Teens Ignite Change at the 2018 National Keystone Conference

11 teens from multiple Boys & Girls Clubs locations had a chance to grow their leadership skills at the National Keystone Conference in Atlanta, GA this June thanks to generous support through a generous grant by Harry’s Fresh Foods. Along with over 2,000 teens from around the globe, our Portland teen leaders focused on the theme of “What’s the Move? Ignite Change” to discuss social issues in our communities and brainstorm possible solutions to problems such as racism, stereotypes, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, and more. 

Elisua B., one of our exceptional teens from the Rockwood Club, said of their experience, “the Keystone Conference in Atlanta, Georgia was amazing and an opportunity many of us never imagine ever going to. I was able to see beautiful sights, meet great people and experience the National Keystone Conference.” 

The 51st Annual National Keystone Conference challenged, inspired, and uplifted our teens, who had opportunities to explore Georgia State University, volunteer at the VA Hospital in Atlanta, hear from a variety of amazing keynote speakers such as rapper, comedian, and television star Nick Cannon, musician and actress Keri Hilson, and Olympian John Carlos, one of the two medalists who made worldwide headlines in 1968 for his political statement during the medalist ceremony and a founding member of the Olympic Project for Human Rights. 

About Keystone Club 

Keystone Club provides a unique leadership development experience for teenagers. Youth between the ages of 14 – 18 participate in activities, both inside and beyond the Club, that focus on building skills and excellence in areas of academic success, career preparation and community service. Recent projects have included partnering with a Multicultural Center at Portland Community College to put on their graduation ceremony, hosting #WeOwnFridayNight recruitment events for teens across the Portland Metro, and mentoring young leaders in our Clubs. 

What is the National Keystone Conference? 

The annual Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Keystone Conference connects teens from Clubs around the world to share their voices and represent their communities. An all-teen steering committee leads The Keystone Conference and encourages leadership building in their communities, diversity awareness and appreciation, in addition to creating positive relationships and connecting with their peers from around the world. The National Keystone Conference brings teens together to share their passions, form new ideas, and be activists for change in their communities.  

About Harry’s Fresh Foods 

Harry’s Fresh Foods values integrity and transparency and provides the highest quality of products at the best possible price for their communities. They partner with local organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metro to create community impact, giving significant support to our teen programs this year, including our Youth of the Year event and the National Keystone Club Conference. Harry’s Fresh Foods believes the key to providing customers with the best service possible, is taking care of their employees to “ensure our customers, suppliers and our community’s needs are always being met.”