January 8, 2025
8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
In Person - UConn Storrs
2025 Theme: "Connection & Community"
Change cannot be achieved alone. Connecting with one another, across boundaries and spaces is vital to making a more perfect world. Building and sustaining community between and with one another is central to uplifting and defending human rights for all.
At this youth summit, you will be encouraged to explore issues close to home in your communities and find connections on how to take action on said issues. Workshops and discussions will focus on this core theme of Connection & Community, and help provide resources and education for building and getting in touch with these communities.
About the Youth Summit
We are pleased to announce the fourth annual Human Rights Close to Home Youth Summit! This one-day summit is designed by youth for youth and convenes high school students, activists, and allies from around Connecticut to learn and mobilize as a community. It will take place on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the University of Connecticut Storrs Campus.
The Youth Summit is part of Human Rights Close to Home (HRCH), which is an innovative three-year pilot program that engages educators and youth in the development and implementation of human rights education. Its goal is to encourage civic action to strengthen democracy and respect for human rights in our Connecticut communities and beyond. The Youth Summit is created and led by the HRCH Youth Advisory Team. This event is a one-day educational space for young activists and allies from around Connecticut to come together to learn about, for, and through human rights.
Throughout the day at the 2025 Youth Summit, students and educators will participate in workshops and activities designed by youth and will interact with a wide range of speakers, from fellow youth activists to professional human rights advocates. The goal at each youth summit is to provide powerful learning experiences that enable and encourage attendees to take action for human rights back in their local communities.
Students & Teachers - Register Now!
Interested in attending the HRCH Youth Summit? Register by Monday, November 25, 2024.
At this time, the Youth Summit is open only to Connecticut high school students and teachers. Each school is limited to a maximum of 25 students.
Educators: Please plan to arrange transportation using your district/school provided transportation resources. If transportation assistance is needed, please contact the HRCH Youth Advisory Team coordinators below. Please note, UConn Dodd Human Rights Impact Programs cannot guarantee transportation assistance.
Please direct any questions to the HRCH Youth Advisory Team Co-Coordinators:
- Chris Buckley (christopher.n.buckley@uconn.edu)
- Abigail Esposito (abigail.esposito@uconn.edu)
- Jake Skrzypiec (jacob.skrzypiec@uconn.edu)
Submit A Student Presentation Proposal
Interested in presenting your human rights work at the Youth Summit? Submit a proposal today using the Call for Presentation Proposals Form.
For help in designing your proposal please view the Youth Summit Presentation Proposal Guide.
HRCH Youth Advisory Team
Hafsa Biyikli, E.O. Smith High School
Lilly Rose Coleman, Manchester High School
Hasana Davis, E.O. Smith High School
Isabella Famularo, E.O. Smith High School
Taylor Jackson, Bloomfield High School
Jasmine Smith, Manchester High School
Tahsin Subah, East Hartford High School
HRCH Youth Advisory Team Coordinators
Chris Buckley, Social Studies Teacher, Brookfield High School
Abby Esposito, Social Studies Teacher, Conard High School
Jake Skrzypiec, Social Studies Teacher, Manchester High School
Human Rights Close to Home (HRCH) is an initiative of Dodd Human Rights Impact Programs, a part of the Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute at UConn. HRCH would not be possible without the vision and support of Senator Christopher Dodd, Shari Redstone, and the Redstone Family Foundation.
Learn more about HRCH on our homepage.