​​The 18th Annual Summer Symposium
From Awareness to Action:
The Power of YOUth Resistance
The 18th Annual Summer Symposium From Awareness to Action: The Power of YOUth Resistance, sponsored by the Academy for Human Rights, will inspire you to create change and take action in your community by learning from youth movements of the past and present.

Through engaging workshops, dynamic speakers, and hands-on activities, you'll explore how the struggles for justice in Selma, Alabama and Soweto, South Africa, connect to today's challenges. More importantly, you'll discover practical ways to stand up for what matters to you and make a real impact.

Here's what you'll experience over 3 days:
  • Inspiring stories of young people who changed history
  • Interactive sessions to build your leadership and activism skills
  • Opportunities to connect with peers who share your passion for justice

The Summer Symposium is open to all incoming 9th graders through graduating seniors. Held over three days on the Erie 1 BOCES campus in West Seneca, New York, participants will learn from recognized global human rights and social justice experts, see what change looks like in our Western New York region, and most importantly, build the skills needed to make an impact in our community, nation, and world.
July 14, 15, and 16, 2025
9 am - 4 pm
Erie 1 BOCES Center
West Seneca, NY
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Tuition: $175, financial assistance is available for those in need
Please email [email protected] with any questions.
Speakers​
Speaker information coming soon!
​​Content Warning: Participants and parents/guardians should know that discussions of, and imagery of war and conflict, violence (physical, emotional, sexual), and other sensitive topics will be covered throughout the Symposium. Multiple breaks and debriefs are built into the daily schedule and AHR staff encourage participants to take care of their needs as they see fit.