TWENTY-FOUR YOUTH LEADERS LEARN

“One voice can be heard. One group can make an impact. One community can change the world!” This theme rang out at the 2007 Kansas Youth Leadership Forum (KSYLF) and Kansas definitely heard the voices of 24 up and coming youth leaders. The seventh annual KSYLF was held on June 12 – 16, 2007 at Washburn University in Topeka. Twenty-four motivated, energetic young leaders with disabilities attended the forum, with a female to male ratio of 14:10. The delegates came from a variety of cities throughout the state, including Topeka, Lawrence, Kansas City, Salina, Wichita, Emporia, Great Bend, and many surrounding cities. The young leaders bonded right away as a group, but also showed their individual personalities and abilities. The participants had a variety of disabilities including Cerebral Palsy, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Autism, Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Learning Disability, Developmental Disability, Mental Health Disability, and more. There were 28 volunteers and staff members present throughout the week, including seven YLF alumni who returned to serve as peer mentors and share their experiences.

The KSYLF week was as empowering, intense, and emotional as ever. The delegates unified as a group right away and demonstrated that each of them had individual leadership qualities. They experienced many fun activities throughout the week and heard from important community leaders on a variety of topics. Notable speakers included Becky Wolfe, from Leadership Butler; Ranita Wilks, from Independence Inc. and Ms. Wheelchair Kansas; and Ami Hyten and Ian Kuenzi, from Topeka Independent Living Resource Center. Speakers touched on topics such as leadership, disability awareness, disability heritage, activism, goal setting, advocacy, and assertiveness. The delegates were able to enjoy the yearly activities of a barbecue, talent show, and dance. They also debated a mock bill that centered on including a week of disability history in every school curriculum in the state. This bill, which has been passed in various states, was debated by all of the youth in the Senate Chambers of the State Capital. The wheelchair basketball demonstration and “Real Life Affair” both returned for a second year. The “Real Life Affair” and Resource Fair provided the delegates with community resources to survive in the “real world.”

One of the highlights of the week was the mentor luncheon where students were paired with a mentor from their city who had a similar career interest. This year’s luncheon speaker was LeDerick Horne, motivational speaker, poet, and owner of Horne & Associates in New Jersey. LeDerick shared his story of growing up with a learning disability and encouraged attendees to reach beyond the label that they are given. Other notable guests included Senator Vicki Schmidt, who provided guidance in the Senate Chambers and made opening remarks at the mentor luncheon. The “Justin Cosco Scholarship Award” (formerly Outstanding Youth Leader of the Year award) was given out during the luncheon as well. The award was presented to Daniel Jayne, 2006 KSYLF Alumni.

The theme for the 2007 KSYLF was, “One voice can be heard. One group can make an impact. One community can change the world!” All participants learned in the power of ONE. By week’s end, delegates had shared their voice and learned to work with a group to make a statement. They came away from KSYLF knowing that as one unified community, they really can change the world!