BRATTLEBORO — Eight high school students from Brattleboro's Interfaith Youth Group received scholarships to attend the sixth annual “Connecting for Change: A Bioneers by the Bay Conference,” where solutions to some of the world's most urgent environmental and social problems will be discussed.
The conference, a yearly gathering of environmental and social justice advocates, consisted of three days of lectures, workshops, exhibits and an action event aimed at curbing global warming. A unique aspect of the conference was their Youth Initiative, which focused on the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental sustainability, weaving in artistic elements, music, dancing and hands-on activities.
Sponsored by the Marion Institute, the conference was held in downtown New Bedford, Mass., from Oct. 22-24. Organizers describes the three-day event as a “solutions-based gathering that brings together a diverse audience to create deep and positive change in their communities.”
The Brattleboro delegation was especially excited to hear Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, speak at the conference, as many of them have read his book as part of their sophomore English curriculum, said the Rev. Lise Sparrow of Guilford Community Church, who is leading the group from the Brattleboro area. Annie Leonard, producer of The Story of Stuff, and Van Jones, a pioneer in human rights and the clean-energy economy, were also among the speakers.
Organizers hoped to bring the title of the conference – Connecting for Change – to life by creating a network of high school and college students, young professionals, mentors and everything in between from across the Northeast who will be able to collaborate long after the conference is over.
The Brattleboro area teens were housed by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven, Mass., and stayed there with other youth from New York and Connecticut.
“Our hope is for our youth to leave the conference with the skills, motivation – and new friends – to turn ideas for a more sustainable and equitable world into action,” said Rev. Sparrow. “Youth are really at the forefront of a new wave of environmental and social movements, one that takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach towards solutions. Our youth will not only be exploring new ideas of how they can effect change in the world and in our community, but also interacting with youth from around New England, all of who are inspired to work for change.”
The Brattleboro Area Interfaith Youth Group is made up of high school students who meet monthly for fellowship, service to the community, and increased personal and civic action.
To find out how to get involved, visit www.GuilfordChurch.org or call the Guilford Community Church at 802-257-2776.