JULY 6 WORKSHOPS
All workshops in Stamp Student Union. CLICK HERE for building map.
1:30 to 2:45
Baptism is a Matter of Life and Death
Location: Benj Banneker B
Capacity: 79
Workshop Leader: Lisa Kimball
What difference can being baptized actually make in your life? In a world that filled with anxiety and fear, a world that wants to label and judge and measure everything about you, come be reminded of who you really are. You are loved, made in the image of God with gifts to change the world. Seriously.
Lisa Kimball is a youth minister who accidentally (that’s how God often works!) ended up a seminary professor, now also a VP at Virginia Seminary. Dr. Kimball has focused her teaching and research on lifelong, life-wide, and life-deep discipleship and Christian vocation in contemporary, global and post-institutional contexts. She is a passionate advocate for lay ministry, the full inclusion of all generations and voices, and leaders who are confident about their faith. Her commitment to the wider church includes serving as Chair of the Standing Committee on Formation and Ministry of the Baptized; co-founding of the Episcopal Confirmation Collaborative; serving on the Way of Love resource development team; and being the EYE Coordinator on two occasions!
Race to Speak Up
Location: Benj Banneker A
Capacity: 73
Workshop Leader: Devin Moore
The Race To Speak Up Against Bullying Workshop allows participants to gain anti-bullying knowledge, create effective solutions to this bullying epidemic, and educates them to bring a Call To Action that can be implemented in classrooms. The interactive workshop is geared towards youth and further anti-bullying education and creates a more positive, kind and respectful world.
Devin Moore (they/he) is the Founder of #RaceToSpeakUp, an anti-bullying organization, where he educates youth about bullying prevention and empowers them to be upstanders. Devin is a first time Author of the Devin Speaks Up! children’s anti-bullying book. Devin Speaks Up! is about the importance of being okay with being different and loving who you are, speaking up to someone you trust about being bullied, kindness matters, and encourages kids to be upstanders for each other. An advocate for Anti-Bullying, Devin hosts Behind The Screen – The Harms of Cyberbullying webinar which offers open conversations about cyberbullying prevention and discusses ways to implement the #BehindTheScreen Curriculum into schools. As the Host of Humanity Rising’s Race To Speak Up Podcast, Devin interviews activists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs about how they create positive changes in their communities. Devin’s accolades include the Islip Town NAACP Legacy Award, Princeton Prize in Race Relations Certificate, TLC GiveALittle Award, Carmen Sandiego Fearless Kids Around the World, and Nickelodeon’s Top 50 Kid of the Year.
Giving 101: Cheerful Givers Unite!
Location: Charles Carroll A
Capacity: 79
Workshop Leaders: Julia Alling, T.J. Houlihan
In this session, Episcopal Church staff answer the questions you didn’t know you had about fundraising: why people give, why people give again, why people stop giving. Along the way we’ll explain a bit about how The Episcopal Church is structured, why we think giving is spiritual practice, what is planned giving and why you should be interested, and how you can be a better donor and fundraiser.
Julia Alling has worked in fundraising and development for 17 years. In the Presiding Bishop’s Office of Development she is responsible for the BLESS Appeal and other fundraising projects.
Accelerating the Energy Transition to Address Climate Change
Location: Charles Carroll B
Capacity: 47
Workshop Leaders: Arun Sharma
This is a workshop intended to help young leaders make an impact through addressing climate change through the energy transition. First, we will briefly discuss the climate crisis and the energy transition, with context and perspective from industry, technology, and environmental justice. The brainstorming session that ensues will be an opportunity for young leaders and adults to come up with ideas together for how to accelerate the energy transition through their communities. We will share some strategies and tools used to kickstart efforts to accelerating the energy transition through the Episcopal Diocese of Oregon and at the Oregon Episcopal School. Please come for a session full of learning, laughter, networking, and fun! A message from Arun: “If you are planning on attending this workshop, please take a moment to read through these two articles and think about them! If you can’t access them from your browser, try using an incognito window. If you can’t access that either, please email me and I will send you the text of the article.1) How Coal Holds on in America 2) Why a Coal Power Plant in Bangladesh Keeps Running Out of Coal. Thanks so much!! I’m so excited!”
