Salem, Oregon
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Laurie Shaw Casarez
Youth Education and Outreach Coordinator
503-540-2321
tat@cityofsalem.net
Summit Location
Community » Things to Do » Youth Events and Activities
ILEAD Youth Summit
2024 Online Registration Now Closed. In-person Sign Up on Saturday Welcomed.
Event Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Join us in Oregon's capital city for this one-day teen summit!
Every year, Salem hosts high school-aged youth from all over the Mid Willamette Valley at ILEAD.
Top 10 Things You Need to Know
- ILEAD is FREE.
- Held on Saturday, March 2, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Registration runs through February 29 at noon.
- 2024 event location is at the Boys & Girls Club of Salem - Knudson Branch in Salem, Oregon.
- Open to any high school-aged youth living in Marion, Polk, and Linn Counties.
- January registration guarantees a spot at ILEAD.
- Choose your own adventure with our workshops at time of registration. See workshop descriptions in the blue tab below.
- Our Youth Committee leads the Opening and Lunch sessions. We like to throw in a live deejay for vibe.
- Give-aways, donuts, and the infamous Rock-Paper-Scissors Tournament traditions continue.
- 4th Annual ILEAD IMPACT AWARDS will be presented at the Summit.
Workshops and Activities
No matter the event theme, workshop topics focus every year on:
- Leadership Development
- Personal Growth
- Health and Well-Being
- Life Readiness (College & Career, Workforce Readiness, and Adulting
Meet our Youth Committee
post 02/23/24
Accepting Nominations for the IMPACT Awards
post 01/23/24
Check out Awards tab for detailed info and the link to submit 1 or more nominations!
(Pictured: 2023 Youth IMPACT Award Recipient Zeta Sulzmann of North Salem High School.)
REGISTRATION starts Tuesday, January 23rd
posted 01/22/24
Are you following us on Instagram and Facebook?
We post alot of information there so you should probably join up!
Instagram: @ileadyouthsummit
Facebook: /ileadoregon
ILEAD is offering three (3) workshop breakout sessions this year.
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1: Read through the workshop descriptions below and decide on the ones you want to attend.
STEP 2: Register at this link:
You can also find the blue box on our main event page that says "Click Here to Register". (It shows a white computer mouse with a cord symbol.) If on a laptop, the blue box is towards the top of the page on the left-hand side. If on a smartphone, scroll to the bottom of the page to find it.
Workshop Breakout Session #1:
- The Wellness Workshop: Empowering Strategies to Nourish Your Physical and Mental Health
- [Health & Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Life Readiness]
Presented by representatives from Western Oregon University’s Public Health Student Club (including ILEAD alumni).
Explore a holistic mind & body perspective on health with us. Move beyond the idea of health as a simple commodity dependent on resources. Engage in a dynamic presentation introducing the dimensions of wellness that can transform your life. This workshop includes breathing exercises, identifying your dreams and aspirations, and setting goals. Walk out with a mini-poster you’ve created for your wall at home!
- College Financial Aid
- [College Readiness, Life Readiness]
Presented by Oregon State University
[Official workshop description from OSU coming soon.]
Learn what every high schooler should know about the financial aid process from OSU representatives!
- Credit & Debt *Workshop Now Closed*
- [Life Readiness, Personal Growth]
Presented by Goodwill Industries
Understanding credit & debt and how they work are 2 key pillars of financial literacy. This workshop details the types of credit and helps learners to understand debt through discussion of credit cards and interest. Activities include reading a credit card statement and learning important credit-related vocabulary.
- How to Maximize Your Strengths & Skills Today!
- [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Workforce Readiness, College Readiness]
Presented by Ray White with Raymond D. White Consulting and Salem Health and Enlightened Theatrics Executive Director Jessica Peterson
Get ready to meet two dynamic speakers! Ray and Jessica will walk through how to identify your strengths and skills and then optimize them through mentorship and community engagement. This workshop includes small group discussions, Q&A time, and give-aways!
This workshop is offered twice at the summit.
- Who Am I & Who Do I Want To Be?
- [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Health & Wellbeing]
Presented by Oregon Native American Education Foundation President Ulana Cole and local community leader Everett Decker.
Deep dive into who you are and what your truly capable of no matter where you are in life. Learn how to navigate around obstacles and step outside your comfort zone. This workshop includes personal journaling with guided reflection.
Workshop Breakout Session #2:
- How To Start Your Own Business *Workshop Now Closed*
- [Career Readiness, Workforce Readiness, Leadership Development]
Presented by City of Salem City Councilor, Tu Casa Real Estate Owner, and Co-Founder of the Latino Business Alliance Jose Gonzalez
Ever wondered how to start a business? Join us for real stories about local people who had to start one because they felt they had no other choice. Afterwards, we'll create our own business from scratch with your ideas!
- 20 Questions Answered Before You Get To Campus
- [College Readiness]
Presented by Oregon State University
[Official workshop description from OSU coming soon.]
