About
KidSpeak® is a free annual forum facilitated by the Mayor’s Youth Council, managed by Our Community’s Children, that gives young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade the opportunity to speak directly to legislators, community leaders, and school officials about issues of importance to them.
Sponsorships
This event is sponsored by: Mayor’s Youth Council, Michigan’s Children, Our Community’s Children, and the City of Grand Rapids.
KidSpeak® 2024KidSpeak® 2023KidSpeak® 2022KidSpeak® 2021KidSpeak® 2020KidSpeak® 2019KidSpeak® 2018KidSpeak® 2017
KidSpeak® 2024: My City, My Plan
Friday, April 19, 2024
10 a.m. to Noon
In Person: Grand Rapids City Hall, 9th floor City Commission Chambers
300 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Streamed live on the City of Grand Rapids Facebook page and YouTube channel.
While the City of Grand Rapids continues to grow and its residents become increasingly more involved with the planning for future development, the voices and perspectives of our city’s youth are needed now more than ever. The diverse and expanding characteristics of daily life are not only important to our city’s adult population but also play a vital role for our youth who will someday guide the city through many of the same challenges that are critical today. The importance of planning new, inclusive after school programs, providing accessible transportation, and deterring youth substance abuse are just a few issues youth feel are imperative for city leaders to consider when designing what tomorrow’s Grand Rapids should look like.
During KidSpeak® 2024: My City, My Plan, young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade will have an intentional space to give testimony and offer recommendations to policymakers and community leaders for future planning.
KidSpeak® is an annual forum facilitated by the Mayor’s Youth Council, managed by Our Community’s Children, that gives young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade the opportunity to speak directly to legislators, community leaders, and school officials about issues of importance to them. Our Community’s Children is a public/private partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners.
Mandated Reporters: These are people like teachers, counselors, after school providers, etc. that are required by law to report any circumstances that put you or someone else in danger. Mandated reporters will be present at KidSpeak® this year as they have been every year.
Youth Speakers: You will read your testimony during KidSpeak® when called upon. If you need help with securing a good internet connection for the length of this program (2 hours) please let us know by emailing occyouth@grcity.us.
KidSpeak® 2023: SAFE – Scholars Achieving Fearless Endeavors
Friday, April 21st, 2023
10 a.m. to Noon.
In Person: Grand Rapids City Hall, 9th floor City Commission Chambers
300 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 & Streamed Live on the City of Grand Rapids and GRPS Facebook & YouTube
Creating and nurturing safe environments for scholars of all levels is paramount to their success and growth in our ever changing world. This year’s Mayor’s Youth Council has chosen to bring scholar safety to the forefront for topics related to safe environments in school, at home, and in their community during the annual KidSpeak® forum. The growing call for more enhanced and secure measures related to safety is not only relevant to youth in today’s world but will continue to be a leading issue as both youth and adults navigate their desire for safe environments. During KidSpeak® 2023: SAFE – Scholars Achieving Fearless Endeavors, young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade will have a safe space to give testimony and offer recommendations to policymakers and community leaders for action.
KidSpeak® is an annual forum facilitated by the Mayor’s Youth Council, managed by Our Community’s Children, that gives young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade the opportunity to speak directly to legislators, community leaders, and school officials about issues of importance to them. Our Community’s Children is a public/private partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners.
Mandated Reporters: These are people like teachers, counselors, after school providers, etc. that are required by law to report any circumstances that put you or someone else in danger. Mandated reporters will be present at KidSpeak this year as they have been every year.
KidSpeak® 2022: Educate, Cherish & Conserve
Friday, May 20th
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
In Person: Grand Rapids City Hall, 9th floor City Commission Chambers
300 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49503 & Streamed Live on the City of Grand Rapids and GRPS Facebook & YouTube
Education, mental health, and the environment . . . These three subjects impact young lives every day in every way. This year’s Mayor’s Youth Council has chosen not one, but three topics to be lifted up during the annual KidSpeak® forum. Council members found the topics to be highly relevant, frequently interconnected, and often world changing. During KidSpeak® 2022: Educate (K-12), Cherish (mental health), & Conserve (environment), young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade will have a safe space to give testimony and offer recommendations to policymakers and community leaders for action.
KidSpeak® is an annual forum facilitated by the Mayor’s Youth Council, managed by Our Community’s Children, that gives young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade the opportunity to speak directly to legislators, community leaders, and school officials about issues of importance to them. Our Community’s Children is a public/private partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners.
