Youth Organized and United to Help (Y.O.U.th) will hold, Portland’s 6th Annual Youth Summit to address concerns and issues of our youth and families by taking on the theme “Mis-Education of Our Youth.”  The Summit will be held on February 10 & 11, 2012 at Portland State University (PSU), in partnership with PSU-University Studies Department, Oregon Universal, The Skanner newspaper, Multnomah County Health Department, Freedom Paper Company and community members.  Youth who attended over the years have expressed life-changing experiences from the workshops and networking experiences. 

The Summit weekend will kick off on Friday, February 10, 2012, with the annual talent showcase titled “Free Ya Mind and Your Swag will Follow,”at PSU’s Smith Hall on the first floor.  The showcase will feature young up and coming talent from across Oregon, performing in various categories, such as dance, spoken word, lyrics and vocals.  The event will be hosted by Rip City Kingz, Portland’s very own Krump dance crew.   The showcase will include youth, local and national artists serving as judges.  University Park DJ Academy will be coordinating the music for the evening.  The grand prize is a professional photo shoot with local photographer Adrian Adel (www.adrianadel.com).  

On Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 in Smith Hall on the second floor, the Summit will convene with all-day workshops, networking, and an overall positive atmosphere for the entire family.  Our keynote speaker is National Activist and Recording Artist Jasiri X from Pittsburgh, PA, who has written and produced conscious and elevating music videos exposing current events and news stories that otherwise go unheard. (www.jasirix.com) 

The parent workshops topics include: How to talk about sex with your child, bullying, the economic crisis and solutions and parenting your teenager.  Youth workshops topics include, African origin of Martial Arts, creative media, How to succeed in Hip Hop without selling your soul, healthy relationships, graffiti drawing, discovering self through writing.

Vendors will be available for both days providing resources, merchandise, information and connections to all participants.  Organizations will include Freedom Paper Company-an financial economic freedom company using a standard household item, Groundwork Portland, Recruiter Watch PDX, Positive Upgrade, Mutlnomah County A6 and Boys and Girls Aid.   For those interested in participating in the workshops pre-register online at www.portlandyouthsummit.org.  For a complete listing of workshops and presenters go to www.youthsummit09.blogspot.com.