Local youth attend MYAN conference in Augusta

Six youth members of Apex Youth Connection had the opportunity to attend the Maine Youth Action Network’s Youth Leadership Conference in Augusta on Nov. 14 and 15.

Hosted at the Augusta Civic Center, the conference brought together young people and adult advisors from across the state for two days of leadership development, workshops, and networking. MYAN is a statewide organization, run by The Opportunity Alliance, to support youth programming and foster youth leadership in Maine.

The group from Apex Youth Connection was accompanied by staff members Kris H., Sarah H., Ally D., and Fabian C., along with volunteers Berkeley and Jay. The youth participants, representing Biddeford schools, Saco schools, and Apex Youth Connection, included Brodie W., Shantel W., Bry W., Sadan S., Savanna P., and Brooke C. For many, this was their first experience, while others returned to build on what they had learned in previous years.

The two-day conference provided a dynamic learning environment, offering a wide range of workshops on topics such as leadership, community engagement, and personal development. All attendees had the chance to explore different perspectives, engage in meaningful discussions, and forge new friendships with peers from all across Maine. Participants were encouraged to share their thoughts, learn from others, and develop skills that will help them grow as individuals and contribute to positive change in their communities.

We are grateful to the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition and the Biddeford-Saco Rotary Club for their generous support and donations, which made this unforgettable experience possible for our youth. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to the parents and local organizations that supported the youth and made this opportunity possible. Lastly, we extend our gratitude to the MYAN staff for their hard work in empowering all of us to grow as individuals and make a lasting impact on our communities.