The 9th Annual Latino Youth Peace Conference:

"Who Am I? Finding Yourself to Promote Peace"

When: Friday, April 25th, 2008, 9:00am-3:00pm

Where: Metropolitan State University

Annual Peace Conference will explore the theme
of identity among Latino Youth

On the 25^th of April at 8:45am 150 youth from over 15 different schools and organizations in the Twin Cities will come together to discuss the topic of identity. This will be the 9^th year that La Oportunidad will be hosting and funding this event. The Latino Youth Peace Conference will be held at Metropolitan State University. The theme for this year's conference was chosen by a youth committee who stressed that identity was a factor that plays a crucial role in the shaping of Latinos' futures.

Every year workshop topics are chosen relating to the theme. This year youth have incorporated several aspects of the theme that can be identified through the arts, writing, music, theatre and their personal lives and relationships with others. The workshops will explore identity in the following ways:

Picture Yourself: A hands-on workshop will encourage youth to express themselves through art.

Musical Emotions: Students will examine the various effects that music has in their daily lives.

Many Voices, One Story: This workshop provides an interactive feel through the power of writing where identity will be discussed.

Ellos: The Many Faces of a Man: Young males will have the opportunity to share their experiences of being a young Latino man in today's society.

Chicas Project: What is it to be Latina? : Young women will give their perspective of life in a world dominated by media and images.

Acting the Part: The use of theatre will be examined to explore questions of identity and self-esteem.

Latinos in the Media: Breaking Stereotypes: A discussion will be held regarding the negative and positive effect that media has on the representation of Latino communities.

Who we are...Expresate! : A youth lead conversation will take place probing questions of identity.

This is a chance for young Latino individuals to promote peaceful interaction in the community and find ways to relay positive messages to others about who they are.

To bring a group of youth to this year's conference or for more information call (612) 872-6165 or email peaceconference@oportunidad.org.

The Latino Youth Peace Conference is an annual event that provides Latino youth, school staff, mentors and community leaders the opportunity to gather together and explore the power of peace and peacemaking, as well as address important issues impacting Latino youth. The conference is planned by a committee of youth leaders under the guidance of La Oportunidad staff.

Within the broader them of peace, a youth-focused topic is chosen each year in order to allow participants to see how peace is more than just an abstract idea; peace is something relevant that youth can create in their lives, families and communities. Past conference topics have included:

• Our History and Traditions: The Key to the Future
• Hip Hop: A Tool for Peace and Social Change
• Healthy Lifestyles
• An Intergenerational Dialog on Immigration