Eighty-five high school students from throughout the greater Omaha metro area gathered together in early February for the 2009 Youth Leadership Forum. This free forum was designed to help students learn that through leadership, they can change their lives, communities and the future. Created by the Youth Leadership Omaha Ambassadors, the weekend event was held at Creighton University's Harper Center and was sponsored by the AIM Institute and Creighton University.

The Youth Leadership Omaha Ambassadors are 11th- and 12th-grade graduates of Youth Leadership Omaha. In addition to developing the forum theme, "Change," the Ambassadors chose the breakout topics, recruited attendees, registered students, facilitated icebreakers, introduced speakers, and served as moderators.

Keynote speaker for Friday evening was Daniel Lawse, energy outreach associate at the Neighborhood Center. Lawse's presentation described how student's actions can have a positive impact on the environment. Students then danced to music mixed by DJ Romeo from KQCH 94.1.

Saturday breakout sessions covered careers, politics and leadership development. Thomas Warren Sr., president and CEO of the Urban League of Nebraska, provided the lunchtime keynote presentation on changes he has observed in Omaha and the importance of students making positive choices about their future. To cap off the day, the theater group Respect2All presented Reporting, a drama depicting the potentially tragic consequences of bullying and the empowerment of the bystander to report bullying behaviors.

Student Comments:

"I really enjoyed the different breakout sessions and the Respect2All group."

"I liked everything that I learned and can apply in my life and what I can do more to prepare."

For more information about Youth Leadership Omaha and Youth Leadership Ambassadors, please contact Maryanne Rouse at (402) 280-2613 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Bill Lutz at (402) 345-5025 Ext. 124 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it