SAYSO Events
SAYSO Events are all year long so you are bound to find something you want to do!
Events are sponsored by the NCLINKS program and are FREE unless otherwise indicated.
Scroll through the list of EVENTS below for program descriptions. If an event is open for registration, click "register" to be taken to the registration page.
Youths who are eligible to be a SAYSO members are encouraged to attend.
Adults are also encouraged to attend with the young people they support and to learn from others. All registered adults are expected to participate fully and be positive role models to the youth participants.
Note: If you have created a profile, the registration page will automatically insert your information. Please review it for changes.
SAYSO Saturday
This is SAYSO's annual membership conference as well as SAYSO's birthday party and alumni reunion). It is always held the first Saturday of March. The day is full of workshops, opportunities to meet new people and share ideas. We also draw names for birthday gifts (door prizes) and have regional meetings so the next Youth Board of Directors can be elected
Link-Up Conference
This one-day life skills conference is for youths ages 13 - 16. Workshops and O-LINK-Pic games are facilitated by the SaySo Board of Directors and Adult Supporters. Two conferences are held annually - usually one in January and one in August.
It's My Transition
This one-day seminar is for older youths (16+ years of age). Three seminars are held annually across North Carolina. Each seminar will focus on two of the seven LINKS outcomes.
SaySo Survivor
Weekend leadership retreat for SAYSO members to explore their resiliencies and move from surviving to thriving. See more and register.
SaySo Page Week
One week during the legislative session is open for SAYSO members to serve as legislative pages in the NC Senate, NC House, and Governor's Offices. This week normally occurs in the early or late spring depending on the needs of the session. This is a selective program and interested SAYSO members need to begin the application process in November. All applicants must be in high school and in good standing -remember you will miss a week of school but are expected to complete your school assignments. Selected youths will live in Raleigh in Host Homes who have been screened and instructed by the SAYSO program. Pages will be paid according to the respective Page Programs. SAYSO will pay the Host Homes. Interested youths should call the SAYSO office (800-820-0001) or send an email ([email protected]).
Make A Difference Day
Held annually on the fourth Saturday of October, this largest national day of service is sponsored by USA Today and the Newman Foundation. Traditionally, SAYSO collects duffle bags to distribute to foster youths of all ages around the state. This action has prevented many young people from carrying their possessions in trash bags. Can you imagine the humiliation of carrying your belongings into a college dorm in a trash bag? Of having that bag break and your personal items fall to the ground. This day of service provides a simple way for anyone in the community to assist this fragile population.
Board Of Directors Orientation
Three-day mandatory team building orientation for newly elected and returning Board members and their adult supporters.