‘They're not waiting on adults anymore:’ Young people host conference to create solutions for youth issues

Young people from Indianapolis will host a conference to talk with adults about pressing youth issues.

Tru Dialogue 8 is an annual forum made up of 30 young people ages 12 to 24. Some youth will be panelists, while others will facilitate table conversations with the adults.

By inviting policymakers, teachers and principals to the three-hour conference, the young people can share their concerns and create collaborative solutions together.

Lakyah Berry is one of the youth organizers for the conference. She wants adult attendees to understand young people want to create a better future for themselves and are ready to take initiative now.

“I hope just the pure image of seeing over 30 young people, mostly black, just seeing the pure leadership that's on display and seeing how they're not waiting on adults anymore to change things,” said Berry. “They're ready to organize with each other.”

Some of the topics that will be covered are violence in the community and youth mental health. The conference is Feb 10 at 1 p.m. at the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center.

“If you’re actually invested in youth issues, we want you there,” Berry said.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.