Somerville Youth Peace Conference Expecting Over 300 Attendees

SOMERVILLE, MA - More than 300 teenagers are expected to show up for the 10th annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference.

The conference, "Back from the Future," will cover topics including teen violence, social media, bullying, substance abuse and have a special focus on "destigmatizing mental health."

Teens will discuss their own personal experiences and ideas for the future. The conference will also focus on how Somerville has grown over the past decade.

The stage presentations will be followed by the Somerville Speaks breakout sessions which will kick-off the City’s #SomervilleSpeaks campaign to destigmatize depression and other mental health issues.

The conference is inspired by Teen Empowerment Boston’s annual Youth Peace Conference, which started in 1993 and created a truce between five rival gangs at that time.

The day presented by the Center for Teen Empowerment, Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Somerville Public Schools and the City of Somerville. Mayor Joseph Curtatone and other elected officials will be in attendance.

The conference is open to the public. Tickets are $2 in advance, and $3 and at the door.

Conference Schedule

12:30 p.m. Doors Open

12:50 p.m. Conference Stage Show: Using original theater, dance, rap, speeches and spoken word, the entirely youth performed stage show highlights the lives of Somerville youth: their concerns and struggles with family issues, depression, substance abuse, social media, bullying, violence, and other issues. The show will be introduced by Mayor Joe Curtatone.

3:00 p.m. Workshops and breakout sessions

4:30 p.m. Ice Cream Reception, Service Fair

5:30 p.m. Close