Arun Sharma is a recent graduate of the Oregon Episcopal School in Portland, OR, where he served as the Student Body President. He is extremely passionate about climate change and the transition to renewable energy. After meeting with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop of Oregon Diana Akiyama last September, Arun led discussions with deacons from across the state of Oregon, and with his school’s Board of Trustees, regarding concrete steps that those institutions could take to support the energy transition, creative financing of renewable installations, and youth engagement in this movement. After graduating, Arun will continue his creation care work in the school system and the Church, and will be attending the University of California, Berkeley to study energy engineering. In his free time, Arun can be found reading, hanging out with family and friends, working out, playing piano, and staring into space.
Your Power to End Gun Violence
Location: Margaret Brent A & B
Capacity: 92
Workshop Leaders: The Rt. Rev. Bonnie A. Perry and Dylan Morris
Are you tired of Active Shooter Drills? Are you sick of learning how to throw text books at someone with an AK-47? Do you want to feel safe walking in your city park? Are you afraid of your friends using a gun to end their life? Join Bishop Bonnie and Oxford High School Shooting Survivor Dylan Morris for a conversation on how they individually and collectively have worked toward ending gun violence in Michigan.
Bishop Bonnie A. Perry is the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Michigan. ShBishop Perry is the 11th Bishop of Michigan. She has been involved in gun violence prevention work since before the Sandy Hook Shooting in CT. She is a co-founder and co-convener of End Gun Violence Michigan and a co- Convener of Bishops United Against Gun Violence. When she is not doing Bishop type things she guides and coaches sea kayaking classes and trips in such places as Baja, Scotland, New Zealand and Canada. Her Australian Shepherd, Tali, is on her staff as the Canine to the Ordinary.
Dylan Morris is an Oxford High School school shooting survivor and as of June a recent graduate. This fall he will continue his education at Harvard University. He is active and influential in Michigan state politics as a GenZ Advocate. After the mass shooting at his high school in November 2021 he and his classmates founded No Future without Today, a 501(c) (4) social welfare initiative devoted to ending gun violence in Michigan with a multifaceted platform. Along with NFWT’s partners, like End Gun Violence Michigan, they have been able to to implement life-saving gun violence prevention legislation through advocacy and testimony in front of legislative bodies.e has been involved in anti-gun violence work since before the Sandy Hook shooting. When she’s not doing the bishop thing she coaches and guides sea kayaking trips in Baja, Scotland, New Zealand and Canada. Her amazing Aussie, Tali, holds a senior position on her staff as Canine to the Ordinary.
Finding your Vocation, Becoming Yourself
Location: Atrium
Capacity: 362
Workshop Leaders: Ethan Lowery and Bishop-elect Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, Diocese of Maryland
Be it in Genesis 1 or Psalm 139 or in 1 Corinthians, scripture is full of the encouragement that we were made good, made in the image of God, and given gifts for ministry and service that are unique to us. It can be precious work to figure out who we are and discern our gifts and call to serve, but so often that work for a modern teenager can feel like just crafting a college application or building a resume. This workshop will couch the discernment of gifts and passions and self-identity in Christian language, offer some reflection about spiritual gifts outside of the academic or capitalist framework, and give encouragement about how the work of becoming yourself is a life’s work without a due date or grade.
Ethan Lowery (he/him) is an Episcopal priest serving as a campus and young adult missioner in Fredericksburg, Virginia. His favorite church things are preaching, coffee hour, diocesan convention, and serving as a chaplain at summer camp. In his free time, you’ll find him watching Star Trek, drawing on his iPad, or playing Tears of the Kingdom.
