Youth from Detroit and its suburbs to tackle issues ranging from politics to asthma at two-day environmental leadership extravaganza

On September 20-21 2007, the East Michigan Environmental Action Council will host a two-day environmental leadership training for Detroit area kids at University Preparatory Academy at 5310 St. Antoine, Detroit (between the New Center and Wayne State University Campus).

Hey Detroit Youth - What's your vision of the future?!

The first part of the training will be on Thursday, September 20th from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The second part will take place from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A local foods dinner will be provided on both days.

The event is FREE to youth. For more information and to REGISTER, please email Domiana Alexander at domiana@emeac.org or call the EMEAC office at 248-258-5188.

To download agenda click here - for flyer click here!

The training will include a Community Organizing 101 session for all youth on how to lead effective environmental projects and presentations on art & activism, community mapping, climate justice and civic engagement, plus the numerous field activities EMEAC will offer this school year as part of its ongoing leadership training series.

Special guests include Climbing PoeTree, who will conduct a workshop and perform Thursday. Climbing PoeTree is composed of Alixa and Naima, who believe that "art is our most human expression, our voice to communicate stories, to challenge injustice...a tool to rebuild our communities." They inspire, energize, and empower their audience through socially conscious and beautiful poetry. They are internationally renowned duo who have performed in South Africa, Cuba, New York, & Detroit.  In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Climbing PoeTree started their second national tour focusing on the injustices of the storm and its aftermath. Climbing PoeTree are poets, street artists, print-makers, fashion designers, bookmakers, muralists, acrobats, and tattoo artists and are sure to be a highlight not just of the leadership training workshop but of Detroit's art scene this year.

Al DeFreece, a teacher at University Preparatory Academy in Detroit, said, "One of the things we do with our students is build lessons around their passions.  Projects like the Youth Environmental Leadership Training helps with the job.  Our students care about larger issues and they like to make a difference - we just try to give the tools and additional knowledge so they can do so."

The training is open to all Detroit area students (middle school and high school)

Co-Sponsors: Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Service, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice Local Motion & University Preparatory Academy

 

EMEAC is teaming up with Clean Water Action (Oakland County) and Great Lakes Alliance for a Beach sweep.

The beach sweep will run from 9am - 12pm on Saturday, September 15, however we ask that people could arrive about 15 minutes early to check-in. We will be at the Belle Isle Beach, which is on the north side of the island, just west of the golf course.

To register, I just need the names of those interested, contact information and how many people will be with their group. Once registered, all people need to do is show up. We have all the materials you will need, however, I recommend bringing a pair of gloves (we have latex gloves, but if people prefer something a little better or are allergic to latex they should bring their own). I also recommend that people wear shoes that they don't mind getting wet.

To register contact Domiana Alexander
e-mail: domiana.emeac@gmail.com
phone: (248) 258-5188