The Third Annual Albany County Youth Summit

Rising Above All Obstacles!

Obstacles are inevitable in life’s little plan book. However, information is the best tool that will allow us to rise above those obstacles and work toward satisfactory resolution.

This year’s Summit offers seven workshop selections to our youth participants that will explore issues important to them. There will also be two workshops for our adult participants that will offer fresh perspectives to use in their supportive roles.

This special day-long event will bring together system-involved youth, County departments and local agencies to share, laugh, learn and celebrate the choices ahead. The summit is open to Albany County youth, ages 12+ and the adults who serve them. We invite you to join us and learn about the services available through our network of providers.

This event will be officially opened by long time children and youth supporter County Executive Michael Breslin and newly appointed CYF Commissioner Colette Poulin.

Our format will celebrate local youth, showcasing talent during the afternoon portion. This will provide an opportunity for expression and inspiration through an exchange of words, dance, and a variety of other crea-tive forms. Youth are invited to participate [PDF*].

The Youth Recognition Awards (YRA) will again complete the day, with a ceremony beginning at 4:00pm at the State University site.

For additional information, please contact John Viggiani by phone at (518) 447-7162 or email john.viggiani@albanycounty.com; or Mary Lou Reilly by phone (518) 447-7505 or email marylou.reilly-lanese@albanycounty.com.

Youth Summit Keynote Speaker—
Renee “Robyn” Causey

Robyn Causey will bring insight and expertise to this conference. She has worked with youth, adults and families in both residential and non-residential settings. Tenured work with runaway and homeless youth; abused, abandoned and neglected adolescents and juvenile offenders will make this keynote an enriching experience.

Robyn has been responsible for the development of many innovative youth initiatives in New York City. As an educator and administrator, she has led agencies and service providers in formatting programs to assist vulnerable youth. She was instrumental in setting up the first Human Services Associates Degree Program at Hunter College. She has received public acclaim for her work in the field of domestic violence. In 1998, she was asked to speak at the United Nations.

This segment of the summit will be certain to engage and energize those in attendance.