At the 50th annual World Affairs Institute for Student Leaders, designed by and created for youth, attendees will explore local and global issues and find strategies to become part of the solution. This event will feature in-depth sessions on social justice issues, highlight youth making change locally and globally, and provide opportunities to gain skills and motivation for taking sustained and meaningful action. The goal of this day-long Institute is to inspire attendees to tackle global issues and utilize skills to change their communities for the better!

The World Affairs Institute is FREE and open to all high school students (grades 9-12). Prizes will be awarded throughout the event based on engagement and participation.

For more information, including confirmed speakers, please visit: www.worldpittsburgh.org/wai50. 

TENTATIVE Agenda: 

7:30 – 8:00 AM: Welcome + Introductory Remarks + Invitations to Participate

Sessions: Exploring Social Justice Issues

8:00 – 8:50 AM: Session 1: Moderated panel discussion addressing social justice issues + Q&A

9:00 – 9:30 AM: Session 2: Deep drive on the issues + Q&A

9:40 – 10:00 AM: Session 3: Short remarks from youth taking social justice action

10:00 – 10:20 AM: Break featuring local youth artist performance (optional)

Sessions: Youth Locally and Globally Making Change

10:20 – 10:40 AM: Session 4: Short remarks from youth making change locally and globally

10:50 AM – 12:20 PM: Session 5: Workshops on taking action

12:20 – 12:30 PM: Session 6: Write a public action statement

12:30 – 1:00 PM: Break featuring a game (optional)

Sessions and Closing: Methods to Use When Needing Motivation

1:00 – 1:20 PM: Session 7: Motivation to take action and advice on how stay engaged

1:30 – 2:10 PM: Session 8: Individual action or collective organizing

2:20 – 3:00 PM: Session 9: Self-care

3:10 – 3:30 PM: Closing Remarks + Ways to Stay Engaged