Humanitarian teens; HREI to host youth symposium on Saturday

COEUR d’ALENE — The Human Rights Education Institute is hosting the first Regional Teen Human Rights Symposium from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

With the theme of "Courageous Conversations," the symposium will provide a full day of education to students ages 13-19 (some exceptions) who are interested in deepening their understanding of human rights history and today's humanitarian issues.

Keynotes are Everett Community College's Brett Kuwada, who has a doctoral degree in psychology and will speak on cultural humility, empathy and compassion, and Coeur d'Alene local Heather Swope, a returned Peace Corps volunteer who will share her TED Talk titled, "The Hole in the American Psyche."

Other speakers are regional experts from entities such as the Retired Teachers Association, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, North Idaho Pride Alliance and more.

Breakout sessions will focus on bullying prevention, mindfulness, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, environmental justice and other important topics.

Openings are still available for students and educators to attend. Registration will be accepted the day of the symposium, however reservation in advance is recommended and parental signature forms are required for anyone younger than 18.

Admission is $25. Some scholarships are available — no student will be turned away. Educators are encouraged to attend for $10 and must register.

The program was funded in part by grants provided by the Gladys E. Langroise Advised Fund and Herbert D. McAvoy Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation.

Scholarships provided by the Bonner County Endowment Fund for Human Rights.

For registration forms and info, visit www.hrei.org/about/our-programs/2018-regional-teen-human-rights-symposium or call 208-292-2359.

HREI is located at 414 Mullan Road in Coeur d'Alene.