Previous Programs

The 2020 Summer Symposium: Mission AccomplisheD!

Over 70 young change-makers from six states and five countries, joining their voices for a better world.

Let me start by saying how thankful I am for this amazing opportunity.
I have learned so much in the past one week that has helped me see the world and my life in a complete different perspective.
This Symposium made me realize my strengths and how I can use the power and influence that I have to change the world.

An impact on the community:

Since its founding in 2008, the Summer Symposium has trained over 500 high school students in the Buffalo area.
While many of its alumni are now entering high profile careers in government, public service, and diplomacy, virtually all of its participants have remarked that the program has inspired them to use their talents for the benefit of humanity, regardless of what profession they enter, creating a ripple effect that will be felt for generations.

---------- Looking at the last four programs ----------

Interns brainstorming with students for their program project

Students on first day of Summer Symposium 2016

Students with staff member Jim Gang

Student describing her painting during session with artist Nada Odeh

The 2020 Program hosted over 75 students and teachers from 25 area schools via zoom. Highlights included:

Becoming Culturally Competent and being an ally to minorities with Antoinette Amos
International Lawyer David Crane speaking on women being used as a weapon of war
Human Rights Through Art with Nada Odeh is a Syrian artist, activist, humanitarian and a modern-day poet.
Skill building groups create community organizing projects on a topic of their interest

The 2019 Program hosted over 70 students and teachers from 25 area schools. Highlights included:

Visits with civil rights leaders at Underground Railroad site Michigan Street Baptist Church and the Underground Railroad Museum
Donating carts full of supplies to a local refugee center
Connecting Harry Potter and Human Rights with Allida Black,
director of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project
Development of student-created events in their communities to raise awareness of causes they care about

The 2018 Program hosted over 75 students and teachers from 25 area schools. Highlights included:

Free-speech activist Mary Beth Tinker, of the landmark 1969 Supreme Court Tinker v. Des Moines Independent School District case, that paved the way for free speech in schools
Donating essential supplies to a local refugee center
Projects in which students created events their communities to raise awareness of causes they care about
Discussion with Congolese war survivor Sandra Uwiringiyimana

The 2017 Program hosted over 70 students and teachers from 15 area schools.
Highlights included:

Syrian refugee and artist, Nada Odeh teaching how to make a difference through art
Discussion with International War Crimes Prosecutor David Crane
Hearing from Somalian-American Habiba Mohamed
Producing an I Am Syria Video with the international organization Standing for Syrian Refugees