All are welcome to attend the upcoming Live Q&A session to learn more about what to expect and how you can prepare for the forthcoming Conference.
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We are thrilled to welcome Advisors, Chaperones, Tribal Leaders, and your youth participants to the upcoming 2025 UNITY Midyear Conference! This year’s event will feature engaging, hands-on training focused on Digital Storytelling—a powerful tool to amplify Native youth voices and advocate for the National UNITY Council’s Top Ten Issues.
What’s New This Year?
Every conference participant will join a small group of 10 peers to create impactful media projects collaboratively. Each group will produce:
- One 1-minute YouTube UNITY News video aimed at community engagement.
- Four Instagram graphics in carousel format for awareness-raising.
- One 30-second PSA Reel video targeted to raise awareness among their peers.
Through this process, participants will learn to:
- Utilize digital storytelling for advocacy.
- Develop skills in scripting, filming, editing, and publishing.
- Collaborate effectively to deliver multimedia content tailored to specific audiences.
What to Bring:
While participation does not require any specific equipment, we encourage youth to bring the following if available to them:
- Laptops, Chromebooks, or tablets.
- Smartphones or digital video cameras.
- Mini microphones for phones or other recording devices.
UNITY will provide one tablet per group with the necessary software for editing videos and graphics. Any additional equipment youth bring will enhance their experience and contribute to the group’s creative process.
Keynote Speakers
Native youth will also hear from renowned experts in Indigenous storytelling, representing diverse fields such as film, social media, and news broadcasting. These keynote speakers will inspire attendees with their experience shaping narratives that celebrate resilience, culture, and leadership.
Training Overview:
The 8-hour training will guide participants through:
- Research & Pre-Production – Groups will select a topic, research facts, and plan their deliverables through scripting and storyboarding.
- Production – Participants will film and design content using collaborative techniques.
- Post-Production – Teams will edit and finalize their media projects with guidance from trainers.
- Presentation & Reflection – Groups will present their work, share reflections, and discuss the impact of digital storytelling in their communities.
Prepare for a Transformative Experience
UNITY’s Midyear Conference is not just a training—it’s an opportunity for Native youth to take ownership of their narratives, collaborate with peers, and gain valuable skills to effect positive change in their communities.
If you have any questions about the event or preparations, please don’t hesitate to contact us at headquarters@unityinc.org. We’re excited to see you in Phoenix and witness the incredible creativity and leadership your youth will bring to the table.
Thank you for your support in making this experience impactful and memorable!
Warm regards,
UNITY Midyear Conference Team