levelUP Youth Leadership Conference: Building a Just and Sustainable Future is made possible by community teens, youth group leaders, educators, parents, school staff, local organizations and supporters. This free conference aims to empower youth aged 12-18 by providing them with valuable inspiration and tools to contribute to climate justice and sustainability efforts. Featuring inspiring speakers, enriching workshops, and a resource fair featuring organizations making a positive impact on young minds and our planet. Lunch included.
The conference featured keynote speaker Tiffany Hockenhull, aka Coach Hawk, the Founder of Hawk’s Village of Leadership, a community-based organization focused on bringing leadership development training to youth between the ages of 10 to 17 years old. Coach Hawk is a firm believer and leader for change. She dedicates her time focusing on community, youth and young adults, and self development. Coach Hawk hosts community workshops for parents and youth leaders diving into leadership competencies, starting with the self. Workshops consist of community circles, relationship building, and social & emotional learning. Learn more at HVofLeadership.org
Workshops included:
Ideate, Innovate, Create: Designing a Sustainable, Resilient and Just World, presented by Jennifer May of ArtCenter College of Design
How are designers and artist using their creative skills to respond to the most challenging social issues of today? Designmatters, the award-winning design for social innovation program at ArtCenter College of Design, will share case studies of how their students are designing for positive change in projects on sustainability and social justice, followed by a hands-on workshop on how to approach social issues with a creative lens. No previous art or design experience required.
From the Margins: Find Your Voice through the Art of Zine-Making, presented by nat eastman of Side Street Projects
Learn the radical history of zine culture and uncover your unique artistic voice! Tell your story, disrupt traditional media, connect with your community, and take home your very own handmade zine.
Seed Balls for Green Spaces, presented by The Urban Homestead
Unleash your inner eco-warrior by creating seed balls! These tiny powerhouses of growth are an innovative way to green up barren areas. Using native seeds, clay, and compost, you’ll learn the art of making and dispersing seed balls to promote local biodiversity and support urban reforestation efforts.
Beeswax Candle Crafting, presented by The Urban Homestead
Discover the magic of beeswax as you craft your very own eco-friendly candles. This activity not only introduces you to the sustainable practices of beekeeping but also lets you create a beautiful, natural product. Learn about the importance of bees in our ecosystem while making candles that are perfect for eco-conscious living.
levelUP is co-sponsored by Collaborate PASadena, with partners from Pasadena Planning and Community Development, Pasadena Department of Transportation, Pasadena Water & Power, ArtCenter College of Design, Hawk’s Village of Leadership, Side Street Projects, The Urban Homestead, Day One, Caltech, and Dashboard.Earth. The conference was also supported by Pasadena’s Youth Ambassadors (Parks, Recreation, and Community Services), Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena, and Pasadena Police Activities League (P.A.L.).
Collaborate PASadena is a supportive framework that brings together individuals, organizations, and businesses in the western San Gabriel Valley. The goal is to enhance the lives of children and families in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre. They envision every child growing up in a safe, stable, and supportive environment, preparing them for success in both school and life. Their mission is to eliminate disparities in children’s outcomes by working with the community and advocating to reduce structural racism and systemic inequities. Learn more at CollaboratePasadena.org.
This is the first year levelUP was presented as an in-person conference since 2019. It is a half-day conference this year due to space limitations while Central Library is closed, but we’re grateful to be able to continue offering this opportunity. Last year (2023), we offered this in the form of a mixer; it was cancelled in 2022 due to space limitations while Jefferson Branch Library was getting ready to open; in 2021, it was offered as as a resource fair at Hastings Branch Library; in 2020, it was offered as a series of online workshops. The first levelUP Youth Leadership Conference was hosted at Central Library in 2017.
Jefferson Branch Library is a temporary youth library, which opened in 2022. In addition to being the library system’s hub for youth services, the branch also serves as the office for the library system’s Youth Services Division, the City’s Office of the Young Child, and Collaborate PASadena. When Pasadena Central Library closed unexpectedly in 2021 pending seismic retrofit*, the City looked to other locations where we can provide services. In looking at available options, Pasadena Public Library decided to open a temporary branch library focused on children’s and teen services. The school campus is also home to Pasadena’s Fire Training Academy the Police PALS program, and the Friends of the Library Bookstore.
*Central Library Earthquake Retrofit and Building Repairs: The Pasadena Central Library is poised for essential earthquake repairs and safety enhancements vital for reopening our historic landmark. The project will ensure a safe, accessible hub for learning and connection. Reduced programming continues during closure. Stay updated at PasadenaPublicLibrary.net.
Questions about Jefferson Branch Library can be directed to Youth Services Manager Jane Gov at JGov@CityOfPasadena.net. To learn more about Youth Leadership Conference, visit https://pasadena-library.net/teens/teen-advisory-board/levelup-youth-conference/
To learn about volunteer opportunities at the library, contact Teen Librarian Ernesto Covarrubias at ECovarrubias@CityOfPasadena.net
Photos by Pasadena Public Library staff Rachel Del Giudice.