‘Imagine Delco’ event to explore experiences, needs, future of county’s youth

The Delaware County Chamber of Commerce on March 17 will convene business, education, nonprofit and civic leaders to answer this question: “Are we building the kind of county young people feel connected to and want to stay in?”

During the “Imagine Delco” event, held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Drexelbrook Catering & Corporate Events Center, participants will engage in a “World Café-style conversation” focused on the experiences, needs and future of young people in Delaware County. In a World Café discussion, participants gather around small tables to explore meaningful questions, and conversations “unfold in multiple rounds, allowing ideas and insights to travel and deepen across the room,” according to the Delco chamber.

The ideas that emerge from the discussion will be shared with high school sophomores in the Youth Leadership Academy, who will then respond with their own perspectives the following week.

“This is an opportunity to slow down, think together, and speak thoughtfully — knowing that the next generation is paying attention,” the chamber stated.

Registration, which costs $30 for community members, includes a complimentary breakfast, coffee, tea and water. Sponsorships are also available; a $200 fee a table at the event, visibility on the chamber’s social media channels, admission for two attendees, and the organization’s logo on the chamber’s website and in printed materials for the event.