National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), a national youth-powered organization positioning young people to lead in addressing the most pressing youth health and safety issues, is hosting the 2023 National Youth Transportation Equity Convening at Rhodes College in Memphis, this Sat., September 16, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The convening will be a monumental gathering where BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth, partners, and friends will learn from practitioners in transportation equity, develop skills in storytelling, and engage in advocacy work under the guidance of city leaders. The event will foster meaningful dialogues and craft innovative solutions for the most pressing transportation challenges affecting youth today.
Organized by NOYS, a youth-centered organization promoting safety and equity within and beyond the transportation field, this will be an initiative to shift the conversation and power to youth.
Addressing traffic violence, preventing avoidable traffic fatalities and injuries, and achieving equitable mobility for all, requires access to efficient transportation. Through a series of interactive sessions led by expert presenters, attendees will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing youth within the transportation system.
Youth are the future architects of our transportation systems,” says Jacob Smith, executive director of NOYS. “Consequently, their input should be sought, their voices respected, and their perspectives elevated. Through community-strengthening activities, constructive roundtable discussions, and a shared commitment to effecting change, convening attendees will depart the event as informed advocates and emerging leaders, ready to drive change within their communities.”
Participants will also learn about urban planning and policy initiatives that will help create inclusive transportation networks. Keynote speakers are highly-regarded representatives from organizations in the transportation sector, including BLDG Memphis, National Youth Bike Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, National Transportation Safety Board, and Safe Routes Partnership.
For full details, visit National Youth Transportation Equity Convening.