Annual Lynn teens conference set for today at Tech

LYNN – Today marks the 15th year of a conference that allows Lynn teens to talk about sex, drugs, peer pressure, violence and a myriad of other issues not necessarily addressed in their schools or at home.The Harmony Among Lynn Teens Conference is taking place today, 4:30-10:30 p.m. at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute. The popular event draws 2-300 city teens, who socialize over pizza and dancing in between workshops about a variety of issues that are heavy on teens’ minds, said Ingrid Olson, the youth leadership coordinator with Girls Inc. of Lynn, which hosts the conference.View photos from the 2010 HALT conference”We’re trying to gear (the conference) toward some supplemental education that the teens might not have access to,” she said.This year’s theme is “Above the Influence,” a message Olson said she hopes comes across as it’s OK to rise above substance abuse, peer pressure, bullying and other negative influences on their lives.Workshops led by local nonprofit leaders, youth and social-services experts will focus on issues such as rape-crisis counseling, sexual-violence prevention, consensual sex, teen-pregnancy prevention and social-media smarts.There will also be guest speakers, a DJ, raffle prizes, booths featuring teen services and activities in Lynn, and a 30-minute set by Afro D All Starz, a Boston-based hip hop band self-described as “socially conscious.”Olson said the event has been going strong for 15 years because it unites Lynn youth across socio-economic status, social cliques and high schools.”I think they like being able to all come together,” she said. ” ? It’s mainly just fun.”Amber Parcher can be reached at [email protected] You Go All Lynn teens are welcome to attend the 15th annual Harmony Among Lynn Teens Conference, taking place 4:30-10:30 p.m. today at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute, 80 Neptune Blvd. Teens are strongly encouraged to arrive within the first hour: The event is free until 5:30 p.m., when youth must pay $5 to enter. For questions, contact Ingrid Olson at [email protected] or 781-592-9744 x214.