Annual Make a Difference Conference Takes Place in Virginia this Year

VIRGINIA, Minn. — An event inspiring students to help make a change in their communities took place in Virginia on Monday.

The Youth in Action group hosted its annual Make a Difference Conference. The mission of the event is all about educating young people to help through leadership, advocacy and service, all while making a positive change. Over 350 students registered for this event. The day featured exhibitors, student-led workshops, and a keynote speaker.

“It’s wonderful watching the students be able to evolve. Sometimes when they enter the program, they can be really quiet and timid and they really discover their voice and the importance they have as an individual,” said Taryn Burnett, St. Louis County Youth Program Coordinator. “They have so much knowledge and excitement and hope. They care about everybody around them. They care about what’s happening in their world and there’s a lot of hope and opportunity for that.”

This year’s theme is CREATE standing for Compassion, Resilience, Engage, Advocacy, Thoughtfulness and Empower. Students say they look forward to this event every year.

“I think it’s important just because it gets kids involved, it gets kids to look forward to in the year who are in Youth in Action, maybe even gets kids to join our club. It’s just a way to get us all together and it’s fun,” said Abbie Sather, junior student at Rock Ridge High School.

Youth in Action is a St. Louis County youth development program. Anyone is welcome to join. The Make a Difference Conference has been happening for 30 years.