The Second-Annual NCSY Convention on Informal Jewish Education —
YouthCon — returns on August 19 to the Stamford Hilton in Connecticut.
 A year ago, YouthCon drew an audience of 600 professionals and
volunteers representing 150 organizations. This year the program
focuses on five areas: Digital Media; Social Action; Spirituality;
Organizational Management; and On the Front Lines: Best Synagogue
Youth Practices. There will be a special panel about the future of
Jewish education with Richard Joel, President of Yeshiva University;
Ruth W. Messinger, President of American Jewish World Service (AJWS);
and Rabbi Shimon Waronker, Headmaster of The New American Academy who
was profiled in The New York Times for his innovative approaches.
YouthCon will also have a  Service Center featuring one-on-one
mentoring in Facebook and Twitter management; resumé writing;
inclusion programming for those with disabilities; and anti-bullying
strategizing.