When Yasma Ba’albaki, 13, Youth Action Forum participant and daughter of Middle East Leadership Initiative (MELI) Fellow Karim Ba’albaki, was admitted to the hospital in Lebanon in June of 2020, she stayed in the ward for children cancer patients in order to make space for COVID-19 positive patients in other areas of the hospital. “I used to hear [the ... more

I attended my first Aspen youth camp four years ago. I was livid that I had to waste part of my precious summer vacation at a camp where I thought we had to analyze 72 pages of literature. I promised myself I’d never agree to something like this again. Yet, four days later as we were leaving, I told my Dad he had to sign me up for next year, and every year after that. ... more

The Action Forum this summer was very meaningful and inspiring. Through conversation, I was reminded of what it means to be a fearless leader. Hearing kids speak from all over the world was eye-opening and exciting, and I was reminded of why I love to learn. The important discussions allowed us, as youth, to express our opinions, and feel like they ... more

I’ve attended the Aspen Institute’s Action Forum Youth Camp for the last three years and it’s been a wonderful experience each year. The councilors and members of the Aspen Institute have been one of the main reasons why I really enjoy being there. They have managed to step up the program each year by choosing topics to discuss, which have become more ... more

  Participating in the AGLN Youth Camp was one of the most fun experiences of my life. Not only did I meet amazing people and make great friends, but I learned more about myself and the world around me than I thought possible in a span of four days. As this past year’s theme was leadership, I was able to actively explore ways to be a better leader. I revalidated ... more

  This summer was my second time participating in the Resnick Aspen Action Forum Youth Camp. The camp provided me with an opportunity to listen and contribute to diverse opinions from all around the world. It also allowed me to discover and express what I truly cared about through art projects, philosophical discussion, and guided journaling. This ... more