The 2023 Youth Transportation Equity Convening is revolutionizing how Americans perceive transportation systems nation-wide. Focused on BIPOC youth advocacy, the gathering brings together renowned industry experts, youth champions, and transportation partners to foster meaningful dialogues and craft innovative solutions for the most pressing transportation challenges affecting youth.
Organized by the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS), a youth-centered organization promoting safety and equity within and beyond the transportation field, the event will be held on September 16, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Rhodes College, 2000 North Parkway, in Memphis.
Addressing traffic violence, preventing avoidable traffic fatalities and injuries, and achieving equitable mobility for all requires access to efficient transportation. Through a series of interactive sessions led by expert presenters, convening attendees will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing youth within the transportation system. Participants will also learn about urban planning and policy initiatives that will help create inclusive transportation networks. Keynote speakers are highly-regarded representatives from organizations in the transportation sector, including BLDG Memphis, National Youth Bike Council, Safe Kids Worldwide, National Transportation Safety Board, and Safe Routes Partnership.
The convening brings together youth advocates from a wide range of locations nationwide. The event aims to foster a sense of unity, establish long-lasting connections, and create an extensive network of youth and young adult transportation equity advocates. With this in mind, the convening welcomes allies and affiliates with a vested interest in supporting this mission, regardless of their cultural, geographic, or socioeconomic background.
“Youth are the future architects of our transportation systems,” said Jacob Smith, NOYS Executive Director, “Consequently, their input should be sought, their voices respected, and their perspectives elevated. Through community-strengthening activities, constructive roundtable discussions, and a shared commitment to effecting change, convening attendees will depart the event as informed advocates and emerging leaders, ready to drive change within their communities.”
Comprehensive information regarding the conference schedule, speakers, and accommodations can also be found on the website as well as here: Convening Agenda.
About NOYS
National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) is a national youth-powered organization leveraging 25+ years of collaborative engagement and expertise to position young people to lead in addressing the most pressing youth health and safety issues affecting them today – with mobility safety being a key issue. Founded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, NOYS has played an integral part in the traffic safety industry by supporting youth (15-29) in developing youth-led mobility safety programs and campaigns. Youth are mobilized to take action through peer-to-peer education, community mobilization, and youth-powered advocacy. NOYS is the only national youth-led organization in the U.S. with the largest base of youthserving and youth-led organizations focused on youth health and safety. Stay connected and join the conversation on social media using #MakeNOYS on X, Instagram, and Facebook.