Rise and Dream Virtual Philly Teen Conference Press Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Marcia Perry
Dix Perry Media Group
(717) 576-1899
PHILADELPHIA NON-PROFITS RISE UP TO PRODUCE VIRTUAL TEEN CONFERENCE
Youth Services Inc., The Advocacy Institute, Health Promotion Council, Urban Youth Racing School and the Mayor’s Office of Youth/Black Male Engagementban together to inspire teens to stand up against gun violence and use their collective voices for change.
Philadelphia, PA (September 22,2020)–Teens are no strangers to tackling tough issues –from gun violence totobacco and drug prevention. Youth Service, Inc., nonprofit organization that provides support services to at-risk Philadelphia teens, is hosting its 18th Rise & Dream Philly Teen Conference, a collaboration with The Advocacy Institute, Health Promotion Council, Urban Youth Racing School and the Mayor’s Office of Youth/Black Male Engagement. The goal of this year’s conference is toempower more teens to stand up against gun violence, tobacco use and address trauma.
On Saturday, October 3, 2020, teens will take these timely topics head-on at the Rise & Dream Virtual Philly Teen Conference on YouTube from noon until 2 pm EST.
This year’s Rise & Dream conference occurs in the wake of civil unrest throughout the country, the COVID-19 pandemic, and gun violence on the rise in many U.S. cities. 84 percent of gun deaths in America occur among children and teens between the ages of 15 and19 years-old. 275 Philadelphians were shot to death this August, making it the highest total in a single month since 2007. The reality of gun violence in America as well as in Philadelphia is exactly why theseconference organizers want to equip youth attendees with the knowledge to become leaders, positive role models and agents of change.
This year’s conference was inspired by this summer’s virtual annual Roots Picnic and the impact it was able to have. The organizations involved will be putting together a 60-minute video that will include various teen musicians, dancers, dynamic speakers and mentors to create a fun and inspiring event.
This year’s event will include guests such as Mayor Jim Kenney, as well as Councilperson Isaiah Thomas and Wallo267. Wallo267 is sure to offer inspiration on rising above adversity considering he served 20 years in prison and has since become a social media motivational guru with over 400,000 followers. Other local artists will be performing such as Rapper Eli Capella and Project Positive.
“The trauma layered on our communities from unnecessary violence will take the entire community rallied to stop the violence,” said Gwen Bailey, Executive Director at Youth Service, Inc. “The Rise and Dream Teen Conference is bringing together young people and supporters from allareas to launch an effort to prevent and stop the violence. We need your voice and support.”