7th and 8th grade students from Genesee and Orleans County School Districts attended the 2026 Youth Conference held at Genesee Community College on Monday. The event was put on by the Genesee County Youth Bureau.
This year’s theme was spreading kindness and enhancing empathy with a Keynote Presentation “You’re Not Alone” by David Flood.
Flood is a nationally recognized speaker who blends humor with heart. Flood spoke about the impact of loneliness and why connection matters, and how small actions can make a big difference. His session with all of the students in attendance encouraged practical ways to show empathy, respect, and courage.
Flood, a dad from Long Island, who is inspired by the life of his autistic son, stressed the importance of words and how they matter. He says students “just need to show up” and help kids feel seen. He told students that their lives are about the people around them and to stop worrying about how other people judge you.
Students also rotated through several different workshops that covered many different topics. 7th & 8th Grade Youth Conference – Genesee County, New York
