MeTooLGBTQ Youth Track

Youth ages 13-18 are welcome to join us this year for our first-ever Youth Track. This track will be led by crisis-intervention-trained prevention educators, social work professionals, and youth leaders, and will offer an opportunity for LGBTQ+ and allied youth to engage with this topic and these issues in a safe, contained environment.

Youth attendees will meet up with our Youth Track leaders before the conference begins on Thursday, October 15th, join the main sessions, and reconvene with each other to debrief. On Saturday, October 17th, youth will join a youth-only space, led by trained professionals and youth leaders, to develop tools for resilience and healing. Crisis intervention trained volunteers will be on-hand at all times to connect one-on-one with youth if needed.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]om and a Youth Track coordinator will be happy to connect with you.

NOTE: ALL Times are in PDT**

Saturday, Oct 17th - YOUTH TRACK

Youth Track Welcome

Time: 10:00 AM PDT

Presenters: Sabrina Van Zuiden and Fin Burgess
Description: Warm welcome, introductions of Youth Track Leads and crisis-intervention volunteers, and introductions of youth track attendees.

“Why is My Brain Doing That?” Tips for Understanding and Managing Trauma Responses

Time: 10:15am-11:45am PDT

Presenters: Sabrina Van Zuiden, Sarah Diamond

Description: In this workshop, we will use the Trauma Resource Institute’s Community Resilience Model® to explore the topic of trauma and its effects on the body. Participants will gain a basic understanding of how the brain and body react during moments of trauma and triggers. Additionally, participants will engage with three skills to help manage trauma responses and grow capacity for resilience.

Break / Optional Lunch Together

Time: 11:45am-12:15pm PDT

Art and Resilience: How to Create to Help Reduce Stress

Time: 12:15pm-1:15pm PDT

Presenters: Gini Mann-Deibert

Description: In this session, we will be creating art to build resilience. First, we will discuss creative strategies that can help reduce stress. Then we will practice drawing exercises to calm our minds and bodies when we are overwhelmed by stress. The goal of the session is to provide you with a few useful ways to incorporate art into a routine of self-care and mitigate the impact of negative stressors. You do not need any special artistic skills. Bring any of your favorite art supplies and a few sheets of paper.

Debrief / Closing Circle

Time: 1:15pm-1:30pm PDT