A recap of the annual youth development ecosystem convening
On a crisp fall day in Baltimore, the Baltimore Children and Youth Fund (BCYF) hosted The Gathering 2024, our annual fall convening that brought together over 350 registrants dedicated to youth development. This event served as a platform to celebrate accomplishments, exchange knowledge, and foster collaboration, all while centering the voices and talents of Baltimore’s youth and grantees.
A Day to Remember The day began with a welcoming registration and networking breakfast. Attendees were greeted with lively lobby activities, including headshot stations and interactive booths, setting the tone for a dynamic and engaging event.
The morning plenary kicked off with over 100 youth performers who captivated the audience with their powerful artistic presentations. Their performances reminded everyone in the room why this work matters and set an inspiring tone for the day. BCYF leadership followed with a heartfelt welcome and a vision-driven address, emphasizing the shared mission of creating a just and abundant Baltimore.
Youth Performers: We are proud to highlight the organizations that brought such incredible talent to the stage:
- RISE Arts Center
- Moving History, Inc.
- The Marching Elite
- AZIZA PE&CE
- Danza Alegria
- Ballet After Dark
- Coach G Academy
- Dance & Bmore Programs
- Dance Happens
- DewMore Baltimore
Breakout Sessions That Delivered A key highlight of The Gathering was the 30 breakout sessions that tackled critical topics such as project evaluation, sustainability, storytelling, and innovative practices. Half of these sessions were led by BCYF grantees, providing attendees with practical tools and real-world insights from their peers. The sessions received a 90% satisfaction score, with attendees praising their relevance and impact.
Presenters: The Gathering 2024 featured an incredible lineup of presenters who shared their expertise and inspired attendees throughout the day:
- Mothyna James-Brightful
- Akil Parker
- Andrea Scott
- Betty Gonzales
- Dinorah Olmos
- Dr. David Miller
- Heather Lamb
- Kammeran Giggers
- Lonnie Walker
- Renee Tengella
- Corin Tiny Adams
- Alphonso Mayo
- Angelo Solera
- Dominiece Clifton
- Dr. Jimmy Davies
- Jaree Cottman
- Keisha Brewer
- Mothyna James-Brightful
- Tierra Sydnor-Diggs, LCSW-C
- Brandon Hansen
- Amenawon Ojeifoh
- Ayman Nassar
- Dana Carr
- Dr. David M. Walker
- Freddy Jackson
- Johnetta Moore
- Kim Hicks
- NaShey Ingram
- Tammi Fleming
- Tyneka Pack
Celebrating Community and Collaboration
The Gathering 2024 was a true testament to the power of community-led efforts. A Planning Committee comprised of BCYF grantees and staff played a pivotal role in shaping the event’s agenda and ensuring its success. Their collaborative efforts underscored BCYF’s commitment to fostering shared ownership and centering the voices of its partners.
Fostering Connections and Building Community Networking and collaboration were central themes throughout the day. By the event’s conclusion, 75% of attendees reported making at least one new connection. These connections, forged through both formal sessions and informal interactions, underscored the event’s success in strengthening Baltimore’s youth development ecosystem.
Listening and Learning Attendee feedback highlighted the event’s strong sense of community, impactful programming, and opportunities for growth. Participants expressed interest in extended session times, more diverse workshops, and new topics such as mental health and strategies for reducing grant dependency. With a 4.71 average satisfaction rating, it’s clear that The Gathering 2024 met and exceeded expectations.
Looking Ahead As BCYF reflects on the success of The Gathering 2024, we remain committed to fostering collective impact and centering the voices of Baltimore’s youth and grantees. This year’s event was a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and the potential for collaboration to drive meaningful change.
Thank you to everyone who attended, performed, facilitated, and contributed to making The Gathering 2024 a resounding success. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Baltimore’s children and youth. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Gathering!
