Providing local teens with “Tools for Change”

On Thursday, April 12^th, 112 high school students from across the county will gather at Hancock Shaker Village for the 12^th annual 411 in the 413 youth conference. Created and organized by their peers, and supported by Berkshire United Way, Railroad Street Youth Project, and Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, the conference offers a unique opportunity for students from 13 high schools to come together, meet new friends, delve into their passions, while navigating the challenges young people face in today’s world.

The conference features 22, one hour-long workshops covering topics selected by youth, which are organized into four tracks: The Arts, Compassion in Action, Wellness, and Adulting. “I think this conference is such an amazing opportunity for students to learn and explore outside the classroom. Things like therapy, yoga, self-defense and how to pay for college will help us a lot in the future,” said Julie Xu, of Miss Hall’s School and 411 in the 413 Horizons intern at Berkshire United Way.

Students launch a bottle rocket during a workshop at the 11^th Annual 411 in the 413 youth conference.

The theme of this year’s conference is, “Tools for Change.” Zoe Hypolite, member of Mira’s Alliance for Philanthropic Sustainability (MAPS) and the Diversity Coalition at Miss Hall’s School, and Madison Quinn Pittsfield High Class of 2018, founder of the nonprofit, “Strong Little Souls,” will share their personal “Tools for Change” with attendees in a keynote address.

Be sure to follow us on our Facebook page for inspiring photos of ‘Tools for Change!’   These young people are our future!

Kat Toomey

Coordinator of Positive Youth Development