Not Japan Related

So as those of you who know me know, in Portland I am (was) a member of the youth activist group, YOUTHINK. Our mission statement is:

YOUTHINK is a youth driven organization that empowers young people in the city of Portland to speak and act on decisions that affect their lives.

Now, those of you who are new to YOUTHINK or are having a "what is that thing again?" moment, we are a dedicated group of young people in the city of Portland who are working to give youth voice in the community. We feel that a city where youth`s opinions are cared about is a city where youth give back to their community in positive ways.
On Friday, I missed (but was there for the planning of) one of the more revolutionary events in YOUTHINK`s history. The First (hopefully) Annual Youth Summit, where 150 youth in the city of Portland gathered to express their views on issues in the city. Here is an e-mail that I received from Ainsley (the director of YOUTHINK, and one of my very good friends/the sister I should have had ^-^) about how the Summit went. I`m so proud of all of this year`s YOUTHINKers, you guys did an excellent job! YEAH for shaking up Portland!

"Hello Friends of YOUTHINK,

With over 150 youth in attendance, the first ever Portland Youth Summit on Friday was an ambitious and groundbreaking pilot event! You can get some of the sights and sounds of the day here (we got remarkable press coverage!):

From the Press Herald:
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=187141&ac=PHnws

Photo of Congressional candidate Mike Brennan at our Youth/Adult "Power Lunch":
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=187143&ac=PHnws&pg=1

From Channel 6:
http://www.wcsh6.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=86763

From MPBN radio's "Maine Things Considered":
http://www.mpbn.net/radio/mainenews/080905youthsummit.htm

This week we'll be collecting feedback from various stakeholders on Summit successes and lessons learned for the future. If you hear anything that you think I should hear about or would like to discuss any aspects of the Summit, please be in touch.

In June, you'll hear about the Youth Agenda and Vision for Portland resulting from the Summit and our neighborhood conversations. Stay tuned...Thanks for all your support for past, present, and future YOUTHINK endeavors!
Ainsley"