For four years, Oromo youth around the world have come together to take part in the Oromo Youth Leadership Conference, a summer conference established in 2006 to provide a network through which Oromo youth could connect and work together on a global level. With a focus on building leadership skills and promoting the growth of Oromumma, past OYLCs have enabled more than 150 Oromo youth from around the world to take part in an informative, enlightening, as well as entertaining program.

While discussions with prominent guest speakers and Oromo elders are elements of the conference, the 2010 OYLC, with the theme of “Overcoming Challenges and Moving Forward”, will focus on providing opportunities for Oromo youth themselves to discuss the challenges we face as a people and ways we, the youth, can combat them whether within our local communities or on a national and international level.

The preparation for this fifth Oromo Youth Leadership Conference is underway. It will be held in Minneapolis, MN, from August 4 – 8. Everyone must check-in by Wednesday afternoon on August 4 and check-out by Sunday morning on August 8. Here is an overview of the daily schedules for this year’s conference:

 (Register HERE)

 Theme of Day 1: Define Your Community

            · What are the problems we are facing in our communities?

            · Speaker: Challenges within the Oromo Diaspora Community

Theme of Day 2: Oromia

            · What are the problems facing Oromia?

            · Speaker: The Multifaceted Problems We Face in Oromia

            · Interactive Panel Discussions

            · Movie and Reflection

Theme of Day 3: IOYA

            · Speaker: Maintaining A Successful Organization

            · IOYA Committee Presentations/Sign-Ups/Reports

            · Election

            · Formal Dinner Night

The setting and coordination of the conference is designed to create a safe and secure venue for participants to openly question, discuss, debate, critique, and communicate with one another. The organizers of this conference are committed to make sure that all of our participants make the best out of their time with us.

There are limited numbers of spaces available for this year’s conference and registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis, with priority given to new participants. The deadline for registration is July 15, 2010, and the registration fee is $100 for out-of-state participants and $150 for in-state participants. We ask all Oromos and friends of Oromo people to support our efforts morally, logistically and financially. We also call on all parents, guardians and family members to encourage their sons and daughters to attend this conference.

For questions, suggestions or comments please contact OYLC coordinators at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kulani Jalata

IOYA Public Relations Chair