EYE Improv Jam: Unleash Your Creative Confidence
Location: Colony Ballroom
Workshop Leader: The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts
The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts (she/they) is Executive Director of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers. She is an award winning improv comedian from Chicago, where she lives with her wife and two kids. Jess has been teaching wellness and improv to people of all ages for 10 years. In Jess’s spare time she enjoy filmmaking and spending time with her family.
The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts (she/they) is Executive Director of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers. She is an award winning improv comedian from Chicago, where she lives with her wife and two kids. Jess has been teaching wellness and improv to people of all ages for 10 years. In Jess’s spare time she enjoy filmmaking and spending time with her family.
Safe Church, Safe Communities and You
Location: Thurgood Marshall Room
Capacity: 49
Workshop Leader: Brownyn Clark Skov
This update is primarily for an adult audience, and young people are always welcome. We will spend some time on the theological shift in priorities established with the release of the new Safe Church, Safe Communities training courses. The focus of this session will be on post-training engagement. You’ve been trained. Now what? Come and converse with the Presiding Bishop’s Safe Church Manager to learn more and to expand your ministry by learning to safely welcome children, youth, and vulnerable adults fully and appropriately.
Bronwyn Clark Skov has served The Episcopal Church in youth ministries and lay leadership for over 30 years at the congregational, camp, diocesan, and global level. A member of the Presiding Bishop’s staff since 2009, she brings humor and joy to her work as she strives to empower ministries by equipping leaders with practical training methods and appropriate practices. Her Safe Church training experience is extensive and includes certification through the ELCA, Church Pension Group, and Praesidium Inc.
3:15 to 4:30
This is the Way: How to turn social justice into policy in our church
Location: Hoff Theater
Capacity: 500
Workshop Leader: House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris
Are you passionate about social justice? Do you love our church? Would you like to know more about how social justice issues become policies in our church? Attend this workshop to learn about the General Convention, the House of Deputies, and the House of Bishops. Learn more about the Official Youth Presence for the House of Deputies and how to apply.
Take advantage of the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how decisions are made and policies are shaped. This workshop is designed to engage and enlighten youth curious about polity, governance, and their role in shaping the Episcopal Church’s future.
At the 80th General Convention in 2022, Julia Ayala Harris was elected president of the House of Deputies, the presiding officer who works alongside the presiding bishop. President Ayala Harris is the first Latina and woman of color to hold the position. She is passionate about a multitude of issues, such as immigration, race and ethnicity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and truth-telling, as well as justice initiatives. As a lay leader, President Ayala Harris served the church in multiple roles, including leadership roles on the Executive Council; the Presiding Officers’ Working Group on Truth-Telling, Reckoning, and Healing; and the Task Force for Women, Truth, and Reconciliation, among various other legislative committees and interim bodies. In The Episcopal Church, President Ayala Harris has continually found healing, blessing, and wholeness in God’s unconditional love. Throughout her lay ministry, she has worked to bring about a church that can share that blessing with all of God’s people.
Formation, Discernment, Community, Justice
Location: Benj Banneker A
Capacity: 49
Workshop Leaders: Allen Doyle, The Rev. Phillip Shearin
For more than 20 years, ESC has been built on the belief that a just and peaceful world is possible and join individuals and communities across The Episcopal Church in seeking freedom from oppressive structures and systems by intentionally committing ourselves to the work of liberation. A network of 10 programs across the US, a 10-month ESC Year is intended to empower young leaders for change. Join Allen and Phillip in a conversation around what an ESC Year might mean for you.
An ESC alum and former associate program director, the Rev. Phillip Shearin serves as Priest-in-Charge for the Peninsula Ministry Partnership in the Diocese of Southern Virginia. The Peninsula Ministry Partnership is a new collaboration comprising of St. Augustine’s and St. George’s Episcopal Churches in Newport News, Virginia.
Allen Doyle is the Director of Campus Ministry for the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming. He previously served as the Program Director for On Sacred Ground – Wyoming Service Corps.
