Youth Track
Registration for the Youth Track is now open!
Click Here for registration information!
We, young people, the transformation of tomorrow, are one of the most important and most powerful forces of social change. As police continue to harass, beat, and imprison us, as our schools become more and more like prisons, as we are shipped off to die in senseless wars overseas, it is more important than ever for us to come together and figure out how to create strong communities that can resist all forms of oppression.
An important part of the confluence will be the Youth Track, a series of workshops & skill-shares organized by and for youth (ages 13-18) that will strengthen leadership skills and build networks of support and solidarity. Any young person or youth group can propose or organize an event at the confluence. Your ideas & knowledge are very important. Our generation will see the worst effects of environmental destruction, and even if we can’t vote, we have the power to act!
Youth will have the opportunity to offer workshops to their peers as well as fearn from other youth and elders on a wide variety of issues including:
- Fighting Racism and War
- First Aid and Survival Skills
- Prisons and Police Brutality
- Urban gardening
- Edible and Medicinal Plants
- Immigrants Rights and Solidarity
- Women’s Liberation
- Environmental Justice
- Community Organizing
- Climate Change
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Interested in helping to shape what the Youth Track will look like?
- There are many different ways to get involved in helping to organize the confluence. Options for youth are:
- Give a workshop that you have already facilitated elsewhere. The workshop could be one of the topics listed above, or anything else related to social change, climate change, or youth action.
- Create your own workshop.
- Make a presentation to share skills that support environmental sustainability or social change. Examples: bike riding safety or public speaking.
- Collaborate with some of the adult organizers to create a workshop. This is a good idea for any youth who really want to share ideas and/or take on more participation, but feel like they need help presenting in this particular format.
- GET INVOLVED IN CONFLUENCE ORGANIZING! We’re not done organizing the general confluence, and more help would be appreciated. We have monthly meetings for the large organizing group, and different working groups meet several times a month.
- Outreach! We’ll gladly provide flyers and registration packs to people who want to get others interested and involved.
- Fundraising projects for the confluence are also very important. Resources will be available for attendees who want to fundraise for the confluence in their communities.
Contact Youth Track organizers as soon as possible to participate in the Youth Track!
Dara Bayer, 617.894.0417, darabayer1@gmail.com
Gina Rodriguez, 401.440.1858, gina.ritesandreason@gmail.com
Erin Ryan Fitzgerald, 781.492.0795, erf@riseup.net
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(For parents)
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What is the Confluence?
The Confluence is a week-long coming-together of individuals and organizations from the Northeast region who are interested in working towards finding sustainable and community-based solutions to global warming/climate change. The Confluence is a safe space for marginalized voices in the fight for a more sustainable world, and those in attendance will represent a variety of communities across location, age, race, gender, ethnicity and religious practice. The Confluence will provide free skill and interest-based workshops, lessons, and performances of a variety of issues pertaining to sustainability and social justice. We will be gathering at Epworth Camp and Retreat Center a beautiful reserve located just 90 miles outside New York City, from July 31 to August 3, 2008. Registration begins on July 30. For more information about the camp site, please see www.epworthcenter.com.
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Who is organizing the Confluence?
Rising Tide North America (www.risingtidenorthamerica.org) conceived of and is helping to coordinate the Confluence, but there are various organizations and individuals from across the northeast who are involved. Although there are numerous people involved in organizing this week-long event, the Youth Track is being coordinated by a small group of educators who have experience working with young people. To learn more about organizations involved in the Confluence from your local area go to www.epworthcenter.com.
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What is the Youth Track?
The Youth Track of the Climate Confluence is a special component designed for young people between ages 14 and 18. Youth who are interested in attending the track should complete the pre-registration forms. The workshops presented in this track will 1, provide a safe space for interpersonal and cultural exchange; 2, provide skill-shares on various topics 3, provide an overview of various social change movements past and present and work towards concrete action plans that youth can take back to their communities.
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What types of workshops will my child be involved in?
