Aliza Bartfield said to me after the Oakland United party Saturday night, "you know its a good party when people dance"  Likewise, I think you know a conference on social justice is good when people are erupting in discussion - minds aroused, passions ignited, networks and strategies forming.  This weekend 8 Yp4 fellows and 5 staff traveled to Oakland, California to attend Facing Ra

When I first heard about the organization called Do Something, I found myself likening it to YP4 without a Progressive backbone. Much like my favorite youth-empowering org, Do Something encourages young people to get up and get moving. As some might say, their motto suggests that young people cannot just follow your dreams - it's important we chase after them!

Sooner or later it will happen to you, you'll be at a conference and rather than listening attentively to an encouraging speaker you'll be focusing all your energy into keeping your eyes open. So what do you do when you're stuck at a conference that just doesn't strike your fancy? Rather than wasting your time, and everyone else's, here are some tips for making the best out of even the worst conference: