Traditional voices and the accepted way of responding to issues clearly is not working to solve our most persistent and lingering dilemmas. Any community can benefit from more voices in the discussion and in a city where challenges and issues are usually heated now is a good time to explore innovative options to uplift the community.

Fortunately, Teen Empowerment is offering Somerville teens a chance to add their voice to the discussions and debates that circle in this city each day. On April 16, if you care about hearing new views on old challenges, go to the Somerville High School auditorium for the fifth annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference.

Each year, the peace conference offers performances and speeches from local teens that tackle the visible and unseen issues of the day. This year’s performance, “Villen Diaries”, is the most ambitious effort yet from Teen Empowerment. With more than 1,000 expected to attend, you’ll be in good company.