IN 2000, A GROUP OF COMMITTED YOUNG PEOPLE JOINED TREE-SITTER ACTIVIST Julia Butterfly-Hill on the grass lawn at Bioneers. This group came to create the first greening initiative for the Bioneers Conference and made a commitment to bring more young people to the conference to experience the intersections of environmental and
social change. From that, the Bioneers Youth Scholarship program was born. Youth have continued to influence how Bioneers as an organization and a national conference can represent the modern youth culture.
Today, young people are starting campus groups, hosting fundraisers, leading organizations, influencing politicians, and voicing their thoughts and actions through art, music, spoken word, and dance. Most importantly, they are integrating themselves into society in a profound way… and are being heard, and respected.
Our programming this year integrates an intergenerational mix of young leaders, young organizers, educators, and community leaders to engage in dialogues and interactive workshops so that all participants gain knowledge and skill-based training to take their interests and hopes to the next level of engagement.
Highlights for 2008 include:
YOUTH SPACE: A relaxing, safe and creative space to hold youth organizing meetings,
take a break from workshops, create art and music and hold informal discussion sessions!
2nd ANNUAL FULL-DAY ORIENTATION: The Youth Program officially begins on
Thursday, October 16th, and will include a full day of activities led by youth.
This is not to be missed!
To RSVP for the orientation, please make sure to check the box on the Scholarship Application OR send an email to Liz at liz@bioneers.org.
YOUTH PROGRAMMING, INCLUDING:
• More intergenerational, interactive workshops!
• Council Practice with young council leaders.
• Friday night FILM series with Bay Area Video Coalition (BVAC).
• Networking opportunities with food & live music.
• Saturday Night Dance with live music and DJ Dragonfly, hosted by the Youth Program.
• Special opportunity for Educators to network and share curriculum and educational tools.
• Conference follow-up mentoring program facilitated by DreamNow.
Special Youth Tracks*:
Facilitated by a group of young “experts” to enhance your Bioneers experience within a smaller group setting!
• Just Us for Food Justice (JU4FJ), focusing on food & farming
• Climate Action Track facilitated by Global Exchange, Rainforest Action Network and Ruckus Society!
• Digital Storytelling – a special media training with Art in Action
* Must be able to attend orientation on Thursday, October 16th
