Youth PINNACLE Retreat

On May 31st-June 1st,Youth Involvement Specialists, Amber Myers and Lex Fisher attended the first ever Pennsylvania Innovative Action Leadership (PINNACLE) retreat in Harrisburg. The purpose of this retreat was to jumpstart the process of creating a state-wide networking group of young adults. This network will consist of individuals who are part of multiple diverse youth leadership organizations around Pennsylvania, such as 4-H, CHANGE, Pennsylvania Youth Leadership Network (PYLN), etc.
There were about 25 participants that came from a variety of areas in Pennsylvania including: Millersville University, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, etc. The event was sponsored by PYLN and the Department of Education.
PINNACLE’s mission is “to provide a networking opportunity where the most dynamic and diverse groups of inspiring young and youth-thinking people can collaborate to plan changes in our community through sharing leadership practices, professional develop, civic engagement, and social networking.”
The most fascinating thing about this retreat was that it was not centered solely on mental health. The youth leadership aspect was targeted towards ALL youth, regardless of whether or not they have a mental health challenge or disability. Our hope is to create a unified group that encourages and shares new and successful ways to expand and strengthen youth leadership throughout all groups and organizations.
Throughout the two days spent together, the group brainstormed ways on how to continue moving the project forward, which included discussing an action plan regarding funding, participation, membership, logistics, activities, etc. There will be more information to follow as we watch this great opportunity take off!

Amber & Lex