Listening panelists are not required to speak but if time permits, they will be prompted to share their thoughts.
Mandated Reporters: These are people like teachers, counselors, after school providers, etc. that are required by law to report any circumstances that put you or someone else in danger. Mandated reporters will be present at KidSpeak this year as they have been every year.
KidSpeak® 2021: Beyond the Virus
Friday, April 30th
10 a.m. to Noon
Streamed Live on the City of Grand Rapids and GRPS Facebook & YouTube
How youth navigate the challenges of life to reach healthy outcomes is equal to any other stage of development. Layer on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had. It’s worthy of exploration… by youth. This year’s Mayor’s Youth Council selected this topic so that young people have a safe place to voice their concerns and offer action steps for the education system, government, healthcare, parents and the community. Most importantly, the Mayor’s Youth Council wants other youth to know that talking about their mental health is necessary and normal, now and “Beyond the Virus.”
KidSpeak® is an annual forum facilitated by the Mayor’s Youth Council, managed by Our Community’s Children, that gives young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade the opportunity to speak directly to legislators, community leaders, and school officials about issues of importance to them. Our Community’s Children is a public/private partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners.
KidSpeak Virtual Lounge: There will be a KIDSPEAK VIRTUAL LOUNGE open to anyone after the event to further converse with mental health professionals about what they’ve heard. The Lounge will be available from noon to 1 p.m. in a designated room within Zoom. This portion of the program is not mandatory and will not be recorded.
Mandated Reporters: These are people like teachers, counselors, after school providers, etc. that are required by law to report any circumstances that put you or someone else in danger. Mandated reporters will be present at KidSpeak this year as they have been every year.
KidSpeak® 2020: See Past the Stigma
NOTICE: For the health and well-being of our youth and obeying the Governor’s directive to close the schools as well as the CDC’s recommendation to limit crowd sizes and maximize social distancing, we have decided to cancel KidSpeak 2020. Check back later for if/when this annual program will be rescheduled.
Mental health affects everyone. How youth navigate the challenges of life to reach healthy outcomes is equal to any other stage of development. This year’s Mayor’s Youth Council (MYC) selected this topic so that youth have a place to voice their concerns and an opportunity to offer recommendations for community action. Most importantly, the MYC want youth to know that talking about their mental health is necessary and normal.
KidSpeak® is an annual forum facilitated by the Mayor’s Youth Council, managed by Our Community’s Children, that gives young people in kindergarten through 12th-grade the opportunity to speak directly to legislators, community leaders, and school officials about issues of importance to them. Our Community’s Children is a public/private partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners.
KidSpeak Lounge: There will be a KIDSPEAK LOUNGE open to anyone after the event to further converse with mental health professionals about what they’ve heard. The Lounge will be available from noon to 1 p.m. in a designated room within city hall.
KidSpeak® 2019: In MY Neighborhood I Would…
Friday, April 19, 2019
10 a.m. to noon; complimentary lunch immediately following event
Grand Rapids City Hall – City Commission Chambers
How one defines and describes their neighborhood can be a very personal thing. And just like art, how one interprets where they live is in the eye of the beholder. Youth typically do not have a seat at the table when neighborhoods are designed, built, or revitalized but they certainly contribute to its essence, vibrancy and sustainability. During KidSpeak 2019: In MY Neighborhood I Would . . . , youth will be asked to respond to how they would design an ideal neighborhood and address the challenges they currently face living where they do.
KidSpeak® 2018
Friday, April 27, 2018
10 a.m. to noon; complimentary lunch immediately following event
Grand Rapids City Hall – City Commission Chambers
People from all over the world come to this great country for many different reasons. They speak other languages, bring their customs and practice their traditions. But, oftentimes walls are created to separate those who are concerned about the demands on resources and homeland security from those who embrace community inclusion and celebrate diversity. These issues are not mutually exclusive. As the debate continues, hear directly from young people who have something to say. Check out the video here:
KidSpeak® 2017: ColorBlind
The Grand Rapids Mayor’s Youth Council with Our Community’s Children hosted KidSpeak® 2017: ColorBlind. Friday, April 21, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Grand Rapids City Hall in the City Commission Chambers. This event was in partnership with Michigan’s Children, the City of Grand Rapids, and the Grand Rapids Public Schools and the Racial Equity Here Initiative – GR Core Team. Thirty young people testified in front of elected officials, school officials and community leaders about how Grand Rapids can be a more racially equitable city. Check out the video here:
