*Applications for the 2023 MYSummit are now closed.

The Mobilizing Youth Summit (MYSummit) is a three-day advocacy conference for young people aspiring to create change in their communities. The summit brings together 100 young people from across the southeastern region to engage with other youth advocates, city leaders, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and social activists. Attendees will participate in immersive workshops, thought-provoking roundtables, and inspiring keynotes, all while building their network of fellow changemakers who are working toward change in their local communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions for the  2023 Mobilizing Youth Summit (MYSummit)

What is MYSummit?

Hosted by Teen Health Mississippi and our partners, the Mobilizing Youth Summit (MYSummit) provides young people with an opportunity to increase awareness around issues affecting youth in their communities. Young people will collaborate with other youth advocates, local and state leaders, entrepreneurs, policy experts, and social activists to identify paths to move Mississippi forward. Attendees will participate in immersive workshops, thought-provoking roundtables, and inspiring keynotes, all while building their network of fellow changemakers who are working toward change in their local communities. 

When is MYSummit?

This year’s conference will be held June 8-11, 2023 at Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS. Check-in will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 8, 2023, and the conference will end at 12:00 PM on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

What is Teen Health Mississippi?

Teen Health Mississippi is a nonprofit based in Mississippi that focuses on increasing youth access to high-quality sex education and youth-friendly healthcare. We believe that when youth and adults work together, whole communities change. You can view more information about Teen Health Mississippi by clicking here.

What is the cost for participating?

Thanks to philanthropic support from our generous sponsors, there are no costs associated with participating in MYSummit. Housing, meals, snacks, conference materials, and activities are all covered by Teen Health Mississippi. Participants are only responsible for finding their own transportation to/from the conference. 

What should I bring to MYSummit?

  • Alarm clock
  • Phone and phone charger
  • Bed linens, including a comforter or blanket (sheets for twin XL size bed)
  • Pillow and pillow case
  • Bath towels
  • Toiletries (i.e.,  toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene products, etc.)
  • Shower shoes (i.e., flip flops)
  • Pajamas or sleepwear
  • Undergarments
  • Casual attire (i.e.,  khakis, jeans, blouses, button down shirts, etc.)
  • At least one (1) business casual outfit and one (1) semi-formal outfit
  • Comfortable shoes, including tennis shoes or sneakers
  • Prescription medications
  • Face mask(s)
  • Rain gear

*Please leave the following items at home: expensive jewelry or other valuables, controlled substances, televisions, video games, and weapons of any kind*

What is the dress code for MYSummit?

We want this to be a youth-friendly environment, so casual clothing (i.e., khakis, jeans, blouses, button down shirts, etc.) is perfectly fine. Upon arrival, each participant will also receive a conference t-shirt to be worn at some point during the conference. In addition to this, you will need at least 1 business casual outfit with comfortable shoes. You will also need one (1) semi-formal outfit + coordinating tennis shoes/sneakers for the Sneaker Gala on Friday, June 9. Please note that conference rooms may be cold, so be sure to pack a light sweater or jacket.

*Please be advised that photographers will be present, so we ask that you keep that in mind as you decide how to present yourselves each day.*

Do I have to stay for the entire duration of MYSummit?

Yes. As stated on the registration form, attendees are expected to participate in all conference activities scheduled during their conference dates. If for some reason, you are unable to participate fully or attend, please contact Alexis Hicks, Director of Youth Engagement and Advocacy, at (601) 487-1228 or alexis@teenhealthms.org. 

When and where will check-in for MYSummit take place?

Check-in will be held beginning at 10:00 AM in the designated residence hall lobby at Hinds Community College (Raymond campus). This location will be provided to confirmed attendees prior to the conference. All participants must be checked in by 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 8, 2023. NO EXCEPTIONS! Participants will receive all necessary materials and room assignments during this time.

Will Teen Health Mississippi provide transportation to and/or from MYSummit?

No. Participants are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from campus. Residence hall checkout and parent/guardian pick-up is scheduled from 12:00 pm-1:00 PM on Sunday, June 11, 2023.

Can I bring someone to MYSummit who is not registered?

No. On-site registration will not be available. Only registered and confirmed participants are allowed to attend.

Can my parent, guardian, or program coordinator come to MYSummit?

While your parent, guardian or program coordinator may not attend the conference as a participant, there will be portions of the conference in which they are invited to participate. Following check-in, we encourage all parents, guardians, and program coordinators to take part in the Parent/Guardian Information Session scheduled for 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Additionally, they may also join participants for the Welcome & Opening Session from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023. 

Who do I contact for disability-related assistance?

If you require a disability-related accommodation to fully participate in the conference, please contact Alexis Hicks, Director of Youth Engagement and Advocacy, at (601) 487-1228 or alexis@teenhealthms.org to discuss your needs. Some accommodations may take a while to arrange, so you are encouraged to contact us as soon as possible.

May I bring a vehicle to MYSummit?

Yes. We understand that some participants will drive themselves to the conference. However, please note that participants will not be allowed to use their vehicles during the conference. Upon check-in, participants who have brought a vehicle will be provided a parking pass and asked to turn over their keys until the conference concludes.

What do I need to bring for the residence halls?

You will need to bring linens for your bed. The beds in the residence halls are twin XL. We suggest that participants bring a light comforter or blanket, pillow, towels, toiletries, shower shoes, and any other necessary personal items.

Will I have a roommate in residence halls?

In order for participants to have a well-rounded experience, they will be assigned a roommate. Males and females will be housed in separate living spaces. We will do our best to honor roommate requests; however, we cannot guarantee a specific room assignment.

Will I be responsible for meals?

No. Participants will be provided with all meals during the duration of the conference. The following meals are provided:

  • Thursday, June 8 – lunch & dinner
  • Friday, June 9 – breakfast, lunch, & dinner
  • Saturday, June 10 – breakfast, lunch, & dinner
  • Sunday, June 11 – breakfast & lunch-to-go

Will I need money for MYSummit?

While you are not required to bring money to the conference, there will be exhibitors and vendors present during certain parts of the conference. If you are interested in making a purchase, you may do so at your own expense.

Will I have a curfew?

Yes. Participants are expected to be in the residence halls at the conclusion of the day’s activities. Residence halls will be monitored throughout the day and evening by staff members.

What is the COVID safety protocol for MYSummit?

The health and safety of all visitors to the 2023 MYSummit is our top priority. While we strongly encourage all attendees who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to do so, Teen Health Mississippi has decided that participants at the in-person 2023 MYSummit–whether an attendee, presenter, exhibitor, staff, guest, or vendor–is not required to be vaccinated. However, rapid testing and face masks will be available on-site during the check-in process.