Health Resources in Action, Massachusetts Promise Fellowship and Latino After School Initiative Gather Peer Leaders in Statewide Peer Leadership Institute

BOSTON, MA (June 19, 2010) —

Health Resources in Action, in partnership with the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship and Latino After School Initiative, held its statewide Peer Leadership Institute at Northeastern University on Saturday, June 19, 2010.

The Peer Leadership Institute is a one-day conference that convened peer leaders from all over Massachusetts for a day of skill-building and networking. A peer leader is a young person who is committed to building leadership skills and works to make the community a better place by doing advocacy work, building networks, leading workshops, mobilizing youth and striving towards positive change. Over 120 young people and adult advisors from all parts of Massachusetts attended this year’s conference, which served as an opportunity for youth to meet other peer leaders, share best practices and build skills. They came from over 22 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Some of these towns included Malden, Stoughton, Brockton, Fall River, Lynn, Lowell, Boston, Revere, Stoughton and Winchester. The theme of the conference was Youth Empowerment: YES WE CAN. This theme stresses the power of young people and the importance of youth leadership. Youth can do anything they put their minds to. They assume leadership roles and take initiative to make positive changes in their communities.

“The Peer Leadership Institute was a great event for young people to gain knowledge, build skills and connect with one another to discuss issues in their communities. This event really showcased the skills and knowledge of young people, as well as helping them to meet other peer leaders who are striving to make positive change in their communities,” said Laurie Jo Wallace, director of the Training and Capacity Building department at Health Resources in Action.

Youth were at the forefront of this event. The Peer Leadership Institute was planned and led by a core group of high school youth who sit on the Youth Leadership Board. This group of young people brought their diverse experiences, backgrounds and knowledge to make this conference a success. By being involved in the Youth Leadership Board, they participated in public speaking, leadership, project planning and social media trainings. They led the event on Saturday, June 19, 2010, in different capacities, including emceeing, facilitating discussions and performing. The workshops offered were led by youth or co-led by youth and adults from different youth-serving organizations on topics such as healthy relationships, teen violence, creating public service announcements and public speaking.

For more images from the Massachusetts Peer Leadership Institute, CLICK HERE.