Happening, A Christian Experience – EYE23 Edition
Location: Benj Banneker B
Capacity: 60
Workshop Leader: Krisan Lamberti
“This Cursillo-style program for high school youth meets our young people where they are in the world, helps them examine their own faith, dive into scripture, sacraments, prayer, call in the world, and the transition from this safe, faith-filled weekend back into the world. For the team or staff of young people it is growth in leadership as well as their own faith practices. For the adults who mentor these high school youth it is a time of humility, gentle guidance, and being open to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Whether you wish to know more, need ideas on re-starting, or have a flourishing program, come, see, hear, and share. By the way, there is an updated version of the manual available including SCSC recommended guidelines. As Happening, A Christian Experience should be, this is a multi-generational presentation by High School Youth, Krisan Lamberti (A), and Matthew Bowers (A).
The High School Youth are faithful young people active in their parishes, dioceses, and Happening programs in various leadership capacities. Krisan Lamberti loves providing faithful experiences and various prayer style opportunities for humans of all ages. She currently lives this endeavor in serving as the Executive Director of Happening National, Inc. (V), Youth Coordinator for the Diocese of Southeast Florida (PT), and Director of Family Education at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Matthew Bowers bring the gift of music, balance, and faithful engagement to young people and those who serve them. This is lived out as the VP, Conference Director of Happening National (V), Director of Youth Ministry and Programming for the Diocese of Southwest Florida (FT), and father to a new member of the body of Christ, baby Theo.
Youth Entrepreneurship
Location: Margaret Brent A & B
Capacity: 79
Workshop Leader: Devin Moore
Devin’s Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop allows participants to learn how to develop a business idea, leverage their network, and create a business. This interactive workshop helps start young changemakers in their entrepreneurship journey.
Devin Moore (they/he) is the Founder of #RaceToSpeakUp, an anti-bullying organization, where he educates youth about bullying prevention and empowers them to be upstanders. Devin is a first time Author of the Devin Speaks Up! children’s anti-bullying book. Devin Speaks Up! is about the importance of being okay with being different and loving who you are, speaking up to someone you trust about being bullied, kindness matters, and encourages kids to be upstanders for each other. An advocate for Anti-Bullying, Devin hosts Behind The Screen – The Harms of Cyberbullying webinar which offers open conversations about cyberbullying prevention and discusses ways to implement the #BehindTheScreen Curriculum into schools. As the Host of Humanity Rising’s Race To Speak Up Podcast, Devin interviews activists, business leaders, and entrepreneurs about how they create positive changes in their communities. Devin’s accolades include the Islip Town NAACP Legacy Award, Princeton Prize in Race Relations Certificate, TLC GiveALittle Award, Carmen Sandiego Fearless Kids Around the World, and Nickelodeon’s Top 50 Kid of the Year.
Avoiding Big Mistakes in Youth Ministry
For: Adult Chaperones
Location: Charles Carroll B
Capacity: 92
Workshop Leader: Jonathan Hobbs
This workshop is for adults working with teenagers. Youth Ministry has looked different over the decades. However, some of the biggest mistakes we tend to make in the field are shockingly common – no matter what decade we’re looking at! This workshop will be exploring common errors made in youth ministry, especially the ones that are most relevant for today’s church – to help equip and encourage working and volunteering with teens.
Jonathan Hobbs has worked in professional ministry for over 20 years, including churches in New Jersey, New Mexico, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, and now teaches at Eastern University where he serves as the Lecturer in Youth Ministry and leads the Youth Ministry and Ministry Leadership programs. He is also the Northeast Area Director for the Center for Youth Ministry Training (CYMT) which has a booth here at E.Y.E.
Celebrating our Democracy and Empowering Young Voters
Location: Atrium
Capacity: 362
Workshop Leader: Bryce Bennett, Allen Blackwell, Sam Novey, Alan Yarborough
Join representatives from nonpartisan, national civic holidays, National Voter Registration Day, Vote Early Day, and Election Hero Day to learn about how you can empower your friends and neighbors to share their voice in our democracy. Learn how celebrating voting can strengthen your community and boost youth turnout!
