2012 YOUTH SUMMIT

Youth Summit tackles bullying

PITTSBURG -- The 2012 Contra Costa Youth Summit will be held March 31 at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg.

The youth summit, sponsored by Supervisor Federal Glover, features workshops, exhibits, entertainment and inspirational speakers. The theme this year is “Ways to Stop Bullying and Build Character.”

“Bullying occurs in our playgrounds, our schools and on the Internet,” says Supervisor Federal Glover. “Bullying can by physical or it can be emotional. It has led to reputations being destroyed and in worst case scenarios – suicide by some of the victims.”

Last year, the summit attracted 700 youth who heard comedian Michael Pritchard talk about surviving teenage traumas in an amusing and touching presentation. This year, the keynote address will be given by Mark Blackshear, a sought-after speaker on youth behavioral issues.

Among the workshop subjects are how to get a job, avoiding gangs, financial literacy, getting to know yourself and planning for college. There will be resources appealing to young people, from 6th grade to 12th grad.

Building on this year’s theme there will be a presentation by the Kaiser Theaterical Troupe entitled “Nightmare on Puberty Street” and a workshop on how to deal witih cyberbullying.

Demonstrations include police dogs, the sheriff’s helicopter and some of the latest dance moves and martial arts. Other attractions include: deejay Lady Ray from KMEL, free airbrush tattoos, manicures and dance lessons. Lunch and a light breakfast will be provided at no cost.

Supervisor Glover has been holding the youth gatherings since he was a Pittsburg City Council member. They became county-wide summits when he was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2001.

“There’s a lot of useful information for young people, presented in a non-threatening way. Besides, it is a lot of fun, too,” says Glover, who represents District V.