The statistics about teens can be shocking: Suicide is the third leading cause of death of teens; 160,000 students skip school each day for fear of being bullied; 7,000 teens on average drop out of high school every day; and two-thirds of all high school seniors have used illegal drugs.
To raise awareness and encourage healthy discussion about challenges facing teens today, the Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) is hosting a forum that will explore ways a theatrical performance group provides information, hope and help to teens.
The forum will feature Kimberly Farah, executive director of the R.Ed.i (Reach. Educate. Inspire.) Arts and Education Foundation, which produces STAND UP! Change Teen Statistics. The performance group gives live theatre shows that engage the audience based on interviews with 90 teens. Farah will discuss how the group convincingly provides information on tough teen issues like drugs, bullying, depression, abuse and pregnancy in “teen” language and in a format that young adults can relate to, be inspired by and understand.
The forum will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at the Marquette Mall Office Building in the fifth floor conference room, 450 St. John Rd., Michigan City, 46360. Free parking is available at Marquette Mall.
As part of IYI’s Youth Worker Café program, the forum is free and lunch will be served, but reservations are required by noon on Monday, Oct. 7. RSVP at www.iyi.org/YWC. Reservations may also be made by contacting IYI Northwest Indiana Field Representative Stephan Gill via text at (219) 314-9516.
Youth Worker Cafés are designed to bring together local youth workers to build relationships and inspire collaborations that will benefit children. This Youth Worker Café is made possible by the efforts of IYI.
Support for this café has been provided by the Indiana Minority Health Coalition.
For more information on the Youth Worker Café, contact IYI Northwest Indiana Field Representative Stephen Gill at sgill@iyi.org.