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player ready...Organizers of a youth social justice conference scheduled for Saturday at the Oak Park library hope to see up to 150 people attend the event.
The conference, geared toward those in grades six through 12 but open to adults and children also, will be held from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Public Library main branch, 834 Lake St.
Susan McClelland, health and wellness librarian, and Jose Cruz, middle school services librarian, said the event will offer an opportunity for young people to express themselves and talk about issues involving race and diversity, policing, gender, health care and more.
“How often do you see that?” Cruz asked. “I think it’s a very unique youth development experience for young people.”
The library held its first social justice conference in April, McClelland said, and the event was so successful a youth-focused event was soon planned. Cruz added they’ve been more intentional this time around about getting more library staff and young people involved.
“We thought we might do something that was more teen-driven,” McClelland said.
The conference will feature a panel discussion and breakout sessions, and incorporate aspects that appeal to teens like hip-hop and call-and-response, and an open mic. Current artist-in-residence Jon Veal will set up a soapbox in the library’s lobby where people can say what’s on their mind.
The library has a unique responsibility to not only facilitate important conversations, Cruz said, but to listen in and encourage others to do the same.
“What we do on a daily basis is social justice in practice,” he added.
McClelland and Cruz, who also worked with Dole branch supervisor Niki Yeldell to coordinate the event, stressed that they want to hear from tweens and teens on their experiences and thoughts.
“We think dialogue is critical,” Cruz said. “This is really an effort to continue that dialogue.”
“It’s not a one-off. It’s definitely part of a larger and ongoing conversation,” McClelland added. “… The library belongs to everybody. We want people to feel they have a stake in this place. We want to hear from people.”
Attendees can register ahead of time on the library’s website or show up the day of the event. Breakfast and lunch will be served, McClelland said, as they’re hoping people will stay most of the day. They hope to see 100 to 150 people take part in the conference.
For more information or to register, visit www.oppl.org/events/youth-social-justice-conference.
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.