Youth Congress seeks volunteer opportunities

“Our Community Counts: GIV (Get Into Volunteering)” is the title of the 22nd annual Youth Congress sponsored by the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation (CLVFF).

The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat., March 18 at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village.

The 16-student planning committee wants local nonprofit organizations and agencies that could benefit from teenage volunteers to participate in the program.

Each organization will have an information table where students can browse and discuss volunteer opportunities.

More than 100 students are expected to participate in the event, a CLVFF spokesperson said.

Student representatives from the Conejo Valley, Las Virgenes and Oak Park unified school districts, as well as students from such private schools as Oaks Christian High School, La Reina High School and Viewpoint School, have been meeting regularly to plan the event.

Each year the school administrators choose student leaders to plan a forum relevant to teens. According to Fran Brough, executive director of the foundation, the students are responsible for choosing the congress format, publicizing the event at their schools and suggesting speakers and other guests with expertise on the chosen topic.

CLVFF trustee Daniel Quisenberry is the chief adult advisor for Youth Congress.

“Youth Congress sets a foundation for the future lives of its participants,” Quisenberry said. “This year’s exceptionally energetic and creative planning committee has recognized the importance of giving back to the community. We have some great speakers and interactive components and this Youth Congress will be better than ever.”

Quisenberry is assisted by Brough, Pat Croner of The College Match, former Thousand Oaks High School peer counseling advisor Skip Shaver, and Audrey Brown, assistant city manager of Westlake Village.

The deadline for agencies to sign up to participate is Wed., March 8. Interested nonprofit organizations and agencies may call the CLVFF office at (818) 880-1054.

The congress is also seeking sponsorship from local businesses to financially support the event or donate a door prize suitable for high school students. —Stephanie Bertholdo