CHICAGO - Planned Parenthood of Illinois' ( PPIL ) youth-led initiative My Body. My Story. is hosting the Generation Empowered conference for young people of all ages on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1335 S. Michigan Ave, 2nd floor. Generation Empowered is planned by My Body. My Story's. Youth Advisory Board ( YAB ) for young people to share their opinions, hear new ideas and discuss topics. Generation Empowered features workshops, speakers, panel discussions and youth vendors. Generation Empowered is free and open to the public however RSVPs are required and priority is given to youth attendees. Attendees receive a free lunch and ventra card. For more information visit the Instagram page @mybodymystoryppil or email to genempowered@gmail.com .
My Body. My Story. Campaign Specialist, Sydney Pauta, who was a YAB member while in high school, said, "It is important to us that young voices are amplified and uplifted at every given chance. We are focused on activism and how young people can get involved in a way that is comfortable for them. We also want this conference to have a broad platform so everyone can have input."
Generation Empowered features workshops on topics such as sexual health, digital activism, self-care, mental health, the power of storytelling and more. YAB is currently accepting workshop proposals by young people.
Youth vendors are also present selling art, jewelry and other items of interest. All vendors are youth and there is no charge for a booth. For information and to reserve a vendor booth.
My Body. My Story. is a youth-led initiative which started in 2017. It was created to combat myths and outdated information about birth control and sexual health among teens. YAB members are high schoolers from the city and suburbs. The My Body. My Story. program is a safe space for peers to ask questions and share their stories. The program is in Chicago and is branching out to other areas in the state.
Planned Parenthood of Illinois' ( PPIL ) youth-led initiative My Body. My Story. hosts Generation Empowered conference for young people of all ages on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1335 S. Michigan Ave, 2nd floor. Generation Empowered is free and open to the public however RSVPs are required and priority is given to youth attendees. Attendees receive a free lunch and ventra card. For more information visit the Instragam page @mybodymystoryppil or email to genempowered@gmail.com