Eco-Journal, v.17.5 Nov/Dec 2007Eco-Journal, v.17.5 Nov/Dec 2007
Participants discuss common issues at GreenSpace for Youth. Photo by Liz Dykman
By Sandy Klowak
On October 19, I had the opportunity to attend “GreenSpace: Connecting Environmental Youth,’ a daylong conference bringing together young environmentalists from around Winnipeg. The event, organized by the Manitoba Eco-Network, arose out of a concern that youth are not visible enough in the Winnipeg environmental scene, and a desire to engage them in a concrete way-a topic addressed at last March´s Member Forum. The conference was held at Crossways in Common, and was well attended by students from various high schools (Churchill, Shaftesbury, Kelvin, St Boniface Diocesan, Vincent Massey, MBCI) and post-secondary institutions (U of Manitoba, U of Winnipeg, Red River College), as well as a couple of young people in professional positions. Most students represented an environmental or related social justice group.
After an introduction from organizers, the day kicked off with an ice breaking activity that shed awareness on the often overlooked environmental impact of clothing—lining us up in order of unsustainable outfit. Following that, info sessions were presented on environmental topics of relevance to the city and province. These workshops included a presentation from Susan Lindsay of Climate Change Connection, and Billy Granger of the Wilderness Committee, as well as one on organic farming and transportation.
Local environmental topics and concerns explored
Inspired by these workshops, the group partook in Open Space—a conference tool that facilitates group creation of the agenda. Participants were encouraged to come up and write down local environmental topics or concerns they wished to explore, and then the group broke off into these different topic discussions, leaving flexibility for anyone to come and go from one discussion to the next whenever they felt compelled. Open Space is an effective way to empower conference participants and allows an equal sharing of ideas, instead of blindly following a pre-set agenda.
After a delicious lunch, workshops resumed, this time as an Open Space on “capacity building needs,’ or skills for effective activism. After participants had time to discuss concerns and issues they were having in their activism, organizers each led an info session/discussion group on relevant topics such as Lobbying, Direct Action, Fundraising, Marketing, and Event Planning. These workshops were informal discussions with the benefit of a knowledgeable, experienced facilitator.
As the day wrapped up with a closing exercise, we were asked to share what we had learned or taken away from the event. Many students shared interesting facts and tips for effective activism, while others talked about gaining confidence, and the value of networking. Students left with the commitment to stay connected one way or another, whether it be to meet again, or stay connected via an Internet email group.
Events like this are essential to effective activism for youth. In addition to providing useful information and skill building, networking is the key to success, and the more groups that become connected, the stronger we are. As the coordinator of a university environmental group, I am often overwhelmed by the isolation I feel when planning events and sharing ideas, which is especially surprising considering the small, interconnected nature of our city. That disconnect can be seriously counter-productive. It is very frustrating to learn that two groups have planned virtually the same event with no contact or support from one another—what a waste.
Networking the key to success
Events like GreenSpace are working to remedy that divide. There is certainly strength in numbers, not to mention the potential for emotional and creative support. Some young people aren´t lucky enough to attend a high school with a socially and environmentally active student body. These youth may have the urge to get involved with activism, but have no idea where to start. Enthusiasm can be squashed pretty quickly, especially in young people who are uncertain about how to get involved—they need to be offered resources and a community in which to grow and learn. Connections between pre- and post-secondary groups are also important in order to maintain momentum when students transfer from one institution to another. GreenSpace has planted a seed of collaboration for young environmental activists in Winnipeg, and any activist community feeling the pangs of isolation should act on the example of the Manitoba Eco-Network.
Sandy Klowak is Co-Coordinator of ECOMAFIA (Ecological Males And Females In Action) at the University of Winnipeg.