Greenwich Youth Diversity Group Hosts Conference Feb. 2

From The City of Greenwich: The Greenwich Diversity Planning Committee, in partnership with the First Selectman’s Youth Commission, has opened registration for the Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference: Bridging Conversations and Building Campus Communities. The program will take place on Saturday, February 2, 2019 from 8:30am to 4 p.m., at Greenwich Academy. Up to 100 students from all high schools in the Town of Greenwich will participate in a day of conversation and collaboration on issues that personally impact their lives. Lunch for the event will be generously provided by Garden Catering. The conference was motivated by the First Selectman’s Diversity Committee’s commitment to encourage Greenwich youth to engage in conversations involving diversity and inclusion. “The Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference will empower young people to meaningfully engage in conversations that might be difficult but is so critical to their development as citizens who welcome and honor differences,” said Greenwich First Selectman Peter J. Tesei.

The Committee connected with the First Selectman’s Youth Commission and developed a partnership with Charlie Ciporin, a Brunswick student and a Chair of the Youth Commission. Charlie has a great deal of experience in diversity work. His previous engagement with diversity conferences inspired him to organize a town-wide event. “I’m really excited about this conference,” shared Ciporin. “I think it will be a great way for students in Greenwich to talk about issues that are rarely talked about. I hope the attendees will lean into uncomfortable topics and really put themselves out there - that’s what made the past conferences I’ve been to so great.” The Greenwich Student Diversity Leadership Conference (GSDLC) will be framed around intersectionality, a concept that has become increasingly more significant in conversations about equity and social justice. Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities and discussions focused on eight core identifiers - race, religion, sexuality, ability, socio-economic status, age, gender, and nationality - and how these identifiers intersect in different ways for individuals.

“I can’t wait to see the outcome and participate in this diversity conference,” said Greenwich High School senior Stevie Braverman, “In a time where everything seems divided, I believe that through educating the general public and talking about different types of oppression or mistreatment that people have gone through, we will create an inclusive and connected society. I can’t wait to become educated and enlightened on what challenges my fellow peers have to go through, and come up with an action plan on how to solve inequalities in our daily lives.”

Members of the Diversity Planning Committee include student and faculty leaders in diversity at several Greenwich schools. Most diversity conferences are only available to independent schools and include a registration fee. Members of the Planning Committee believed that it was essential to invite Greenwich High School and ensure that the program was free to all participants.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity to collaborate with other schools here in Greenwich to discuss and learn more about the issues of diversity that face different students in our community,” said Greenwich High School senior Anna Braunstein, “I think it’s really important to be able to openly discuss issues of diversity in order to work towards a more accepting and safe environment for people of all kinds.”

Students in grades 9 – 12 can register using the program’s Google Form:
https://goo.gl/forms/k3am9dUE9...
Registration closes on January 17, 2019.
To learn more about the First Selectman’s Youth Commission, visit
https://www.greenwichct.gov/.....

Image via Shuttershock