We know that young people have wisdom to share, stories worth telling, and ideas that deserve to be heard. Southern Speaks gives SASC delegates the opportunity to take the stage during a General Session and share a message that matters to them.
Inspired by TED Talks, students may choose a topic they care about—an idea, experience, challenge, lesson, or call to action—and speak for up to four minutes before fellow student leaders from across the South.
What do you wish more people understood? What have you learned that others need to hear? What issue keeps you thinking? What idea could inspire someone else?
This is your voice. This is your stage. The South is listening.
SASC is filled with incredible student leaders—but we know leadership isn’t their only talent! Southern’s Got Talent is your chance to step into the spotlight and show delegates from across the South what you can do.
Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, perform comedy, showcase a unique skill, or have a talent we haven’t even thought of yet, we want to see it!
This year, Southern’s Got Talent is taking the General Session stage, giving the entire SASC delegation a chance to cheer on some of the South’s most talented students.
Bring your talent. Bring your personality. Bring the house down.
Turn old T-shirts and tennis balls into something that will make a shelter dog’s day! During this hands-on service project, delegates will create simple dog toys to support animal shelters and rescue organizations. Schools can take their creations home to donate to a shelter in their own community or leave them with us to be donated to local shelters. It’s a simple way to turn a little creativity into a lot of tail wags!
Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow fresh food—no backyard required! Delegates will assemble portable gardening kits with soil, vegetable seeds, grow bags, and a watering can for families served by community food banks. Designed to work in a variety of living spaces, each kit gives recipients the tools to grow their own vegetables right where they live. Schools can take completed kits home to support their own community food banks or leave them with us for local donation.
Plant a seed. Grow a meal. Strengthen a community.
Sometimes a little calm can make a big difference. Delegates will transform single-use plastic bottles into colorful sensory bottles using water, oil, and glitter. These simple tools can provide a soothing visual experience and support moments of calm and focus for children in schools, childcare centers, and other settings. Schools can take their creations home to donate within their own communities or leave them with us for local donation.
Reuse a bottle. Create a little calm. Make a difference.
Items Needed for Community Service Projects:
Old T-shirts
Used Tennis Balls
Single Use Strong Plastic Bottles (Dasani, Fiji, Gatorade types work best)
Bring a little piece of home and leave with something from somewhere new! Delegates are encouraged to bring a new or gently worn T-shirt representing their school, hometown, or state to trade with another SASC delegate during our Swap Shops. It’s a fun way to meet new people, represent where you’re from, and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from your SASC experience.
Bring your hometown. Trade your story. Wear the South.