September 11, 2026 |Events, News, Youth

Lynn Youth Invited to Connect, Lead and Be Heard at Youth Voice Summit

Share

• F
• T
• L

From the Lynn Youth & Adolescence Task Force: High-school-aged youth from across Lynn are invited to participate in the Youth Voice Summit on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Girls Inc., 50 High St., Lynn.

Organized in collaboration with the Lynn Youth & Adolescence Task Force, the free summit is designed to create a welcoming space where young people can connect with one another, discuss issues that matter to them, strengthen their leadership skills and recognize the power of their voices in shaping their community.

Girls Inc of Boston & Lynn is a vital partner in the effort allowing the use of their space. 

“This summit is about making sure young people know that their voices matter. We don’t just want young people to attend. We want them to share their ideas, talk about what they are experiencing, build relationships with one another and see themselves as people who can help shape the future of Lynn.”

Lynn City Councilor Nicole McClain

Workshops Designed Around Youth

Following opening remarks and a keynote from Club Cultivate, participants will choose from interactive breakout sessions focused on mental health and arts and creative expression. 

The afternoon will continue with workshops focused on building community power, led by Neighbor to Neighbor Youth, and a youth leadership workshop, led by Mr. Willenbrock, a teacher at Marshall Middle School. 

The summit will conclude with remarks from Jhonattan Santelises of JAS Nutri-Fit, who will share his story with participants.

Young people will also be able to learn more about opportunities to become involved with the Youth & Adolescence Task Force, providing a pathway for youth who want to continue participating and contributing beyond the summit.

Local Businesses Step Up for Lynn Youth

Several local restaurants and community businesses have generously donated food and treats so that young people attending the summit can enjoy the afternoon at no cost.

Food and refreshments are being donated by Root North Shore of Salem, April’s Pub & Restaurant, La Copa, Golden Monkey, Superior, Old Tyme Italian Cuisine, Scopa Italian Kitchen & Bar, and Dairy Queen Grill & Chill.

“We are incredibly grateful for the businesses and community partners who have stepped up to support Lynn’s young people. When we tell young people that their voices matter, our actions should demonstrate that. Every organization and business investing in this summit is helping us show our young people that this community values them.”

Danissa Lopez, Y&A Taskforce member

Participants will also receive swag and gift cards, and the afternoon will conclude with an ice cream truck outside, provided through the Lynn Police Department. 

Essex County Community Foundation Supports Youth Voice

Organizers extend special thanks to the Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) for providing grant funding to help make the Youth Voice Summit possible.

ECCF’s investment is helping organizers provide the summit as a free event for Lynn youth and create an experience centered on connection, leadership, community engagement and youth voice.

“Funding opportunities like this allow us to do more than tell young people we believe in them,”  said Linda Nor Mayor’s Office Representative, “They allow us to create spaces, provide resources and build opportunities that demonstrate that investment in a tangible way.”

The event is free and open to high-school-aged youth in Lynn. Registration is encouraged.