Upcoming Youth Conferences

C2EA YOUTH ACTION INSTITUTE 2006 * June 28 – July 2 * Chicago, IL

The Youth ACTION Institute is a summer-long opportunity for young people
ages 16-26 to come together and learn from each other and from experts about
everything from working with the media to organizing young people to taking
action to end AIDS.

In Chicago, youth will hear speakers talk about their experiences with
living with HIV and AIDS in the U.S. and around the world; develop skills in
grassroots organizing, public health, advocacy and direct action; connect
with other young people from around the country; and work on concrete ways
to fight together to end AIDS.

After the institute, each participant will carry out a grassroots organizing
project to help make progress on a high-priority AIDS issue and build
participation in C2EA. And after this summer, they'll help build new C2EA
and youth advocacy networks all across the country.

To make it happen, we need young people AND community groups working
together. Download a brochure and application at www.campaigntoendaids.org
– just click the Youth ACTION Institute link at the top right of the page.

Johnny Guaylupo

Youth Coordinator C2EA

646 894 6713

Putting Faith into Action for Reproductive Justice

The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice is organizing its second Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom Student Summit in Washington DC. The title of this year’s Summit is “Putting Faith into Action for Reproductive Justice.” The conference will bring together 100 spiritual and pro-choice students and other young adults. Participants will hear from nationally recognized speakers, participate in organizing trainings, workshops, interfaith worship, and have the opportunity to lobby congress about issues like comprehensive sex education!

Please note that the conference is completely funded (FREE), students need only pay for costs associated with travel to and from the conference. Travel scholarships are available.

What: Putting Faith into Action for Reproductive Justice, a student summit to reflect, connect, inspire, and act!

Who: young, passionate, and spiritual pro-choice activists

Where: Washington, DC

When: June 5-7, 2006

How: register online at www.syrf.org

For more information please contact me at egoodstein@rcrc.org or by phone at (202) 628-7700, extension 15.

National Gloria Steinem Leadership Institute * July 6- 11* Washington D.C.

The Gloria Steinem Leadership Institute is an intensive five-day training that helps emerging leaders develop the skills necessary to mobilize their communities for reproductive freedom.

Each year, more than 50 students and young pro-choice activists are selected for the program. Participants from across the country are flown to Washington, D.C., for this all-expense-paid opportunity.

GSLI is a unique experience where these new members of the movement can:

– Increase their knowledge of reproductive choice issues
– Develop leadership skills
– Learn from top pro-choice leaders and social change activists, including pro-choice religious leaders and abortion providers
– Network with other young women and men committed to reproductive freedom

GSLI includes Direct Action Organizing sessions from GROW (Grassroots Organizing Weekend). Role-playing sessions give participants the confidence to lead meetings and speak with people who can help them accomplish their goals. Through talks with health professionals and a visit to a local women's clinic, young leaders learn about the services clinics provide. This knowledge serves as a foundation for their pro-choice activism. Finally, participants get to put their new skills to work by lobbying their elected representatives on Capitol Hill.

Application deadline: June 1, 2006

Download an application for the GSLI:
National GSLI (PDF)
Regional GSLI (PDF)

National Gloria Steinem Leadership Institute

Apply to the National Gloria Steinem Leadership Institute

The Gloria Steinem Leadership Institute is an intensive five-day training that helps emerging leaders develop the skills necessary to mobilize their communities for reproductive freedom.

Each year, more than 50 students and young pro-choice activists are selected for the program. Participants from across the country are flown to Washington, D.C., for this all-expense-paid opportunity.

GSLI is a unique experience where these new members of the movement can:

– Increase their knowledge of reproductive choice issues
– Develop leadership skills
– Learn from top pro-choice leaders and social change activists, including pro-choice religious leaders and abortion providers
– Network with other young women and men committed to reproductive freedom

GSLI includes Direct Action Organizing sessions from GROW (Grassroots Organizing Weekend). Role-playing sessions give participants the confidence to lead meetings and speak with people who can help them accomplish their goals. Through talks with health professionals and a visit to a local women's clinic, young leaders learn about the services clinics provide. This knowledge serves as a foundation for their pro-choice activism. Finally, participants get to put their new skills to work by lobbying their elected representatives on Capitol Hill.

Throughout the year, Choice USA also holds several weekend GSLI seminars in the Southern, Midwestern, and Western United States.

"I can honestly say that I have never in my life attended such a well-organized, comprehensive, well-balanced, diverse and comfortable workshop. From making sure our bellies were always full to preparing us to lobby with our district and state representatives first-hand, and everything in between, this workshop constituted the most important five days of my life." - Raquel Contreras, 2001 GSLI participant

2006 National GSLI: July 6-11, 2006
Application deadline: June 1, 2006

Download an application for the GSLI:
National GSLI (PDF)