Creating Space for the Conversations That Matter

Some of the most important conversations are also the hardest ones to start.

That’s the idea behind Let’s Talk About It, a community collaboration bringing together local organizations, experts, teens and parents for three nights of honest conversation around topics families are navigating every day.

The series is designed to help teens and parents move past some of the discomfort that can come with these conversations, ask questions and learn together in a space where both perspectives can be heard.

And teens won’t just be sitting in the audience.

Members of Friendship Circle’s Teen Leadership Board will help moderate the conversations, engaging with experts and the audience alongside Talia Akiva, LSW, Beacon Program Manager. By putting teen voices at the center of the series, we hope families can hear from one another, not just about one another.

This work is supported by the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. We are grateful for their continued commitment to strengthening teen mental health in our community and investing in meaningful conversations that support young people and families.

September 23 | The Teen Brain: Why Risky Behavior Happens and How Parents Can Respond

How does the developing teen brain impact decision-making? Our first conversation will take a closer look at how the teen brain develops, with special attention to safe gun storage.

Experts: Dr. Laura Voigt, Dr. Gabriel Cisneros and Rachel Usdan from Be Smart for Kids Teen Moderator: Aiden Drucker, Teen Leadership Board Member Moderator: Talia Akiva, LSW, Beacon Program Manager

October 21 | Drugs Today: Facts, Safety & Conversations That Matter

What do parents and teens need to know about the changing landscape of substance use? This session will explore modern risks and how families can have informed, open conversations about drugs and alcohol.

Experts: Dr. Rachel Friedman and Dr. Christina Kirk Teen Moderators: Chayim Massart and Erinn Kannel, Teen Leadership Board Members Moderator: Talia Akiva, LSW, Beacon Program Manager

December 1 | Social Media, Body Image & Building Healthy Identity: Scroll, Compare, Repeat?

How does social media shape the way teens think about and relate to their bodies? We’ll explore the impact of social media and online information and talk about how parents can help teens navigate these spaces.

Experts: Savannah Roberts and Liz Marino, RD, LD, CSSD, CEDS Teen Moderator: Teen Leadership Board Member Moderator: Talia Akiva, LSW, Beacon Program Manager

All three conversations will take place from 7–8:30 PM at Friendship Circle. Teens and parents are encouraged to attend together, bring their questions and be part of the conversation.

Because sometimes starting the conversation is the hardest part. Let’s Talk About It is creating a place to start.

We are proud to collaborate with organizations across our community to make this series possible:

Be Smart for Kids • Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh • Allies for Children • UpStreet • Jewish Family and Community Services • Greater Valley Coalition for Peace and Justice • Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh • Friendship Circle of Pittsburgh • The Beacon