Healthy Futures’ 13th Annual Symposium: Learn, Laugh, Lead!
On May 6-9, hundreds of sexual health educators, public health professionals, and youth advocates from across Texas and surrounding states will converge in Austin. The reason: to attend Healthy Futures of Texas’ 13th Annual Symposium.
This annual learning opportunity has become a “must-attend” event for countless youth-serving professionals who help young Texans navigate their adolescent years. Participants receive comprehensive training, technical support, and a chance to network with experts in adolescent sexual and reproductive health. Add in the opportunity to earn continuing education hours across multiple disciplines, and for many, it’s simply too valuable of a gathering to pass up.
In addition to a packed program, this year’s Symposium features several exceptional voices and leaders who will inspire you to continue the important work you do.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Doing the important work of supporting our youth can be both personally fulfilling and stress-inducing. Mayra Reyes, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – and a Certified Laughter Yoga Instructor – knows the challenges of this emotional rollercoaster. She’ll lead attendees through a Laughter Yoga Session that will remind you of the power of laughter in helping you manage your mental health.
Mayra adds: “I can’t wait to share the importance of adding laughter and breathing exercises to your daily routines. Even if you don’t feel like laughing, my session will have a room full of ho-ho-ha-ha-has!”
Yes, There is an “I” in Leadership
The Symposium’s second day features an empowering plenary from Dr. Eboni Calbow. Dr. Calbow is on the leadership team at Dell Medical School’s Youth and Families-Integrated Behavioral Health Scholars Program, as well as the founder and CEO of two behavioral health practices.
Her keynote, entitled “Yes, there is an ‘I’ in Leadership,” delivers an inspiring message. As Dr. Calbow proclaims: “If you are a professional who devotes your time to serving young Texans, you are a leader. And, being a leader often requires stepping into unfamiliar or challenging spaces with courage. I’m thrilled to help build communities of support and create spaces for leading with empathy and compassion.”
Art Imitates Life
The Symposium kicks off with a captivating performance by Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble. Delivered in partnership with Expect Respect, Changing Lives is an ensemble of teen artists-activists who create original performances focused on violence prevention, healthy relationships, and social justice.
Their performance, “Weathering the Storm,” says the quiet part out loud by asking us: How can I find my true self if everyone is telling me to go another way? Why is it difficult to say no sometimes? Who can I be my full self with, and why?
By doing so, Changing Lives gives young adults the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support healthy relationships and stand up against violence and bullying as courageous allies. At Healthy Futures, we are humbled by the altruism, voices, and perspectives of youth. We are thrilled to see this powerful performance from youth dedicated to improving the well-being of youth just like them.
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The Symposium is your exclusive ticket to engage with the brightest minds in the industry. Our distinguished speakers are set to deliver a dynamic blend of expertise and inspiration, ensuring an unmissable event that will leave a lasting impact on your professional journey.
REGISTER TODAY | SEE FULL SCHEDULE | SEE ALL SPEAKERS
You won’t want to miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn, laugh and lead! See you at the 13th Annual Healthy Futures Symposium!
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All Sessions & Workshops:
MONDAY, MAY 6 – IN PERSON
- Registration Table Opens
- Coffee with Exhibitors
- Welcome
- Changing Lives Youth Theatre Ensemble Performance
- Break with Exhibitors
- Ways to Engage Youth in Uncomfortable Conversations
- Advocacy & Health Care
- Education 101 – What the Health?
- BRI.A: A Faith-Based Lens to Sexual Health
- The Integration of Social Determinants of Health in Family Planning Settings from Underserved Youth
- Shhhh! Don’t Say Sex! Trauma Informed Sexual Health in a Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) setting.
- A Participatory and Equity Focused Approach to Outcome Measurement
- Lunch (provided) & Break with Exhibitors
- They Did What?!: Adolescent Mental Health in Today’s Complex Society
- Expanding and Exploring Effective Strategies in College and University Campuses Across South Texas
- Marketing: Exploring Innovative Strategies for Engaging Young Adults
- Prepare Me As a Healthcare Provider: Lessons Learned from a College-Level Human Sexuality Course
- Reproductive Health and Neuro-developmental Differences
- Effectively Mentoring Teens and Young Adults: Opportunities, Challenges, and Solutions
- Closing Keynote
- Laughter: It’s No Laughing Matter
- IUD Training (Clinicians Only)
- Exhibitor Mix and Mingle
TUESDAY, MAY 7 – IN PERSON
- Registration Table Opens
- Coffee with Exhibitors
- Breakfast Trivia
- Opening Keynote: Dr. Eboni Calbow
- Break with Exhibitors
- Beyond the Bathroom Poster: Recognizing & Preventing Teen Trafficking
- Comparing Evidence-Based Sexual Health Curricula and the New Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
- Exploring Misconceptions about the LatinX Community to Shift Harmful Cultural Narratives
- “You Don’t Need a License to Drive a Stolen Car.” Counseling Challenges for Juvenile Justice Youth
- Strategies to address rising rates of sexually transmitted infections among Texas youth
- Sexual Behaviors & Use of Dating Apps among Young Adult College Students: An Exploratory Pilot Study
- Lunch (provided) + Poster Session
- Contraceptive Counseling Lunch (RSVP Required)
- Break with Exhibitors
- We’re All in This Together: A Comprehensive Approach to Preventing Teen Dating Violence
- Bringing Sex Ed to Your School: Overcoming Challenges and Finding Solutions
- Increasing Health Equity with Youth-Centered Approaches
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8 – IN PERSON – EXTENDED WORKSHOPS
- Workshop #1: Puberty: Beyond Pimples and Periods
- Workshop #2: Advanced Facilitation Skills
- Workshop #3: Facilitating Sex Ed: A Deeper Dive
THURSDAY, MAY 9 – VIRTUAL ONLY
- Advocacy 101: Engaging to Support Healthy Youth
- Planning for Periods to be Less Heavy, more Healthy
- Incorporating Inclusive Practices in Your Organization
- Building Secure Attachment through the Circle of Security
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*Schedule Subject to Change. Direct Symposium questions to Melanie at mchasteen@healthyfutures-tx.org.
