The 5th Annual
Youth Conference on Political Activism
"Our Future Is Not For Sale:
Youth Organize For Global Justice"
What?
A Conference on Political Activism by Youth for Youth
When?
Saturday, April 22, 2006 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Where?
The Putney School, Putney, Vermont
The Myth:
 YOUTH ARE DANGEROUS:
Risk-taking. Unstable. Violent. Directionless.
These stereotypes need debunking.
The Truth:
YES, YOUTH ARE DANGEROUS:
Active. Skeptical. Determined. Passionate.
Youth have the power to effect fundamental change
in communities, society, & the world.
Who we are:
ˇBasta! is a youth-lead grassroots political activism group based at The Putney School. We are dedicated to empowering youth through education and action. We aim to bring issues of concern to all youth in our larger community for debate and discussion. Through networking in our area and in the larger world, we are able to connect on issues that affect our future, such as the environment, poverty, and prejudice. Our goal is to make a difference in our future through action in the present. We strive to give a voice to youth in areas where our opinions are seen as irrelevant. The conference has been, since its birth, our main tool for empowering youth in our area.
What the Youth Conference is:
Every year since 2002, we have gathered around 250 youth from throughout the region (from Lebanon, NH, in the North to Northampton, MA, in the South; from Wilton, NH on the East to Bennington on the West.) The conference is a fantastic and diverse day-long series of keynotes, panels, and workshops on issues such as the role of the media in society, child labor, fair trade, sustainable development, local activism, organic farming, international and domestic politics, GLBT rights, labor, feminism, the environment, race, and much, much more.
Every year, the youth conference brings renown writers and thinkers, experts in such topics, who either as keynotes or as panelists bring about information and discussion. Workshops are by and large led and organized by students. This conference is an attempt to bring youth together to discuss activism, politics, and existing initiatives and to network so we can become even more powerful.
Who can participate at the conference:
Everyone regardless of age, gender, religious or political affiliation, race, and sexual inclinations,
is welcome to attend the conference and participate. However, adults should keep in mind this is mainly a forum for youth, and that should be respected.
What our goal for this year is:
We want to see as much representation as possible from EVERY middle and high school in a radius of
50 miles from Putney, VT. Yes, there is a registration fee for the conference, because to organize the conference is not possible without grants and your help. However, we don't want money to be a deterrent. If you sincerely and honestly cannot afford the registration fee, pay whatever you can pay. Just let us know.
We want you here with us on April 22!
For more information, contact:
youth_conference@putneyschool.org
Or call: 802.387.6220
*Photo credits: All photos by Inés Gómez-Ochoa, except the photos of keynote speakers and the group photo with Jeffords.
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