Youth Summit Inspires Civic Leadership and Beloved Community Among Fresno County Students

On October 25–26, fifty students from 14 Fresno County schools gathered at Wonder Valley Ranch Resort for the annual Fresno County Youth Summit, hosted by the Civic Education Center. The two-day event brought together a diverse group of young leaders to explore civic engagement, dialogue, and the meaning of community through interactive workshops, keynote speakers, and outdoor team-building challenges.

Building the Beloved Community

The summit opened with an inspiring keynote by Dr. Stephen Morris, Executive Director of the Civic Education Center, who shared his personal journey of advocacy that began at age ten as a member of the Black Panther movement during the Civil Rights era. Dr. Morris introduced participants to the concept of “Somebodiness,” a term used by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to express the interconnectedness of all people and the moral foundation of the Beloved Community.

Students joined in a circle discussion reflecting on what a Beloved Community looks like today—highlighting key values such as mutual kindness, care for the greater good, and embracing cultural diversity.

Practicing Civil Dialogue

Following the theme of unity, Dr. John Minkler, Chief Operating Officer of CEC, led a session on the importance of civil dialogue—listening with respect and seeking common ground even in disagreement. Students learned and practiced the Civic Dialogue Agreements:

• Respect everyone

• Seek common ground (E Pluribus Unum)

• Listen with an open mind

• Step up, step back, include everyone

• Share ideas with courage and honesty

• Create your future

To put these principles into action, students participated in a lively “Island Scenario” activity, where they had to collaborate to survive and find common solutions. “At first, everyone wanted to win the argument,” one student reflected. “But eventually, we learned that collaboration and teamwork were the only way to succeed.”

Stories of Resilience and Leadership

During lunch, guest speaker Dr. Apriely McKinney, tax accountant and owner of Sisk Financial Services, Inc., shared her moving story of overcoming immense hardship—emancipated from foster care at age thirteen, serving in the military, and ultimately founding a successful financial business. Her message of perseverance and self-belief resonated deeply with students, especially when she revealed that she now gives back by providing scholarships to Fresno-area youth.

From Reflection to Action

Day two centered on civic dialogue and youth-led discussions exploring questions such as:

• What does America mean to you?

• What do you think needs to be fixed?

• How can youth help to create a better nation?

Students identified a range of issues they are passionate about, including media literacy, improving reading and literacy rates, tax reform, and teaching civic education at younger grade levels. These conversations laid the groundwork for future civic projects to be implemented in schools and communities across Fresno County.

The weekend also included Wonder Valley’s low and high ropes courses, fostering trust, unity, and courage among participants—physical metaphors for the emotional and intellectual challenges of civic dialogue.

Student Reflections

Many students described the Youth Summit as a transformative experience:

“Just being in a room of such educated and passionate individuals made me feel like my brain grew in size! I’m truly grateful for this experience—it was so powerful hearing everyone’s perspectives.”

Another participant shared:

“What I liked the most was digging deeper into problems in our world. It helped me understand more about our community—and that if you dig deep enough, there are always solutions.”

Looking Ahead

The Youth Summit’s ultimate goal—to nurture a Beloved Community where youth can engage in tough conversations with empathy and purpose—was fully realized. These fifty students now return to their schools equipped with stronger voices, deeper understanding, and the courage to lead.

Scout Island Leadership AdventureScheduled for January 29A full day of outdoor challenges and leadership experiences designed to strengthen collaboration, confidence, and civic teamwork.RSVP ➜ https://www.civicedcenter.org/scout-island-leadership-adventure

Civic Learning Conference – SacramentoScheduled for February 10–11Youth from across California will come together in Sacramento to celebrate America 250 and advance civic learning. More details to come on how you can participate.RSVP ➜ https://www.civicedcenter.org/copy-of-youth-civic-engagement-program

WHAT’S NEXT, YOU ASK?

Youth Service Council ➜ youthservicecouncil.com

Meeting DetailsDate: Wednesday, November 13Time: Food & Icebreaker at 4:00 PM | Meeting starts at 4:30 PMLocation: CEC Office – 700 Van Ness Ave, Suite 104, Fresno, CA

For more information about upcoming youth programs, visit civicedcenter.org or contact the Civic Education Center at info@civicedcenter.org.