Vacaville to Hold Youth Summit in March

Vacaville to Hold Youth Summit in March
By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | February 11, 2008

VACAVILLE - City leaders want to hear what young people have on their minds, so they will hold a Youth Summit on March 8 at Ulatis Community Center.

This will be the city's third such summit, and it will be more interactive than the first two, said Mark Mazzaferro, one of the organizers.

'It's up to the kids what direction we will go in,' Mazzaferro said. 'It is more kid-driven than in the past. We really want to hear what is on their minds.'

The summit, which is primary aimed at middle school students, will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. High school and older elementary school students can also attend.

The keynote speaker will Stu Cabe, a nationally-known motivational speaker who talks to students about treating people with respect and kindness.

Students will then break into several workshops to discuss issues that are important to them.

'The goal is to have each person there make a commitment to make a change in their lives personally or become a part of something in the community,' Mazzaferro said.

Last year, about 125 students gathered to hear lectures and talk about issues such as personal safety and gangs.

The March 8 summit will also have refreshments, games and live entertainment.

Reach Ian Thompson at 427-6976 or at ithompson@dailyrepublic.net.