Youth Initiative

This year's Connecting for Change Youth Initiative focuses on the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental sustainability, weaving in artistic elements, music, dancing and hands-on activities. Youth are at the forefront of a new wave of environmental and social movements, one that takes a holistic, interdisciplinary approach towards achievable solutions. With the Youth Initiative, we hope to explore new ideas of how we as young people can effect change in the world and in our communities.

Despite all the scary and confusing things going on in the world, there’s a lot of exciting work being done and many reasons to celebrate. In addition to morning speakers and afternoon workshops, there will be evening film showings, martial arts instruction, an open mic showcasing youth participants and featured artists, hands on demonstrations, open murals, music and good food. Not only do we want to create a more equitable and sustainable world, we want to have fun doing it!

We hope to bring the title of the conference – Connecting for Change – to life by creating a network of high school & 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. We are dedicated to creating an open, inclusive space for people from all walks of life, all generations and all cultures to come together. Participants will leave the conference with the skills, motivation – and new friends – to turn ideas into action.

We are working hard to find low-cost or free housing for the youth program – we strongly encourage you to attend for all three days and to participate in evening activities. We also encourage you to make use of the blog to coordinate with youth in your area for carpooling and other logistics.

Scholarships and logistical support are available – if you want to come, we will try our best to help you get here. Please note that scholarships are limited and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.