In preparation for this workshop, ILEAD has asked local high school students what their top questions are regarding “all things college”. OSU representatives will answer those questions and provide even more insightful information for those considering higher education.
- Writing a Cover Letter
- [Workforce Readiness, College Readiness]
Presented by Goodwill Industries
Learn the basics of how to format and write a cover letter that you attach to a resume. What information do you include in the document? Leave this workshop with your draft of a cover letter to use in the future.
- How to Maximize Your Strengths & Skills Today! *Workshop Now Closed*
- [Leadership Development, Personal Growth, Workforce Readiness, College Readiness]
Presented by Ray White and Enlightened Theatrics Executive Director Jessica Peterson
We’re offering this workshop twice at ILEAD this year! Missed it last session? Select it for this session instead.
Walk through how to identify your strengths and skills and then optimize them through mentorship and community engagement. This workshop includes small group discussions, Q&A time, and give-aways!
- Snack Smarter *Workshop Now Closed*
- [Health & Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Life Readiness]
Presented by Salem Health’s Community Health Educator Catia Garibay
It’s all about snacking smarter with fruits and veggies. Game changer! Learn how to identify a healthy snack, get tips for mindful snacking, practice making affordable and nutritious recipes, and effectively set a SMART goal before you even walk out of the summit.
This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants, so it’ll fill it up fast! It’s offered twice at the summit.
Workshop Breakout Session #3:
- Fight Fentanyl With Facts
- [Health & Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Life Readiness, Leadership Development]
Presented by South Salem High School DECA Students
This informative presentation builds strong awareness of the local Fentanyl crisis that we all know exists. Let’s just address it head on, build awareness, and be prepared to literally save a life. A BINGO activity and use of Kahoots are a part of this interactive workshop along with a demonstration of how to help someone experiencing a Fentanyl overdose.
*Trigger warning due to content.
- College Internships 101 *Workshop Now Closed*
- [College Readiness, Leadership Development, Workforce Readiness, Career Readines]
Presented by Oregon State University
[Official workshop description from OSU coming soon.]
You’ve made it to college, living on campus, and trying to figure out your future career. Internships during college are a great way to explore and learn more. Maybe your degree program even requires an internship! Learn where to find opportunities, how to apply, and what to expect.
- Identifying Your Gifts & Setting Goals
- [Personal Growth, Health & Well Being, Leadership Development]
Presented by The Salem Playhouse Founder Zach DuFault
Back by popular demand, Mr. DuFault returns to offer another fun and interactive workshop helping you find your gifts, set goals, and persevere in this messy life. Through improv-style games, learn how to better connect and break down barriers.
- Personal Budgeting *Workshop Now Closed*
- [Life Readiness, Personal Growth]
Presented by Goodwill Industries
Pay yourself first! That's a technique in most budgeting processes. Learn about the benefits of creating a budget and how it can help you understand your spending patterns. You’ll walk out of this workshop having created your own budget!
- Snack Smarter
- [Health & Wellbeing, Personal Growth, Life Readiness]
Presented by Salem Health’s Community Health Educator Catia Garibay
It’s all about snacking smarter with fruits and veggies. Game changer! Learn how to identify a healthy snack, get tips for mindful snacking, practice making affordable and nutritious recipes, and effectively set a SMART goal before you even walk out of the summit.
This workshop has a maximum of 15 participants, so it’ll fill it up fast! It’s offered twice at the summit.
*The End*
ILEAD Youth Summit 2024 is just around the corner!
Write it in your planners. Set a reminder on your cell.
Check out our deadlines and burn them into your brain:
- January - Nominations for ILEAD Impact Awards begins.
- Mid-January-- Registration opens here from our website.
- February 7—Nominations for Impact Awards closes.
- February 29—Registration deadline to attend. Register before 12noon.
- March 2—The summit is here!
Summit Schedule
TIME | ACTIVITY |
9:15a |
Check-In Opens - Breakfast Offered |
10:00a | Opening Session - IMPACT Awards |
Small Group Building Scavenger Hunt | |
11:20a | Workshop Breakout Session #1 |
12:10p | Lunch Session - Meal Served - IMPACT Awards |
1:05p | Workshop Breakout Session #2 |
1:55p | Break - Games - Donuts |
2:35p | Workshop Breakout Session #3 |
3:30p | Surveys, T-shirts, & Departures |
3:45p(ish) | Head Home |
Registration
We provide an online sign up process here.
You can also click on the blue box on our event page that says "Register Here" and shows the symbol for a computer mouse with cord. On laptops, the blue box is found near the top of the event page on the left-hand side. On a smartphone, it's found at the bottom of the page.
Registration Tips
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Be sure to include an email address you check often.
-
Your registration confirmation will automatically be emailed to you.
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If under 18 years old, your listed parent/guardian will be emailed a consent form link within 48 hours of your submission. Their electronic signature is required.
Email confirmations and reminders will be sent leading up to the event too!
Transportation
There are many transportation options to get to the summit held at the Knudson Branch of the Boys&Girls Club of Salem, Marion, and Polk Counties.
Branch Location: 1395 Summer Street NE, Salem, Oregon 97305
You can...
- Drive (and carpool) with your own car and park in the nearby ILEAD parking lot several blocks down from the summit on Hood Street. Look for our parking lot sign. A summit shuttle will be provided to&from the event.
- Get dropped off and picked up. NOTE: Drop off at the gates but do not drive into the Knudson Branch parking lot.
- Ride a bus/shuttle coordinated by your school, youth group, etc. with their fieldtrip permission slip.
- Ride the shuttle coordinated by the Boys&Girls Club for Woodburn High School students only. Shuttle will pick up at front entrance of WHS. WHS students registered will be notified directly by email with more information. A Boys&Girls Club fieldtrip bus form will be provided.
- Ride the Cherriots bus on the #3 or #13 which drops riders at Capital and Market Street. Be sure and figure out your routes before the event. Cherriots customer service will even help you plan your route. Be sure to contact them at the link above.
Bad Weather and Road Conditions on Saturday?
- We have a "2-hour delay" plan if roads are bad due to poor conditions in the morning. The summit would run from 12noon-4pm (instead of 10am-3:30pm). This modified plan would still include all workshops, if possible.
- We may be able to offer hybrid workshops if some areas are just fine while other towns have tough road conditions.
- We might be able to go 100% virtual for the summit and would operate with the start time of 12noon.
ILEAD will decide on which of the above modified summit plans will take place either Friday the 1st in the late evening, or Saturday the 2nd by 7am.
We will immediately notify participants of these changes on our Instagram and Facebook pages; through emails to youth, parents and chaperones; and, through text messages.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ileadoregon
Instagram: @ileadyouthsummit
We will make a decision late in the evening on Friday the 24th or by 7:00am Saturday the 25th.
ILEAD Impact Awards
The ILead Impact Awards celebrate the great work being done in our community around youth leadership development, volunteerism and leadership, health & safety promotion, and overall wellbeing.
Deadline to submit a nomination/s: Wednesday, February 7th.
There are three awards:
- the Youth Impact Award,
- *NEW* the Student Government Impact Award, and
- the Adult Impact Award.
For the Adult Impact Award
This award recognizes a local adult, adult group, non profit organization, or program who significantly impact a local school, local community, the Mid-Willamette Valley region, or other parts of Oregon in teen leadership development and/or youth personal growth.
This award thanks the recipient for investing in the next generation of leaders.
For the Youth Impact Award
This award recognizes a local middle or high school teenage leader (or leaders) age 11-18 who significantly impact others. Their effort can impact a local school and community, the Mid-Willamette Valley region, and/or beyond.
The award thanks the recipient for their service, leadership, and example they set to teens who work to improve our world.
For the Student Government Impact Award
This award recognizes an outstanding local middle or high school student government/ASB/Leadership program that has provided a significant impact on their own campus, to their feeder schools, or in their school's surrounding neighborhoods & community.
Every student government offers great activities, runs drives for good causes, promotes volunteerism, and helps boost the school environment in positive ways. We're seeking a specific project, activity, policy or system change, etc. that stands out as an exceptional act of kindness, spreading good will, inclusion, health promotion, or other effort that would inspire Mid-Willamette Valley regional schools to do the same! This award thanks the school and program for their inspiring work.
Nominations
The ILead Youth and Planning Committees will review the nominees and submit their votes for winners in early February.
We will reach out to you if your nominee is selected. We like surprises, so don't tell your nominee(s)!
Anyone in the Mid-Willamette Valley (Marion, Polk, and Linn Counties) can submit.
Awards will be presented during Opening and Closing Sessions on stage at the summit.
Proud Event Sponsors
City of Salem
Marion County Health and Human Services
Boys & Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties
Salem Health Hospital and Clinics
Special Thanks
Isaac's Room: Isaac's Downtown and IKE Box Cafe
2024 Youth Committee
- Delmer, Chemawa HS
- Natasha, Chemawa HS
- Jennifer Angel Maldonado, North Salem HS
- Emily Brandt, Early College HS
- Kaiden Armstead, McKay HS
- Agustin, North Salem HS
- Sofia Castellanos, South Salem HS
- Henry Baker, West Salem HS
- Lauren Huber, West Salem HS
2024 Collaboration Committee
Our hard-working Collaboration Committee consists of local professionals and stakeholders in the fields of Youth Development, Adolescent Substance Use Prevention and Intervention, Workforce Readiness, and Leadership. Thank you for your service to youth!
- Macie Reynolds
- Ann Krier
- Kyle Buse
- Brandon Southward
- Zach DuFault
- Elisabeth Bentz
- Ray D. White
- Heidi Johnson
- Kyle Tarr
- Mark Bulgin
- Laurie Shaw Casarez