Learn to be an environmental activist at the Northeastern Climate Confluence

July 11, 2008
by Nick Petrie

The maxim, “Think Globally, Act Locally” has never been more appropriate than when applied to climate change.

Climate change often seems simply too scary and too gargantuan to take on. But, as hard as it may seem, vocal individuals can effect real change. The systemic answer to climate change is community empowerment. When a community organizes around an environmental issue, that community can, little by little, affect national policy, or even change the behavior of multi-national corporations. The encouraging truth is, most people are seriously concerned about global warming and pollution. They simply need an outlet for their voices to be heard.

Sadly, carbon emissions from New York City will inevitably affect New Castle; pollution doesn’t care about community boundaries. Once a community has come together to meet an environmental challenge, they must look outside themselves and form larger networks of environmental activism.

An opportunity to act

For the week of July 30 through August 3,, environmental activists, youths and residents from the northeast will come together for the Northeastern Climate Confluence in High Falls, NY. The confluence will take place at Epworth Camp and Retreat Center for five days of training and organizing among people concerned about climate change.

Confluence is an apt name for this gathering. In nature, a confluence is a convergence of storms or streams to form a larger force. In the same way environmental awareness can start out as a trickle but, with “tributaries,” grow to a powerful force for change.

There will be four “streams” to the confluence focusing on creating an active youth organization (for ages 13 to 18); forming a disaster preparedness network; building self-sufficient communities; and connecting grass roots initiatives. Each “stream” or track consists of workshops about climate and social justice issues. Specific workshops topics will include first aid and survival skills, women’s liberation, environmental justice, urban gardening, media and messaging, consensus decision-making,  and basic community health care.

In order to empower ourselves and our communities, we need resources. Registration for the confluence costs $50 to $250 on a sliding scale, according to means. Many young activists cannot afford to pay the $50 registration fee. While no one will be turned away for lack of funds, the Northeastern Climate Confluence is looking for scholarship funding. They also need donations of camping gear, primarily tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. If you would be interested in attending, sponsoring a student or giving a donation, please contact Nick Petrie at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or go to our website at http://www.climateconfluence.org/blog/ to donate or register.

Nick Petrie is a 2008 graduate of Horace Greeley High School who was president of Silent Earth: Greening Greeley. He will be attending Wesleyan College in the fall.

Tweet