Today’s youth are presented with major challenges—often without the skills or resources to tackle them. To cope with the pain they turn to unhealthy means including drugs, alcohol, self-abuse and some consider a tragic escape, suicide. These harmful choices lead to an avalanche of long-term outcomes including addictions, gang involvement, and even prison. The outcome of getting caught up can be a lifetime of burden…not only for today’s youth, but their children, and their children’s children.
We are so excited about this year’s event despite being virtual. We have an amazing event planned with powerful testimonials followed by breakout rooms where CBO’s/Resources/ Partners will be room leads, helping to facilitate a discussion on the speakers topic, then we have Rita Marie Johnson who is founder of the Connection Practice, which provides emotional first aid in moments of inner turmoil or outer conflict. She will share real-life stories of how young people learned this skill and turned from self-destruction to self-empowerment. Then Connection Practice Trainers will facilitate breakout rooms where participants will learn one of the steps of this practice that result in greater empathy. This is a great training for all youth, families and all community. We will also have Morgan Hill’s Mayor Rich Constantine and City Manager Christina Turner who will deliver a welcome message.
The Living Above The Influence annual event gathers resources every year to educate our youth, our parents, and our community about healthier strategies for dealing with today’s life pressures. This event presents the real-life testimonials of those who have overcome challenges with drugs, gangs, prison, self-harm and dealing with inner pain. Our goal is to break the cycle of dysfunction with the support of influential people in the community and make a difference for LIFE!
