Eco-Journal, v.17.3 May/June 2007Eco-Journal, v.17.3 May/June 2007
Participants at the annual Eco-Network forum include a substantial number of youth. Photo by Les McCann
By Liz Dykman
How do environmental organizations recruit and retain individuals from the younger generation? This was the theme of the annual Manitoba Eco-Network Forum. Held on March 31, in the green addition to the Dalnavert Museum, the event brought together 34 individuals representing 23 organizations for a day-long workshop to address the challenges and opportunities of integrating more young people in environmental groups.
The day began with an activity to highlight the generation gap in a fun way. Differences between the youth and non-youth (for want of a better term) mostly relate to historical knowledge and familiarity with current technology and trends. While the “seasoned’ environmentalists can remember the names of the founders of Greenpeace, or the various locations that have housed the Eco-Network, they may not be aware of the latest electronic communications gadgets or what is hip in pop culture. There are also some things that environmentalists have in common, regardless of their age, and it seems that wool socks with Birkenstocks is a fashion statement that transcends all generational boundaries.
Youth bring insight to bridging the generation gap
The morning included a panel discussion involving three youths who are, or have been, engaged in environmental initiatives. They had insights to offer about what works well when communicating with youth, and some of the barriers that exist. The challenges of bridging the generation gap between young and “not as young’ activists are not insignificant. Sometimes youth are hesitant to allow the older generation the opportunity to offer their expertise, since the older generations are seen to have brought about current environmental problems. Questioning authority can extend to questioning the motives of anyone over 30. Youth can be characterized by older activists as unrealistic, unwilling to listen to the voice of experience, and uninterested in the “boring’ stuff that is sometimes the reality of day to day work.
On the other hand, when we explored the positive experiences that participants have had working inter-generationally, there was reason to hope. Older activists spoke of the benefits of having youth involved because of their unbridled idealism and enthusiasm, which can be inspiring. Youth spoke about constructive situations where experienced activists acted as mentors, but gave youth responsibility and ownership of projects. Recognizing that people of various ages can all come from a place of caring deeply for the environment helps to break down the barriers between young and old(er).
Brainstorming strategies to help draw more young people to the movement provided some food for thought. Suggestions for more effective communication to youth included keeping the message concise, having youth speak to youth, and making it as fun and interactive as possible. Other tactics include providing incentives, such as academic credit, and formalizing mentorship programs. Taking advantage of interactive electronic communication tools such as blogs and podcasts was also offered as an effective way to get youth engaged.
Manitoba Eco-Network will be following up on the suggestion to organize an event to bring together the various student and youth environmental organizations in the fall. Anyone interested in helping out with this initiative, please contact us at 947-6511 or info@mbeconetwork.org.