Change It

That’s a saying I heard a lot growing up – ever the eager child looking for immediate results. I always answered with the same smart-aleck response: “well, MY middle name is a virtue!” But at the time I didn’t really know what “Faith” meant either. I think eventually I grew to learn the meaning of my middle name, but like a lot of us I still struggle with practicing faith as well as having patience.

(Oh crap, she’s gotten preachy on us.) “WHO is going to Change It?! Blog about that!” you say. Nope, sorry, can’t. Not until the verdicts are all in. But let me tell you a bit more about the process so far, about patience and faith, and how it all relates to our current stage in the application process for the 2007 Change It program.

Memorial Day weekend was part of my ninety-hour work-week reading Change It applications. I was so committed to getting them done as quickly as I could (no patience) that I didn’t shower, barely slept, missed a few Red Sox games on the boob-tube and even skipped my own kickball game (we have an adult kickball league here in Burlington – although I think I’m worse at it now than I was in 2nd grade!).

The point is that I really felt as though I needed every minute I could find to finish reading the applications in time. I wouldn’t say I’m a slow reader, so much as conscientious…I agonized over every single essay answer – 10 per applicant. I kept second-guessing the scores I was giving (oh ME of little faith), and revisiting the acceptance criteria to be sure I was calculating correctly.

With less than 12 hours left until the application deadline for Change It 07 I am overwhelmed by the number of students who have already applied.

Last year’s total number of applicants for Change It was 420. And with still half a day left for the (inevitable) procrastinators to apply to our activism training program, we’ve already received nearly 1,200 thoughtful submissions from students who want to “be the change”. I’m just so excited to see such an amazing response!

As many of you already know, this summer Seventh Generation over 100 students to Washington, DC to be trained by Greenpeace to become activists in the growing movement towards social and environmental justice. This 10 minute Change It video showcases some of the highlights from that training.

Here are some more reflections from students from our July ChangeIt program with Greenpeace. There is the montage v-log, and the written piece below. --WR

From Laura Noll:

We sent a film crew out to capture our week on the Change It project. We looked for inspired protagonists
and found them plenty. I was most impressed with Joseph and his stream of worldly consciousnness...

WR

in awe of all they brought
and the energy leaving the room
missing it already

we end with reciprocal gratitude, sweaty hugs
and what’s the next chapter?
what change will be brought by those empowered?

I can feel the momentum created
and know that it can’t be stopped
an overdue change has become inevitable

________

Yesterday was new for me. I received so much gratitude, so many heart-felt hugs, and even a standing ovation (during which I turned bright red); at first I felt really embarrassed by all of it, like I didn’t deserve their thanks.

As part of the Change It training, students worked through a simulation earlier this week where they were challenged to solve an energy crisis in “Sweet River, USA.” At first, as with any simulation, there were some participants who seemed a bit apprehensive. But eventually everyone really got into it and enjoyed their simulated energy campaigns, lobbying sessions, and the community events held in Sweet River.

We’ve been really blessed with our guest speakers this week at Change It. Christine Kelly from the Cloud Institute for Sustainability Education woke us up with her Systems Thinking training first thing in the morning yesterday. It was fun, and everyone really seemed to get how it applied to the work that they’re doing here, and out in the world.

100 of the brightest, most passionate college kids committed to learning the art of social and environmental change have gathered at our Greenpeace activist camp in the 100 degree heat of Washington, DC. These kids have stepped forward to hold themselves accountable for ensuring that we create the kind of future we all dream of. They are not afraid to dream big dreams. Dreams of a world yet to be born. Of a world we are not yet able to see.

The future is in their hands and, more than most, they are willing accept it. They do not look back. They look forward. They are less encumbered by the paths and patterns that keep us locked into the endless cycles of the despair that dissipates hope.

They are curious and unafraid. They have a spirit that is infectious. I am honored to be in their presence, honored to have helped bring them together, honored to share in this small part of their journey with them.

Change It 2006 was finally born on Friday night. And it’s amazing!

After nurturing Jeffrey’s idea for over nine months, with the equal support of our partner Greenpeace, we’ve birthed this wonderful program into the world. And now my role has changed – I've become the Seventh Gen sponge so that I can share the inspiration with you. Below is what I’ve soaked in so far.

Day 1 - 10pm