Without Limits

March 20, 2013
By: 
Amy Meuers

Each year the National Youth Leadership Council convenes the National Service-Learning Conference, bringing together youth and adults from across the country and around the world for three and a half days of learning, inspiration, and connection.

This conference is more than workshops and keynote addresses; it is an extension of the classroom, allowing for the youth and adult attendees to be part of something bigger. Throughout the conference youth are planning networking receptions, on and off-site projects, roundtable discussions, exhibit booth activities, and training sessions; they are emceeing plenary sessions; inspiring attendees through keynote addresses; and in lieu of presenting a paper in front of 40 classmates, youth are leading workshops for 40 youth and adult peers from around the world. These types of opportunities cannot be created in a classroom or a school. NYLC has given youth the reins to create something so spectacular that it changes how adults perceive all young people – as solutions to real problems.

The best part of the conference is the fact that it a true youth/adult partnership. It is not a youth conference, nor is it an adult conference. Both come out of the experience with tools and resources, ideas and inspiration to return home to improve their practice, their schools, and their communities.

The 2013 conference, Without Limits, was held last week in Denver, Colo. and featured keynote addresses by inspiring leaders. On Wednesday, attendees heard from Marc Kielburger, co-founder of Free the Children and Wendy Spencer, CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service; Thursday, they were inspired by Reginald Dwayne Betts, Councilmember, Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Special Olympics athlete and Youth Activation Committee member Danielle Liebl, and Special Olympics Youth Activation Committee member Kaitlyn Smith; on Friday, Naomi Tutu, daughter of South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and associate director of the Office of International Programs at Tennessee State University spoke along with Jorge Zamora, a student at Chicago Bulls College Prep and Dawn Engle, the Executive Director of the PeaceJam Foundation. Each presenter delivered a powerful message and challenged attendees to go back home and tap into their passion to tackle real-world issues.

Attendees celebrated NYLC’s 30th Anniversary during National Youth Leadership Council Day in the state of Colorado as proclaimed by Governor Hickenlooper during Thursday’s plenary address. Youth and adults danced the night away Friday night - enjoying food and music and then participated in a day of service in the Children’s Corridor of Denver, giving back to the host community.

Each person has a unique experience during the three and a half day event. Many shared their thoughts through Twitter. Here are a few of my favorites:

If you aren’t already a member, I encourage you to join NYLC’s Generator School Network. This free online community is where you will find presenter materials, recorded conference sessions, and continued discussions. It is a great way for youth and adults to stay inspired and connected throughout the year.

A huge thank you to all of the conference sponsors. This event would not be possible without the commitment from the Shinnyo-en Foundation and UPS and all the other sponsors, partners, and affiliates who believe that youth can and are changing the world.

As my team and I prepare for the 2014 National Service-Learning Conference in Washington D.C, April 9-12, I will leave you with my favorite quote that Jorge Zamora used during his keynote address that originated from former NYLC Youth Advisory Council member, Evan Dalgaard, who passed away in 2008.

"Change the world one step at a time, but leave big footprints behind." 

I can’t wait to see what the 2014 conference brings!