Important Issues to be Addressed at Youth Initiatives Project's Female Teen Summit

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI, April 06, 2011 (Press-News.org) The Neighborhood Service Organization's Youth Initiatives Project (YIP), in conjunction with its Provocative Woman Campaign, will host its fourth annual Female Teen Summit and Resource Fair on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Brenda Scott Academy of Theater Arts (18400 Hoover, Detroit).

Open to girls 12 to 18 years old, the Summit will address important issues concerning young women including employment, education, healthy relationships, cyber bullying, entrepreneurship and mentoring. State Representative Lisa Howze, of the Second District, will serve as the morning's keynote speaker.

The Provocative Woman Campaign was developed to address negative peer pressure, gang violence, risky behavior and low self-esteem issues involving females ages 12 to 18. Youth leaders coordinate events, including summits, forums, rallies and female leadership sessions that positively impact girls in school, churches and community organizations.

"It is so important that the young women of our community will be able to voice their thoughts, ideas and concerns regarding issues involving them and their peers," said Frank McGhee, program director of the Youth Initiatives Project. "All involved with the Female Teen Summit are looking forward to this momentous occasion."

Due to budget cutbacks, funding for summer employment is virtually unavailable to youth. That is why, following the event, the Resource Fair will be available to attendees from noon to 1:30 p.m. Agencies including City Connect and the Skillman Foundation will be on hand to provide opportunities while representatives from employment, education, mentoring, health and entrepreneurship areas will be available to assist the youth.

The Youth Initiatives Project molds youth leaders into community activists and provides youth leadership and advocacy training focused on violence and substance abuse prevention. The youth work closely with public officials and the community to ensure participation at all levels of community service.

For more information or to pre-register, please call 313-965-6924. The Male Teen Summit and Resource Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 7.

The Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO) is a non-profit human service agency that strengthens and empowers communities, keeps families together and helps people in need improve their lives through a diverse array of innovative programs and services.