The last few weeks of summer are finally here and for many students that means sleeping in as much as possible, final visits with hometown friends and earning some last minute savings before heading back to school. But as enticing as the final lazy days of summer are, some students decided to dedicate their last week to developing their leadership skills and preparing for an active semester.
On Thursday, August 13th, 70 young activists from across the US and Canada arrived in Algonquin, Illinois for Activist Camp, a 4-day summer training program hosted by Greenpeace and Forest Ethics. Activist Camp provided an opportunity for these activists to develop their grassroots organizing skills, discuss Greenpeace and Forest Ethics campaigns in depth, network and have fun.
There were a variety of trainings offered throughout the weekend including coalition building, advanced media, creative activism, recruitment and banner making. All of the trainings provided the young activists with skills that will be beneficial to working on a Greenpeace or Forest Ethics campaign on their campus or in their community.
At Activist Camp I learned how to train trainers. I can now go back to my campus and build the capacity of my club by sharing the skills I learned with students at my school, said Tina Robinson of Penn State University.
With a new set of skills, these Greenpeace students will be returning to their respective campuses to continue to tackle the issue of global warming and build the youth climate movement.
An Activist Camp participant, Rachel OConnor, has already been recognized in her hometown for her demonstrated leadership.
Want to get involved? The Greenpeace Student Network is seeking student activists that are eager to lead the clean energy fight on their campus. If youre dedicated and passionate about tackling top environmental issues then apply to be a Greenpeace campus coordinator at your school.