There will be a core set of workshops that all Youth Track participants commit to. These workshops will center on leadership development and provide youth with historical and practical knowledge for strengthening their skills as community organizers. Possible topics are: “Fighting Racism and War”; “Environmental Justice”; “Understanding Global Warming/Climate Change”; “First-Aide and Survival Skills”; “Prisons and Police Brutality”; “Urban Gardening.” The core workshops will be run and organized both by youth and older facilitators. In addition to this core program Youth Track participants will have the opportunity to take part in workshops offered within the general Confluence, which will cover a wide range of topics. If there are certain activities that you do not want your child to participate in, or if your child would like to facilitate a workshop, please contact one of the Youth Track coordinators.
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Where will my child be staying?
Participants of the Youth Track will stay within a special housing/camping area and will be accompanied by the Youth Track staff. There is a list of housing options available through the registration form. Please look over these options carefully before making a choice for your child, and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like further information.
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Does my child have to camp outdoors?
Most of the accommodations available for the youth will be in tents. However, if your child has any type of medical concern or disability which makes it impossible or uncomfortable for them to camp outdoors, there are cabins with beds available. Please specify on the pre-registration form if your child will need special accommodations.
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Are camping materials available?
We understand that this may be your child’s first experience with camping outdoors and do not expect all youth to have camping equipment, although your child is encouraged to take any and all materials they do own with them. We will provide for any camping materials your child may be missing. A list of these necessary materials is found on our registration form. Please note those materials that you are able to bring with you so that the Youth Track Organizers know what to provide your child with.
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How much will this cost?
The cost per youth will be $50 for the week which will cover room and board (all workshops are free of charge). This expense will be on a sliding scale; we ask that each person contribute what they can and no one will be turned away if they cannot pay the full amount. We are asking youth to look into fundraising projects that they can do in their local area to raise money to cover the cost.
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If my child cannot attend, are the costs refundable?
The fee is fully refundable until the deadline for pre-registration on June 30. Afterwards we will partially refund the costs up until July 15.
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Are there scholarships available?
As of now there are no scholarships available, but no one will be turned away if they are unable to pay the complete amount for the Youth Track. We encourage all youth to fundraise in their local area.
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Will we receive help with fundraising?
Youth Track Organizers are happy to assist your child in coming up with fundraising ideas for the $50 registration and housing fee. We believe that fundraising is an encouraging activity that will demonstrate your child’s dedication to the Confluence and will empower your child to take ownership of their experience. Please do not hesitate to contact us for suggestions.
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Is it okay if my child shows up late to the Confluence, misses some of the days or leaves early?
The Youth Track will be from Thursday, July 31-Sunday, August 3. Registration begins on Wednesday evening for youth coming from far away. We understand that with summer jobs and other obligations it can be hard to take time off weekdays, however because we want to have time to build community and learn productively from each other, we strongly encourage the youth come for all four days of the Confluence. If s/he cannot attend all four days, s/he must specify on the pre-registration form how long s/he intends on staying. This is important so that organizers can arrange for early transportation home.
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Will medical services be available on site?
Yes. Medical services will be available at Epworth through a sustainable and natural medicinal clinic set up on site. There will be a licensed medic on site. In addition there is a hospital 10 miles away, which will be used in case of medical emergencies. Please let us know about any special needs, medications or allergies that your child has through the medical history section of the registration form. - Can I attend the Confluence?
Yes! The Confluence is a gathering for all ages and backgrounds. We certainly welcome you and anyone else you know to attend the Confluence. - If I attend the Confluence can I be housed with my child?
We believe that youth should be housed in their own camp in order for the Confluence to generate long-term friendships and comradery amongst the youth participants. This is also a safety precaution; Youth Track staff will monitor the youth camp and will be responsible for your child. If you attend the Confluence and would like to camp with your child you may do so outside of the designated youth-area. - Will transportation be provided to and from the Confluence?
We will provide free transportation for the pre-registered youth to and from the Confluence. Please be sure to confirm the days your child will participate in the Youth Track on the registration form. - Who should I contact for more information?
If your child is interested in attending the Climate Confluence, please contact:
General Information / Providence, RI
Dara Bayer
617.894.0417
darabayer1@gmail.com
Gina Rodríguez
401. 440. 1858
gina.ritesandreason@gmail.com
Boston, MA
Erin Ryan Fitzgerald
781.492.0796
erf@riseup.net Westchester County, NY
Jon Booth
914.522.0822
jonwilkesbooth@gmail.com