Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part preview of this event.

On Saturday, May 11, more than 300 youth and adults are expected at the 13th annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference at the Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave. from 5 to 8 p.m.

The conference, “The Lies We Live, The Truth We Tell: A Youth Perspective,” will feature original performances by Somerville teens based on their own lives, unique workshops, and a services fair.

The conference, presented by the Center for Teen Empowerment, Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Somerville Public Schools, and the City of Somerville, will examine healthy relationships, politics, substance abuse, the media and “fake news,” tolerance, immigration, and other issues.

Curtatone and other elected officials will join the mostly youth audience to listen to teens’ stories and ideas.

Inspiration for the conference comes from Teen Empowerment Boston’s annual Youth Peace Conference, which began in 1993 as a way to bring together Boston teens to help solve the epidemic of gang violence occurring at the time. That first conference produced a lasting truce among five rival gangs and set the stage for a dramatic improvement in the lives of thousands of youth.

The conference is open to the public. Tickets are $5 in advance, and $6 and at the door. More than a dozen groups are partnering with Teen Empowerment and the city to make the event a success.

Founded in 1992, The Center for Teen Empowerment, Inc. (TE) empowers youth and adults as agents of positive individual, institutional, and social change. Each year, TE youth conduct over 150 initiatives involving some 6,000 youth and adults. For more information, visit www.teenempowerment.org.

Conference schedule

The 13th annual Somerville Youth Peace Conference at the Somerville High School will include the following:

5 p.m. - Doors open, and the opportunity fair begins.

6 p.m. - Conference stage show: Using original theater, dance, rap, speeches and spoken word, the entirely youth performed stage show highlights the lives of Somerville youth: their concerns and struggles with family issues, depression, substance abuse, social media, bullying, violence, and other issues. The show will be introduced by Mayor Curtatone.

8 p.m. - Ice cream reception.