. Coffee provided in partnership with Isaac’s Downtown
9:00–9:15am: Welcome
9:15–10:45am: Keynote. Ben McBride, Co-Founder of the Empower Initiative
10:45–11:05am: Break
11:05–12:05pm: Morning Breakpoint sessions
12:40–1:20pm: Youth & Young Adult Panel
1:20-1:25pm: Transition
1:25-2:25pm: Afternoon Breakout Sessions
- Becoming - The Importance of Local Storytelling: Why Certain Stories, and Story Tellers, Dominate the Popular Narrative
- Building - Developing Community-Responsive Spaces
- Bridging - System of Care Youth Leadership Team: Youth-Driven Systems Change to Bridge Difference & Center Belonging
- Belonging - The Quadrant Exercise: Interactive Activity on Power Dynamics (repeat of morning session)
- sion)
2:25-2:35pm: Transition
2:35-3:20pm: Group Discussion: Where Do We Go from Here?
3:20-4:30pm: Networking | Poster Session | Booking Signing with Ben M