The Oromo Youth Leadership Conference (OYLC) 2009

The Oromo Youth Leadership Conference (OYLC) 2009

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For three consecutive summers starting from 2006, Oromo youth from around the world have been gathering with fellow Oromo young woman and man to build their leadership skills and share their Oromumma through the Oromo Youth Leadership Conference (OYLC) which was initiated by two visionary young Oromo men in 2006 to create a network among Oromo youth from all across the globe. More than 120 Oromo youth from around the world have attended this conference since it started, taking part in rigorous, challenging, educational, as well as entertaining program. The participants discussed various issues related to the Oromo people, guided by prominent Oromo scholars and elders that were invited to educate the youth about their particular area of expertise. The issues discussed included the history and language of the Oromo nation, religion, region and gender issues in the community, the state of Oromo youth in exile, and the then current state of Oromia.

The preparation for the Fourth Oromo Youth Leadership Conference is underway. It will be held in Atlanta, GA from July 22 – July 24 under the theme “Know Yourself - Be Aware”. Everyone must check-in by Monday afternoon on July 21st and check-out by Saturday morning on July 25th. This year’s OYLC will be structured in a bit different way than before to better reflect the true intent of this conference, which is to empower and better equip participants to be active and better leaders in their community. There will be more hands-on assignments and projects that will require everyone’s participation during the conference, and less outside speakers compared to previous years. There will also be professional leadership trainers to guide us discover our leadership potential.

Here is an overview of the daily schedules for this year’s conference:

Theme Day 1: Know Yourself

• Introduction to IOYA

• Who we are as Oromos

• “Share Your Story” night

Theme Day 2: Be Aware

• Leadership Training with a trainer

• Applying what we learned to what we see in our Oromo community

• What can we do as members of IOYA

• Set IOYA goals and projects for the upcoming year

Theme Day 3: IOYA

• Training on Organizational management

• IOYA Committee presentations/sign-ups

• Election

• Formal Dinner night

There will be plenty of time for games, projects and getting to know one another.

The setting and coordination of the conference is designed to create a safe and secure venue for the participants to openly question, discuss, debate, critique, and communicate. The organizers of this conference are committed to make sure that all of our participants make the best out of their time with us.

There are limited numbers of spaces available for this year’s conference and registration is on first-come-first-serve basis, with priority given to new participants and deadline for registration being July 12, 2009. We ask all Oromos and friends of Oromo people to support our efforts morally, logistically and financially. We also call on all parents, guardians and family members to encourage their sons and daughters to attend this conference.

For questions, suggestions or comments please contact OYLC coordinators at

ioyapress@gmail.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

International Oromo Youth Association

OYLC Committee