Based on the evaluations of Summit participants, we’ve narrowed down a week packed with workshops and activities into a Top 10. These are the moments that stood out to YUGA veterans and newbies alike, and will stick with them as they return to their schools and communities and begin their activism.
We’re so glad to share snippets of the Summit with you. Enjoy!
1. The Talent Show. Every year, everyone is blown away by the many talents that YUGA members bring to the Summit. This year’s show was no different–and featured stand-up comedy, ballet, juggling, and spoken word poetry! (See more photos on Facebook.)
Caroline performing en pointe at the Talent Show!
2. Workshop on International Humanitarian Law and current conflicts. Hansdeep Singh from the International Center for Advocates Against Discrimination presented on the principles of humanitarian law and how it applies in current conflicts. We discussed scenarios in Afghanistan and in Israel and Palestine, and engaged with the ethics of different strategies in conflict.
Hansdeep presents a case study to the participants.
3. Workshop with the creators of “Girl Rising.” Members of the team who created “Girl Rising,” a now-famous documentary featuring the stories of nine girls in developing countries, came to the Summit. Participants worked with them to determine the most engaging “call to action” for youth and educators on International Day of the Girl ( October 11th). YUGA members brought the youth perspective in the planning for a nationwide advocacy activity that Plan International USA and Girl Rising will launch this fall!
Urel and Stanley discuss advocacy options with Samantha, Vice-President at Girl Rising.
4. Fighting Discrimination Workshop with the Anti-Defamation League. In this workshop, participants learned about the “Pyramid of Hate,” and how to recognize and confront stereotypes.
Rob Jones, from the Anti-Defamation League, led the workshop, which was called “Imagine a World Without Hate.”
5. Dancing! In addition to learning and leading, we take time to dance! We had an incredible Latin Dance workshop with MetaMovements, plus West African Dance lessons provided by Carlos (one of our counselors), and a dance party to end the Talent Show.
6. Climate Change Advocacy Workshop. Nicole Rohr, from Rhode Island’s Climate Change Collaborative, led YUGA members through an advocacy activity. Using case studies from California and Rhode Island, participants presented arguments to potential constituents–their peers–for why they should act to mitigate the effects of climate change in their community.
Nicole answering questions as groups work on their arguments.
7. Family Groups. Participants are split into groups of 6 – 8, with a counselor. Together, they play games and get to know each other through deep discussions. That’s a Family Group–a small group that becomes especially tight-knit over the course of the week–and it’s a fundamental part of the Summit.
Caitlin’s Family Group!
8. Spoken Word Poetry. Franny Choi, a poet and performer from Project V.O.I.C.E., led an inspiring workshop on spoken word poetry–both writing and performing. Her performance, followed by the workshop, helped participants break free of their inhibitions to writing freely and creatively about social justice issues, and then to share their own work. Several poems (like this one) appeared at our Talent Show!
Frannie Choi during her performance.
9. Workshop on Non-Violence. Wole, one of our counselors at the Summit, brought in his colleagues from the Institute for the Study and Practice of Non-Violence in Rhode Island. Together, they led participants through activities to discuss forgiveness and conflict resolution.
10. International Opportunities Panel. Our staff have an incredible range of experience in service, leadership, and international development. Our panel featured them–plus tons of information about opportunities like Peace Corps, Americorps, Fulbright, and studying abroad.
A photo of the whole group with Plan International USA’s CEO, Tessie San Martin.
Thank you for an amazing Summit!
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Youth United for Global Action and Awareness (YUGA) 
I’d just like to thank all of the amazing staff at PLAN international and all those who participated in this year’s YUGA Summit. My favorite workshop dealt with educating youths on Non-Violence- I think it’s really important that youth are aware of just how much violence can influence the world we live in. It’s also really important to remind people that preventing violence and raising awareness for non-violence starts with action. From this workshop I hope to start a YUGA chapter centered around non-violence. Things like child abuse, domestic violence, war, human trafficking all deal violence. By engaging youths in these issues maybe I’ll be able to save or prevent an individual from doing a violent act or becoming a victim of violence.
We are so happy that you found the non-violence workshop helpful and that you will be incorporating it in your YUGA chapter! With all the conflicts happening around the world it is now more important than ever that young people like you spread the word about non-violence. Keep up the good work!