Lucy Johnson, deputy assistant secretary for rural outreach, will participate in two panel discussions at the Appalachian Regional Commission’s “Investing in Appalachia’s Youth” 2014 Conference on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the Marriott Shoals Hotel in Florence, Alabama. The conference will focus on strategies communities can use to engage their young people and build a stronger future, including access to high-quality educational, employment opportunities, and empowering young people to strengthen their involvement with the community.
Johnson will moderate the panel, “New Sparkplugs: Youth + Leadership + Change Agents,” which will examine effective youth leadership programs that expose young people to community issues, teach leadership skills, and build relationships that can help communities reach their economic development goals. She will also participate in the panel “From Our View: Young Appalachians Roundtable,” in which young professionals who have committed to living in and serving rural Appalachian communities will describe the paths that led to their choice; offer perspectives on the rewards, opportunities, and challenges young adults encounter in rural and economically distressed communities; and share insights on how community leaders can engage and empower young residents.