An Inspiring Day Two of Without Limits

Without Limits attendees hit the ground running on Day 2 with the breakfast networking roundtables, a chance to discuss a wide range of education topics and to connect with other attendees from around the world.

After a morning of workshop sessions, everyone reconvened for an inspiring plenary session starting off with Kaitlyn Smith and Danielle Liebl from Special Olympics, who spoke of how their connection as best friends has helped them inspire others. Next up was Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell from the Dept. of Education, who stated: “we have to believe that every child can succeed; we all can live without limits.” She shared the stage with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, who spoke to service-learning’s importance in Colorado schools and delivered an official proclamation declaring March 16 to be National Youth Leadership Council Day.

R. Dwayne Betts praised the youth taking the initiative to make changes in the world, contrasting their work with the story of his teen years and how he became a teacher and poet during his time in jail. He followed up his plenary talk with a lively thought leader session.

Fifty attendees participated in off-site projects today to the GrowHaus and the Denver Urban Gardens. The group at the GrowHaus learned about their work to create a sustainable urban farm, helping to harvest lettuce for a local restaurant, transplant seedlings, and help with cleanup and reconfiguration of their workspace.

The 11th Annual Indigenous Forum: A Gathering of Elders was moderated by Julia Sewell and featured a dynamic panel of young people and elders.