PHS  Students Present At International TASH Conference  
 
December 14, 2007  
Wendy Christiansen and Paula Martin  
Pictures Courtesy of Wendy Christiansen  
   
PHS Teacher Wendy ChristiansenThe Community Inclusion Youth Leadership Team presented at the international TASH conference in Seattle on December 7. This skilled team ran a two and a half hour interactive workshop demonstrating leadership skills, “People First” language, and how they support people of all abilities. TASH is an international membership association leading the way to inclusive communities through research, education, and advocacy.

 PHS Student Paula MartinThe youth team of 18, supported by adult CIP members, was selected to present “The Power of the Youth” based upon a proposal they submitted last year. This group of high school youth plan and host monthly gatherings and four friendship events, focusing on cooperation, inclusion and participation. The CIP presenters showed those attending the conference how the Community Inclusion Program has impacted their lives, what CIP has accomplished in the Peninsula School District, and why programs like this should be developed in communities everywhere. The session included a panel of youth (Milissa Burkey and Miranda Matson) who shared their personal stories, facilitated by Paula Martin. A power point presentation representing “A Year in the Life of CIP,” gave an overview of the program and was led by Woody Shaufler and Brenna Spadoni. Melissa Foss and Maegan Jackson opened the session with a participatory welcome activity, which included audience members from as far away as Russia. Caitie Williams, Riley Sullivan and Noah Turgman led the interactive leadership break out groups, which the youth have used at their yearly leadership training. Other Peninsula High School youth who participated were Josh Burkey, Brittany White and Sean Duggan. These youth recognize the need for all students to have a sense of belonging in their school and community and showed others how they have impacted change in Pierce County. The response from this international audience was overwhelming and reinforced these young people to continue being a source of change, leading the way to inclusive communities. As a result of their presentation, they have received an invitation to present next year in Tennessee, later this spring in Aberdeen and they will be hosting a youth training in Vancouver B.C.

If you are interested in learning more about the Community Inclusion Program, please contact Wendy Christiansen at 530-4465 or stop by room 303 to pick up a brochure.
 		  
   
 		  
 
Lots of interest in CIP Youth Leadership Team Community Inclusion Youth Team    
     
 
Youth panel shares why CIP is important to them I Am A Leader Breakout  
     
   
 
  Riley Sullivan at the Welcome Table