On the eve of the Pittsburgh Global Town Hall hosted by the University of Pittsburgh, Global Voice, World Workable Trust, and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, the University Center for International Studies will host a workshop and town hall discussion specifically for area middle and high school students. The goal is to focus on the concerns of the next generation of globally-minded citizens, while exploring avenues for climate activism. How do you turn local activism into global reform? What role do the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play in these discussions? How are gender equality and climate action related?
In activities throughout the day, students will explore models of activism and engagement. A town hall discussion at the end will direct discussions toward next steps, which will then be presented the next day at a live-streamed Global Town Hall on Pitt's campus. Join us and make your voice heard in time for the high-level climate summit in New York City on September 23rd.
Participation in the event is free and open to students and teachers grades 6-12. Pre-registration is required (http://pi.tt/youthglobaltownhall). Participants are encouraged to bring their own brown bag lunch, as only light snacks will be provided.
Schedule:
Youth Town Hall and Workshop (open only to pre-registered students and teachers, grades 6-12)
9:30 am - arrival and check-in
10:00am – Welcome from hosts with introductory messages from Wanjira Mathai, global activist, and Leandra Mira, local youth activist
10:15am – Workshop on Climate Education and Advocacy
12:00pm – working lunch (brownbag) with activities
1:00 pm – Local Town Hall for students (Discussion)
2:45 pm – wrap up
Film Screening (Connelly ballroom) - open to public
3:00 - 5 pm – Screening of documentary about Wangari Mathaai: Taking Root (80 min) - followed by a discussion of the film led by Wanjira Mathai (the daughter of the film's subject).