Peace and Environment News* November 1990
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Peace and Environment News * November 1990 |
by Luiza Chwialkowska
Ottawa will soon be the centre of high school activism, when 800 environmentally concerned teenagers from across the country gather for a three-day "In Our Hands" conference at Glebe Collegiate Institute.
The conference, taking place from November 2nd to the 4th, will focus on youth ideas and action regarding environmental problems. The three days will be packed with forums, workshops, and guest speakers, including Dr.David Suzuki and Elizabeth May (Executive Director of Cultural Survival, Canada). A Penan tribesman from Sarawak, Malaysia will address the students, as will environmental troubadour Raffi.
The main thrust of the gathering is to foster "appreciation, hope and empowerment," says one of the student organizers, Eric Ward, from Lisgar.
Workshops will include topics ranging from "youth club organizing" to "media literacy." The unique environmental program at West Carleton High School will be profiled, while Jim Fulton, Vancouver MR involved in South Moresby, will workshop global environmental solutions. Andrew MacSkimming, a Glebe student and Alison Gale of Cultural Survival (Ottawa Earth Day coordinator) will address issues relating to the James Bay II hydroelectric project.
Participants will be exposed to adult "experts" as well as to other students who are making a difference. For example, Stefan Reinecke will share his experience as a teenager running a consulting firm, "Papyrus Recycling." Participants will also take part in a nuclear energy forum and a music filled march and rally to Parliament Hill. The trek will conclude with a candlelight vigil.
What makes this event unique is that it is run completely by youth, for youth.
"There is an amazing resource of youth energy and experience out there," says Mike Ostrowski. He should know. He is one of the forty outstanding teenage organizers who are making the conference happen.
"In Our Hands" will be the second annual event of its kind. Its origins lie with the Environmental Youth Alliance based in Vancouver, which boasts over 17,000 members. Last year's events occurred in Vancouver and drew 500 participants.
Preparations for the conference were taken up in June by members of Ottawa's S.A.N.E. (Student Awareness Network for the Environment). S.A.N.E. is a coalition of high school environmental groups throughout the area. In describing the progression of the student-run group, member Ed Hudson remarks, "From a group of students in a seminar room to a nationwide conference—we've come a long way—and we'll go further."
Beyond educating and raising awareness, Jocelyn Carver, coordinator of the event, describes the purpose of the conference as strengthening the alliance and building a strong network throughout Canada that youth can draw from.
"It's an idea exchange," says student Stephanie Bertels. "People will leave with a lot to think about and try it in their own communities."
Anyone interested in helping with or attending the conference is invited to S.A.N.E. meetings held every Wednesday at 5 pm at the Jack Purcell Community Centre.
The goal of the conference is a vital one. After all, as youth, the future is "In Our Hands".
(Luiza Chwialkowska is a grade II student at Lisgar Collegiate Institute. She will be contributing on a regular basis.)
Converted November 17, 2001 - Lg
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