2026 Family and Youth Engagement Summit

Join us for the 6th Annual Family and Youth Engagement Summit!
About this Event

Step into a whole new world of engagement.

The 6th Annual Family and Youth Engagement Summit invites youth, families, system professionals and community leads to come together for a day of connection and reimagining. Inspired by Aladdin, this year's theme challenges us to move beyond "how things have always been" and imagine what's possible when youth and families are true partners.

What to Expect

• Interactive workshops led or co-led by individuals with lived experience in juvenile justice and/ or child welfare
• Creative and innovative approaches to engagement
• Real conversations about belonging, healing, and system transformation
• Opportunities to connect with youth, families and professionals across Iowa
• Fun! We'll have a themed photobooth, door prizes, free lunch, activity room, well-being room, and tons of exhibitors!

Keynote Speaker: Aubrey "Mister Aubs." Barnes

Aubrey Barnes, internationally recognized as Mister Aubs, is a poet, writer, educator, and community builder from Rock Island, Illinois. His work has made a lasting impact on both local and international communities through the power of poetry, education, and creative expression. He is the founder of Young Lions Roar, a literary and arts-based organization that empowers young people through poetry, creative writing, and mental wellness practices. Through workshops, open mics, and educational programming, Aubrey
fosters spaces where youth and community members alike can use their voices to heal, connect, and inspire change.

His keynote, "A Whole New Word: Poetry, Consciousness, and Co-Designing Healing with Youth and Families” is a transformative keynote that reimagines poetry as both ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Through storytelling, reflection, and lived experience, Aubrey K. Barnes explores how writing becomes a bridge between inner suffering and shared understanding. Centered on youth voice and collective healing, this talk invites community leaders, system professionals, clinicians, educators and others to move beyond intervention and toward co-creation—where storytelling becomes a tool for belonging, expression, and systemic change.

And don't miss his workshop, "Rage to Page: Write it Out"! A powerful, youth-centered writing workshop designed to transform intense emotions into honest expression.

The Logistics

• Cost: Free!
• Lunch: Free!
• Cancellation: Can't make it? Please cancel your registration so we can reduce food waste and open the spot for someone else.
• CEU/CLEs: Info coming soon!
• Day 2: If you are a member of your district's Authentic Engagement Team, please plan to attend Day 2 on September 2nd. Lunch will be provided. For any questions, please reach out to your team lead.

Hotel Accommodations

Coming in out of town? We've got you covered. A room block is available at:

Best Western Premier Des Moines-Ankeny Hotel (2502 SE Tones Drive Ankeny, IA 50021) $80 + tax/night: click here to reserve

AmericInn by Wyndham (1610 SE Oralabor Road Ankeny, IA 50021) $80 + tax/night: click here to reserve

Awards: Celebrate Authentic Engagement Champions!

Know someone who's leading the way in authentic youth and family engagement? Nominate them for a 2026 Summit Award and help us lift up the amazing work happening across our state. Click here to learn more and nominate. Please submit by July 20th as the form will close.

Questions?

Hit the "Contact" button below and a member of our Planning Team will be in touch. We can't wait to see you in August!

Agenda

🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration, Exhibitors, and Networking
🕑: 08:00 AM
Breakfast for Youth, Family Members and Professionals with Lived Experience
🕑: 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Wellness Room

Info: Take a break and recharge in this calming space designed for stillness, rest and reflection. The Wellness Room offers art supplies, quiet games, sensory tools, grounding prompts, and light snacks to support your well-being through the Summit. Sponsored by Aces360, this space is open to all participants looking to unwind or reset.

🕑: 08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Activity Room

Info: Take a break in this interactive space designed for both play and conversation. The Activity Room will offer toys, art supplies, games, and hands-on activities to create a relaxed environment where you can laugh, create and build connections with others.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Annual Awards
Host: Stephanie Hernandez
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Break and Exhibitors
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Keynote
Host: Aubrey "Mister Aubs." Barnes

Info: “A Whole New Word: Poetry, Consciousness, and Co-Designing Healing with Youth and Families” is a transformative keynote that reimagines poetry as both ancient wisdom and modern innovation. Through storytelling, reflection, and lived experience, Aubrey K. Barnes explores how writing becomes a bridge between inner suffering and shared understanding. Centered on youth voice and collective healing, this talk invites educators, clinicians, and community leaders to move beyond intervention and toward co-creation—where storytelling becomes a tool for belonging, expression, and systemic change.

🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Break and Exhibitors
🕑: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch (provided)
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Workshop Block A
🕑: 01:45 PM - 02:00 PM
Break
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Workshop Block B
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:15 PM
Break
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:15 PM
Workshop Block C
🕑: 04:15 PM - 04:20 PM
Transition to Main Room
🕑: 04:20 PM - 04:30 PM
Lived Experience Reflection, Door Prizes and Bingo Prizes
🕑: 05:30 PM - 07:00 PM
Community Connection Hour at Best Western Premier- Ankeny

Info: Wrap up the day by joining fellow attendees and presenters for a relaxed evening of connection and community-building. This informal gathering is a chance to deepen relationships, expand your network, and strengthen the social capital that supports meaningful change. There will be drinks and snacks for purchase.