Teens will face some tough topics at the first Teen Empowerment Day at Red Deer College on Nov. 23.
Organizer Nicole Maurier says she was motivated to create the free conference for teens after she heard seven local high school students committed suicide during the last school year.
The day will feature a variety of speakers. Miss Teen Red Deer Madison Fertig will talk about the impact suicide has on friends based on her loss of a friend. Teacher A.J. Mahoney will talk about the impact suicide has on a school community. Parents Dean and Nicole Williamson will share the impact of the loss of their son to suicide.
Chad Olsen will speak about the impact of drinking and driving after his decision to get behind the wheel killed a Red Deer couple.
Martial arts instructor Lyle Cheney will teach basic self defence moves to teens who find themselves in threatening situations.
Shane Feldman, an actor and activist from Toronto, will speak about the Count Me In Conference the largest youth run empowerment event of its kind.
Motivational speaker Darren Jacklin from Vancouver will also advise young people about how to stay positive during hard times.
The conference is free for teens.
Youth ages 13 to 17 are invited to take part in the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cenovus Learning Commons at Red Deer College.
The free event includes a complimentary lunch and a T-shirt. For full details and to register, visit teenempowermentday.eventzilla.net.