Bryce Bennett (Vote Early Day) – Bryce Bennett has dedicated his life – as an organizer, a nonprofit leader, and a legislator – to ensuring every voice is heard, and every vote is counted. For eleven years, Bryce worked in nonprofits dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of civic leaders with the tools to create change. As a Montana state legislator, Bryce successfully worked with Republicans and Democrats to pass common-sense legislation to empower voters and take down institutional roadblocks to casting a ballot. Now as Vote Early Day’s executive director, Bryce gets to work with a fantastic collaboration of corporations, media companies, nonprofits, technology platforms, election administrators, and influencers to help Americans share their voice by voting early.
Allen Blackwell (National Voter Registration Day) – Allen Blackwell is a passionate voter participation and engagement advocate with a career spanning over two decades in public and nonprofit sectors dedicated to promoting a more just and equitable society. As the Project Director for National Voter Registration Day, Allen brings a wealth of expertise and an unwavering commitment to empowering communities through the democratic process. Throughout his career, Allen has demonstrated a tireless dedication to promoting voter registration and engagement. He has served as a chief election judge and manager for voter registration drives, in addition to working on numerous civic projects. Allen is committed to forging partnerships and alliances between corporations, government, and citizens to advance National Voter Registration Day’s mission of promoting a more inclusive and vibrant democracy. Before joining Nonprofit VOTE, Allen served as the Homeless and Foster Care Operations Director for Baltimore City Public Schools.
Sam Novey (Election Hero Day) – Sam Novey is Chief Strategist at the University of Maryland Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement. He is a co-founder of the SLSV Coalition, Maryland Civic Education Coalition, and Baltimore Votes Coalition among other civic initiatives. He also serves as a board member for the Baltimore City Board of Elections.
Alan Yarborough is the Church Relations Officer for The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations, where he helps oversee the Episcopal Public Policy Network and develops policy advocacy, dialogue, and civic engagement resources. Prior to this, he spent three years working in Haiti through the Young Adult Service Corps. He holds a BS in economics from Clemson University and an MS in conflict analysis and resolution from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason.
But Camp IS a Real Job
Location: Thurgood Marshall Room
Capacity: 49
Workshop Leader: The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts
Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers take you through the skills you need and acquire working for summer camps AND how you can make a career out of camp ministry! Learn about leadership development, mentorship, and how camp life is a vital part of Episcopal ministry. By the end of this workshop, participants will have a deep understanding of the transformative power of working at camp, both for themselves and the participants they serve. Join us on this incredible journey as we unlock the magic and discover the profound impact that a summer camp experience can have on staff members and campers alike.
The Rev. Jess Elfring-Roberts (she/they) is Executive Director of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers. She is an award winning improv comedian from Chicago, where she lives with her wife and two kids. Jess has been teaching wellness and improv to people of all ages for 10 years. In Jess’s spare time she enjoy filmmaking and spending time with her family.
Money Talks. Are You Listening?
Location: Charles Carroll A
Capacity: 47
Workshop Leader: Carolyn Fox
In the United States alone, almost $259 billion dollars was spent last year by teenagers on “non-essential items.” 74% of teens don’t feel confident about their financial education (Greenlight Study, 2021.) Are you one of them? We all need money to survive. What do you need to know to become financially informed and independent? We will explore what happens to your paycheck and why it may be much less than you expected. How do you plan for your future and not start off in debt or with mega student loans? We will also explore your values around saving and spending money.
Every morning since she was 12 Carolyn Fox has had the best cup of coffee ever! She grew up in Reston, Virginia and was a member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Vienna. She was active with Happening and spent many summers working at Shrine Mont. She is beginning her 21st year of teaching (currently high school math) and she coaches soccer. Carolyn loves to cook, be outdoors and travel in her free time. She has a fear of horses and Ferris wheels. She enjoys talking to strangers but more so, she enjoys listening to her family and friends’ stories and adventures. Carolyn is thankful every day for her community and for opportunities to work with youth in so many different ways.