We’re bringing together South Carolina’s passionate young leaders together to learn, lead, and build civic power– right now (and have some fun together!)
Whether you’re already leading change or just starting to explore how you can make a difference, you belong here!
Join us on Saturday, October 25th in Charleston to level up your organizing game, boost advocacy skills, and learn how to use your voice and power on issues you care about the most. Free food, cool swag, and so much more!
Get hyped for a day packed with hands-on workshops, new connections, and the tools you need to spark change in your community.
EVENT DETAILS:
WHEN: Sat. October 25, 2025 I 10am-4pm
WHERE: North Charleston, SC (location shared upon RSVP)
WHO: South Carolinians between 15-30
WHAT TO EXPECT (keep scrolling for more on speakers & sessions):
Workshops & Skill-Building: Real tools and strategies for organizing, advocacy, and creative problem-solving
Young Leaders on the Mic: Hear directly from peers across SC about their experiences leading change and their own civic participation journeys
Collaborative Projects: Work together to design solutions to real barriers young people face in civic participation using creativity, curiosity, and vision
Community & Fun: Food, games, music, swag, and a welcoming and inclusive space to connect with other young leaders from across the state
Don’t wait and save your spot now! This event has a capacity limit & anticipate reaching capacity, so don’t wait and sign up now!
SUMMIT PROGRAM
Here’s a snapshot of the day. We’ll be sharing more leading into the Summit!
IMAGINING OUR FUTURE ACTIVATION: Led by Dogon Krigga, a South Carolina-based Afro-Surrealist artist, graphic designer, and community organizer, this session blends art, conversation, and imagination. Using Dogon’s signature digital collage facilitation, we’ll co-create a vision of the world we want to live in - and watch it take shape before our eyes. Joining Dogon are two incredible young voices:
Alandria Mustafa: Founding Member of the Charleston Medic Collective & Therapist, bringing deep perspective on community care and resilience.
Millie Bennett: College student, Artist & Activist, representing the rising generation’s fight for knowledge, access, and justice.
As we reflect on questions of bravery, organizing, and possibility, Dogon will create a one-of-a-kind digital collage inspired by our dialogue. Every attendee will take home this piece of art as a reminder of the shared vision we imagined together.
This session is equal parts conversation, creativity, and courage.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING ESSENTIALS TRAINING: Get ready to dive into the building blocks of organizing. This interactive training will unpack the fundamentals of advocacy - what power is, who holds it, and how we can use it together. You’ll practice power-mapping and discover how to turn a simple “power map” into a strategy for moving people and building change.
TRUTH DETECTIVES: CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE BREAKOUT: The internet is loud. How do you cut through the noise? In this session, you’ll sharpen your ability to spot credible sources, unpack bias, and navigate misinformation. With your peers, you’ll begin designing a Youth Media Toolkit - built by young people, for young people to share truth and clarity in a noisy world.
LEVEL UP: YOUR LEADERSHIP ROADMAP BREAKOUT: Leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all. From mobilizing on your campus to serving on a board - maybe even running for office - there are countless ways to step up. This session helps you discover your path and sketch out a plan for now and the future. Together, you’ll co-create a Young Leaders Leadership Roadmap to make the journey from “interested” to “impactful” real and achievable (and way less intimidating).
VOICES UNLEASHED: CREATIVE WAYS TO BE HEARD BREAKOUT: Not every voice is heard the same way - so let’s make it creative and accessible. In this session, you’ll explore multiple ways to be heard: through art, storytelling, public comment, or digital action. You’ll brainstorm strategies to lower barriers and expand access, then prototype a Raise Your Voice Playbook filled with imaginative tactics to amplify young voices everywhere.
BUILDING POWER THROUGH HARD CONVERSATIONS: Change starts with one-on-one conversations. This hands-on workshop gives you tools to connect, listen, and move people through meaningful dialogue. You’ll practice turning shared self-interest into collective power - the foundation of any successful organizing effort.
FAQs
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Any South Carolinian between the ages of 15-30 years old, regardless of where you call home in the state. While we love all members of our community, it’s important that we create spaces where young voters and leaders can gather, learn from each other, and be in community.
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We recognize that traveling to Charleston may be a barrier for some folks that do not live in the area. Thanks to our generous community, we’re able to provide up to 30 attendees with gas cards to reimburse for travel to and from Charleston. Gas cards will be given on a first come-first serve basis. Should we receive additional funding, we intend to expand this opportunity as needed. Unfortunately, we are not able to cover flights or accommodations at this time. If you have a significant financial barrier and need additional assistance, or if you have questions, please send our Program Director, Anna Long, an email at anna@betheones.org. We’ll do what we can to work with you.
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Absolutely not. Whether you have advocated or organized in some capacity, or if this is your first time attending an event like this and you’re just dipping your toes in the water, you are welcome!
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Epically fun! There will be trainings, workshops, group discussions, activities, games, and collaborative working and brainstorming activities. There will also be opportunities to get crafty, move, eat, and have some fun together.
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Of course! Lunch will be provided and there will be snacks, treats and drinks for you to enjoy over the course of the day. If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know in the RSVP form so we can be sure to accommodate.
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Yes, RSVP is required to attend. We need to ensure we have enough food, event materials, swag and other materials to accommodate everyone that attends. We ask that you please RSVP by October 10th.
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Please do! One of the coolest parts of this event is that it was an idea that was born out of several young leaders involved with Be The Ones who started talking to their friends and, well, here we are! Please feel free to extend the invite to your friends, family or other members of your peer groups and community.
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The SC Young Leaders Summit is hosted by Be The Ones, a South Carolina-based grassroots nonprofit organization focused on making civic engagement more accessible and joyful. The Summit is a nonpartisan event. Be The Ones and any affiliated event partners do not support or endorse any political candidate or party.
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We’d love to hear from you. Please send Anna Long, our Program Director, an email at anna@betheones.org and they’ll be in touch.
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Let’s chat! Please send Anna Long, our Program Director, an email at anna@betheones.org and they’ll be in touch.
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Hooray and THANK YOU! Send an email to Cate Mayer (Be The Ones Founder/Director) at: cate@betheones.org.
For press inquiries and coverage, email Cate Mayer: cate@betheones.org
EVENT HOSTS:
BE THE ONES is a nonpartisan grassroots organization building healthier communities, a more equitable democracy, and expanding power by removing barriers to local civic participation across the Southeast. Be The Ones is changing the culture of voting in South Carolina and established a track record of engaging & energizing voters (especially young people!) in fun, creative, and accessible ways.
Learn more at betheones.org and follow our work on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter.
The South Carolina Young Voters Summit is a nonpartisan event. Be The Ones, along with event partners and affiliated organizations do not support or endorse any political party or candidate.
INVEST IN YOUNG LEADERS:
Young South Carolinians are not our future. They are our now. And, they deserve our energy and investment. We’ would be extremely grateful if you’d consider making a tax-deductible donation to support the SC Young Leaders Summit and our continued work supporting, training, and investing in young South Carolinians and their communities.