Youth Speak Summit 2018, a collaborative initiative of the U.S. Consulate General, Chennai and NalandaWay Foundation, is a two-day conference that will bring together young people from various spheres in one platform to learn, share, and inspire change. The summit will take place December 1-2, 2018 at the Madras Management Association Centre, Anna Salai, Chennai.
The summit will comprise curated talks, panel discussions, workshops, contests, and art by some of the most inspiring minds in the country. The sessions will include talks by youth icons, discussions on issues, storytelling by young change-makers, clinics for counseling, panel discussions, human library, workshops, skill sharing sessions, and much more. Popular filmmaker Pa Ranjith will deliver the key note address on December 1st.
Summit goers will have the opportunity to network with mentors, experts, and fellow change-makers, and also enjoy comedic and musical performances.
“The United States and India share the distinction of being the world’s oldest and largest democracies respectively,” according to U.S. Consul for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Lauren Lovelace, “And the future of our democracies depends on our young people. Youth Speak Summit 2018 seeks to empower young leaders who exemplify the best of our societies.”
Highlights of the Summit:
Social Entrepreneurship Pitch Fest
In association with Ashoka Youth Venture, the Youth Speak Summit 2018 will host a pitch fest where passionate, socially minded and entrepreneurial 18 to 30-year-olds will pitch their proposals. The five best proposals selected by a panel of experts will win a cash prize of Rs 50,000. The proposals must focus on creating positive change in the community. The candidates must also have a plan to implement a pilot within 3 months and will be mentored by expert social entrepreneurs.
Human Library
Every person is like a book with stories and knowledge to share. The Human Library space at the Youth Summit allows the participants to walk-in, listen to stories, and engage in conversations. This provides a great opportunity for building empathy, breaking stereotypes, and building social tolerance. Anyone can come “borrow” a human book for 45 minutes.
Skill Share Garden
The Skill Share Garden allows the participants to exchange skills with others. If one has a skill and would like to swap it with another skill, this is the place for it. From origami to writing to painting, or making clay objects, this is the space in the Youth Summit that offers a fun learning experience.
Change Maker Stories
A series of short presentations by change makers from all walks of life – artists, activists, environmentalists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. In an engaging storytelling format, the speakers will share their passion for positive change and how they translated their vision into meaningful action.
Other Sessions:
The Summit also includes counseling clinics presented by Banyan, #BeyondFilter, a photography exhibition in association with Chennai Photo Biennale and a Graffiiti Wall for the participants to engage in art. The winning entries of the Chennai Photo Biennale exhibition will receive prizes.
“Today, there is a clear and important need for creating a safe non-threatening space for youngsters to express their challenges to people who matter. Young people have great ideas and we believe its time the world takes them seriously. The Youth Speak Summit is to bring together young people to learn and share about things that matter to them,” says Sriram Ayer, Founder & CEO, NalandaWay Foundation”
About NalandaWay Foundation
Nalandaway Foundation uses visual and performing arts to help children from disadvantaged communities in India. Our endeavor is to improve learning abilities, reinforce positive behavior, and help children soar high by enabling them to be creative and express through Arts. For more details visit www.nalandaway.org
About Ashoka: Innovators of the Public
Ashoka is the world’s largest network of leading social entrepreneurs in the world. Founded in the United States, Ashoka identifies and invests in leading social entrepreneurs with innovative and practical ideas for solving social problems. Ashoka India functions as a collaborative network that supports and amplifies change by bringing together these change makers.
For more details, visit: https://www.youthspeak2018.org