How many people does it take to
make a difference?
One
One song can spark a moment;
One flower can wake the dream;
One tree can start a forest;
One bird can herald spring;
One smile begins a friendship;
One handclasp lifts a soul;
One star can guide a ship at sea;
One word can frame a goal;
One vote can change a nation;
One sunbeam lights a room;
One candle wipes out darkness;
One laugh will conquer gloom;
One step must start each journey;
One word must start a prayer;
One hope will raise our spirits;
One touch can show you care;
One voice can speak with wisdom;
One heart can know what’s true;
One life can make a difference;
That difference starts with you.
Delegates Comments
Regarding YLDC
YLDC was really an amazing opportunity for me, and both my friends and I have seen a difference in myself in the way I act and behave. My confidence has grown, allowing me to meet and make so many new friends and be comfortable in situations I previously would not have been comfortable in. I have more confidence when standing up for people who are bullied and more drive to stand up, because of Kelsey’s seminar on bullying, and Caleb’s heartbreaking story. I’m really more aware of how people are affected by the way others act and how much I can make a difference in a single person’s life because of this conference.
Pyper
I absolutely loved YLDC, and it made a big difference for me. I met a lot of new people who are there for me whenever I need them, like my roommate Alex, from Canada. And I feel that it forms an unbreakable support system for people like me who never really had one, and I wouldn't be able to push myself as much as I do now without her. I want to change more people’s lives. I want to make as big of an impact on people, as YLDC has done for me.
Eillie
I know it sounds cliché to say that YLDC changed my life, but it truly did. Before camp, I was very narrow-minded and in a bad mood most of the time. I really learned a lot about myself and others during camp last summer and I became and stayed friends with people who I would not normally befriend. I also learned to like hugs (:
Jessica
Youth Leadership
& Diversity Conference
A Civitan Youth Seminar Project
July 10th – 15th, 2017
Trine University
Angola, Indiana
We are making a commitment to a better future by providing a unique experience foryoung people in an environment that promotes dialogue around diverse views, opening avenues for problem solving, offering time for quiet reflection, laughter, and enjoyable recreation, creating …
“friendship through understanding”
Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference
We offer an opportunity for high school students to experience a leadership program that is truly unique. For one week during the summer, delegates gather on a college campus and become actively involved in a variety of exercises that will enhance their knowledge of who they are and where they fit into the complexities of an ever-changing society.
During both large and small discussion group sessions, the delegates have an opportunity to share their views on a wide variety of topics that are of concern to today’s teens. The format is simple: since each of us comes from a slightly different background, our opinions will differ. That’s understandable. Delegates learn to listen to others, as well as to articulate their own point of view without personally attacking others for holding differing beliefs. Over the years, it has been proven that delegates do not change what they think or value. They do gain insight into other delegates’ thinking and are more able to appreciate differences. For many, it is the first time that they have been given the opportunity to vocalize how they actually feel about the issues being discussed without censure.
It is through the diversity of the delegation that this conference obtains its strength. We do not look at race, creed, color, sex, or ethnic background when selecting delegates. Rather, we truly embrace the differences that each delegate brings, because it is through those differences that delegates learn about themselves and others in this ever shrinking world of ours. It is those special and unique qualities that each delegate possesses that the conference capitalizes on to prove that every person is of special importance to the world as a whole. To be able to look at a person as a valuable asset to society means to look past the stereotypes that may otherwise blind us to the true worth of the individual.
There is no better place for the youth of today to experience a program designed to enrich their lives and develop their leadership capabilities than the Youth Leadership & Diversity Conference. It offers, in one short week, what the average individual might take a lifetime to experience.
Who can sponsor a delegate?
Delegates to this conference can be sponsored by his or her high school through the National Honor Society, Gifted and Talented Program, At Risk Program, Student Council, or any other group.
Delegates can also be sponsored through grants or scholarships provided by their church,local business, any community service organization, or their parents. Local Civitan Clubs will also be sponsoring delegates from their areas.
The conference cost per delegate is $350, which begins on Monday afternoon and ends Saturday morning. A check, made payable to YLDC, must accompany application(s) when submitted.
If you would like an application or more information, please visit our website at:
Send completed application and check to:
Ron Kulas, Conference Director
P.O. Box 800
Wayne, MI 48184