- Why a student led conference on environmental activism?
- What themese will be covered at the conference?
- How can my school come?
- What groups are coming to talk?
- Can I come without a faculty chaperone?
- What is a sliding scale?
- Where will we sleep?
- What will we eat?
Schools dont think of themselves as polluters, but we contribute to local air and water pollution, habitat disruption and global warming. Our schools generate waste, both standard and hazardous wastes. We are consumers of agricultural production through the food we serve. Our purchases of paper, vehicles, fuel, and construction materials have a measurable impact.
In most schools, students are exposed to the pesticides that are used routinely in buildings, playgrounds and athletic fields. They get further exposure through chemicals used in cleaning, and the additives, preservatives and pesticide residues in the foods we serve. There is increasing and alarming evidence that the cumulative effect of such exposure is demonstrably harmful.
The task of changing our patterns of behavior and consumption to both prevent further damage and begin to restore our relationship is daunting. The small steps taken by our schools are laudable; as yet they are a series of unrelated actions. They can feel like a drop in the bucket.
What themes which will be covered at the conference?
- Food issues and dining services at schools
- Successful campaigns and models we can learn from
- Health and the environment are the products we use safe for us?
- Green Buildings yes it is possible!
- Grounds how safe are they? (water, maintenance, pest management of playing fields, playgrounds, landscaping and gardens)
- School supplies where do they come from and where to they go?
- Environmental Justice standing against environmental racism
- Knowing where you live loving and protecting your local habitat
- Energy use and alternatives to fossil fuels
How can my school come?
Download the registation form and find a teacher at your school who would be interested in the event.
What groups are coming to talk?
Check the Presenters page and Keynote Speaker page for more information.
Can I come without a faculty chaperone?
No.
What is a sliding scale?
A sliding scale helps those with less financial resources to participate in the event. If you can afford the full $50 registration fee, your payment will help to support the registration of someone who can only afford $25 to register. If you cannot afford the full $50 registration fee, choose an amount between $25 and $50 that you can afford to pay. If you cannot afford the $25 end of the sliding scale, contact fsdoe@westtown.edu and request information about scholarships! No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay.
Where will we sleep?
Check out the overnight information page closer to the event. The short answer is we will offer floorspace on campus and area Meetinghouses (where Quakers worship), and some homestay sites for folks who request it.
What will we eat?
We are working on getting a locally grown organic menu together for our meals.