Connect with Peers and advocate for change!

YLAB is a weekly mentoring Circle that takes place during the school year and is open to all youth, ages 13-22. Led by 2 RVM Mentors who help create a safe space for youth to share their voice, discuss issues that are important to them, and help bring about change that improves the lives of youth in the Rogue Valley.

The YLAB group also plans different activities each year like community service projects, meeting local community leaders and politicians, and even traveling to the State Capital in Salem, OR!

Questions? Contact Emma at emma@rvmentoring.org

This spring, Rogue Valley Mentoring is expanding its Annual Youth Panel into a larger, more dynamic Youth Summit experience happening May 30th, 2026 at the Jackson County Library in Medford.

At the heart of this year’s event remains the powerful Youth Voice Panel where young people take center stage to share their insights, ideas, and lived experiences. This cornerstone element continues to provide a meaningful opportunity for youth to be truly heard, building confidence and self-worth as their voices are valued by the community.

Surrounding the panel, the Youth Summit introduces additional components designed to deepen connection, learning, and impact. This year’s event is a collaborative effort, bringing together youth from multiple agencies and programs across the region. By uniting diverse perspectives and experiences, the summit amplifies youth voice on a broader scale—creating space for shared understanding, inspiration, and collective action.

The Youth Summit represents an evolution of this long-standing tradition—honoring the power of youth voice while expanding opportunities for connection, collaboration, and meaningful change.