Speaking up on behalf of neighborhoods. Fighting for human rights. Putting the poor first.

These aren’t the topics most people would expect teenagers to tackle over a holiday weekend.

But the young people who converged on a downtown hotel for three days of discussion, prayer and camaraderie said many teens are more committed to improving communities and promoting values than tired stereotypes suggest.

“That’s one of the reasons we’re here,” said 16-year-old Dan Courtney. “It’s a way to sort of nicely prove some people wrong.”

The junior at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute was among more than 700 teens who attended the 58th annual Diocesan Youth Convention at Adam’s Mark Hotel. Billed as the largest annual gathering of Catholic youth in Western New York, the event offered a blend of religious celebration, social commentary, networking and partying. It was also a reunion for some who only see friends at the convention.

Melissa Zimmermann, a junior at Kenmore East High School, said said some challenges were explored.

“One issue was how to go about spreading our faith without worrying about what other people think, or without feeling like you’re pushing something on someone,” the 17-year-old said.

Tyler Foreman, a sophomore at the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts, said when he was younger, he struggled with whether God existed. In a reflective tone more likely to be heard from someone older than 16, Tyler told a reporter his belief evolved over time.

“Just going through life made me realize that God had to be real,” he said.

While there was plenty of prayer and quiet reflection, much of the convention was filled with lively theatrics, audio-visual offerings, music and dancing.

“There’s nothing regular or staid about this convention,“ said Kathryn M. Goller, the diocese’s youth director. “Young people today expect quality and energy in presentations.”

There were coffee houses and confessions, brunches and karaoke. There were also two dozen “breakout” sessions on issues ranging from promoting “green” environment- friendly initiatives, to finding strength through life’s setbacks.

“It shows that church isn’t just about going to a service, sitting and listening to someone talk,” said Melissa. “It’s also about getting involved, and doing it in a fun way.”

One new feature was a workshop for parents on how they can become faith role models. Mira Morse, 17, a sophomore at Royalton- Hartland High School, thinks the session was a good addition. It’s not effective for parents to force religion on teens, said Mira, adding that they can play more subtle yet influential roles in strengthening children’s faith. Other topics included relief work in Haiti and harnessing technology to improve communities.

“I think it’s a lot easier to help people in the 21st century,” Dan said. “Just the ability to be connected through all our technology can help.”

The convention will wrap up this afternoon with a closing Mass celebrated by Bishop Edward U. Kmiec.