Stand UP : LGBTQ Rights , Northaven United Methodist Church How do you work to create inclusive environments for teens of all identities both within and outside of BBYO ? Participants will explore issues around mental health and suicide within the LGBTQ youth community , gain a deeper understanding of aspects of LGBTQ identities and orientations , identify ways in which we can all be stronger and more informed allies to the LGBTQ community and talk about how to advocate for LGBTQ rights . This session will broaden your perspectives on the changing nature of LGBTQ identities and inspire participants to be open-minded and understanding about the issues facing LGBTQ people in all corners of society . Facilitator ( s ): Micah Fitzerman-Blue , Producer , Entrepreneur , and Current Writer , Transparent ; Mordechai Levovitz , Executive Director of Jewish Queer Youth ; Amy Loudermilk , Associate Director of Government Affairs at The Trevor Project ; Joshua Manes , Board of Directors President , Congregation Beth El Binah ; Steve Mendelsohn , Interim Executive Director , The Trevor Project ; Marty Rouse , Field Director , Human Rights Campaign ; Hannah Simpson , Transgender Activist ; David Taffet , Staff Writer , the Dallas Voice
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Stand UP : Political Engagement , Cotton Bowl Following the 2016 election , the American political landscape looks dramatically different than it did even just months ago . In a time where the importance of political efficacy has never been more critical , the power of the teen voice to impact the political process has remained constant . Join us as we engage with political experts from across the political spectrum and a myriad of social movement issues to explore how campaigns work , how campaigns win and the most effective ways to engage politically . Facilitator ( s ): Imam Abdullah Antepli , Chief Representative of Muslim Affairs , Duke University ; Jonathon Bray , Campaign Manager , Deborah Ross for Senate 2016 ; Linara Davidson , Regional Political Director , Hillary for America 2016 ; Wendy Davis , Former Texas State Senator ; Micah Fitzerman-Blue , Producer , Entrepreneur , and current writer on Transparent ; Kirsten Kukowski , Communications Director , Scott Walker 2016 ; Tim Miller , Partner , Definers Public Affairs ; Brittany Packnett , Vice President , National Community Alliances , Teach for America and Co-founder , Campaign Zero ; Michael Skolnik , Political Director to Russell Simmons and CEO , The SOZE Agency ; John Weaver , Republican Campaign Strategist ; Eboni Williams , Fox News Contributor
Stand UP : Veterans Affairs , Group Dynamix Soldiers embrace the values of loyalty , respect , selfless service , honor and courage as they train to be exemplary citizens and proud patriots . But what happens when they return home from service ? How do we care for the individuals who have made immense sacrifices for their country ? What role do the armed forces play in our society ? Hear firsthand accounts of life within and beyond the service from military veterans and learn how you can advocate for veterans ’ rights in your community . Participants in this session will also get a taste of military training by taking part in real drills and other activities experienced during active duty ! Facilitator ( s ): LaShonda Johnson , United States Marine Corps , Heroes to Heroes Foundation ; Judy Schaffer , Founder / President of the Heroes to Heroes Foundation ; Representatives from Group Dynamix
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Technology and Coding , IBM Innovation Center Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work inside the back end of computer technology ? Join us as we dive head-first into computer science , experiencing the kinds of questions and challenges that developers face all the time , but without having to learn programming first . Participants in this session will get exclusive access to the IBM Innovation Center where you will explore cognitive technologies , learning the basics of coding from experts at Girls Who Code and Texas Instruments . You ' ll even have a chance to create your own object using 3D printing software ! Facilitator ( s ): Harshal Chhaya , Systems Engineer / Product Manager , Texas Instruments ; Pearce Dunlap , Educator , PolyPrinter ; Romelia Flores , Distinguished Engineer and Master Inventor , IBM ; Fred Fotsch , STEM Innovation Manager , Texas Instruments ; A . D . Jenkins , Software Engineer , IBM ; Megan Sullivan , Curriculum Developer , Girls Who Code
Teen Philanthropy , Aaron Family Jewish Community Center of Dallas Interested in building a strong Jewish future ? You ' ll need to know how to be an effective philanthropist in order to do so , which starts with an understanding that philanthropy is about far more than just raising money . Join experts from the Jewish Teen Funders Network as they explore teen philanthropy , providing accessible strategies and tools to help you make a real difference now by assessing what ' s important to you , making decisions about your support through time and money and going BIG to make a splash . This Leadership Lab is part of BBYO ' s Global Leadership Academy pilot program . Facilitator ( s ): Briana Holtzman , Director , Jewish Teen Funders Network ; Jake Marcus , Founder and President , Team Intestinal Fortitude