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Exchange Sessions

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The Exchange Sessions are ongoing two-way conversations hosted by community partners across Baltimore. These gatherings bring together youth, families, grassroots leaders, nonprofits, businesses, philanthropies, and government partners to share priorities, uplift lived experiences, and co-create solutions for Baltimore’s first Youth Master Plan.

Part of BCYF’s the learning lab: building skills, connection, and power for Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.

Impact from Past Events

Past BCYF convenings have shown powerful results:

95% of participants built lasting relationships at gather! dinners.
92% rated sessions Excellent or Good, affirming the value of inclusive, identity-affirming spaces. These outcomes demonstrate the impact of exchange-based gatherings in driving collaboration and shaping community-centered change.

Contact & Social

info@bcyfund.org

Who It’s For

Youth, families, grassroots leaders, nonprofit staff, funders, business and philanthropic partners, and city leaders who are committed to shaping Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.

Event Details

Date: Ongoing, beginning October 2026
Location: Hosted by community partners in schools, recreation centers, libraries, and other community hubs across Baltimore
Format: In-person exchange gatherings
Cost/Registration Info: Free to attend

What You’ll Gain

Clarity: Hear directly from youth, families, and community partners about their priorities for Baltimore’s young people.
Connection: Build authentic bridges between neighborhoods, institutions, and government.
Inspiration: Learn from lived experiences and community-rooted wisdom.
Momentum: Shape the Youth Master Plan with ideas and actions that reflect Baltimore’s diverse voices.

Agenda Snapshot

Neighborhood Exchanges: Community-hosted sessions in schools, rec centers, libraries, and neighborhood hubs, elevating youth and family voices.
Community Partner Exchanges: Convenings with nonprofits, businesses, philanthropies, and associations to align resources with youth priorities.
Government Exchanges: Dialogues with city leaders and agencies to connect public policy and programs to the plan’s goals.

Speakers / Facilitators

Each session is co-facilitated by the BCYF team and community hosts.

Supports Available

Neighborhood-based hosting to reduce barriers to participation