Youth 'N Action Project: Summer Youth Summit
Reducing Stigma By Raising Awareness
Youth 'N Action in partnership with The Washington Institute For Mental Illness Research & Training and the Epilepsy Foundation, hosted the "Summer Youth Summit: Reducing Stigma By Raising Awareness" on Friday, August 8th, 2008 in Spokane, WA. The day long summit was organized by youth and focused on reducing stigma around mental illnesses and physical disabilities through educational presentations and activities. Approximately 50 youth from across eastern Washington participated in the event. Youth gained new insight and understanding around a variety of individual challenges which led to a greater appreciation for the phenomenal courage it takes to overcome them. Feedback surveys completed after the event were overwhelmingly positive.
Harley, a youth from Kennewick, Washington, stated, "I really felt accepted and welcome. I liked learning about how others with physical differences want to be treated."
Courtney, a youth from Spokane, stated, "I really believe this summit helped reduce stigma. Realizing that we're all different in some way and that's okay is important."