G.R.E.E.N. Conference at St. Clement's School

I had a great time running a workshop this morning at the (3rd?) annual G.R.E.E.N. Conference, organized by students from the Bishop Strachan School, Havergal College, Crescent School, St. Clement's School, and Upper Canada College. The acronym stands for Global Action, Respect, Environmental sustainability, Education, NOW! Over a hundred students were there to learn more about various environmental issues and how their lives are affected by them.

These students (many of whom are either voting age or just on the cusp) were extremely impressive. For one, they showed up for this thing on a Saturday morning (no word on whether or not they were forced). But more than that, they knew more about political issues--from NAFTA and other trade issues to electoral reform to current goings-on in Ottawa--than many people I've spoken with. The keynote speaker, Leah Henderson, spoke about the choice between acting from a place of hope or a place of despair. Meeting these people gave me a lot of hope. I wish I could have a similar conversation with a new group every weekend. (I'm available.)

Also, I told them to ask all of their parents to give me money. We'll see how well that goes.