Imagine walking into a room full of hundreds of people all focused on the same goal, all energised, empowered and ready to jump into action on climate change.
Climate activist (and now AYCC staffer) Emily Lawrence knows exactly how that feels. She attended Power Shift 2009 in Sydney, and looking back, sees it as a turning point.
“It was just incredibly inspiring and exciting to connect with so may people and feel like I was part of a movement that was bigger than me and my community,” she said.
Did those connections last?
“Definitely. The bus on the way home was absolutely buzzing with excitement, ideas and intoxicating energy. I met people there that I went on to team up with and organise a big cycling event called Pedal Back to 350.”
For AYCC General Manager Ellen Sandell Power Shift 2010 is all about safeguarding her generation’s future in a time of muddy, uninspiring politics.
“At the moment, neither party has a strong policy on climate change and for me that’s really scary,” she said.
“The good news is that young people are ready to take the lead and get to work on climate change, and this event will give them skills and show them how.”
Ms Sandell says the AYCC has a positive, achievable vision for Australia’s future which is based on ambitious, smart investment in renewable energy.
They are preparing to think big and get loud on behalf of their members and young voters who are concerned about climate change during the upcoming Federal election.
To find out more information on joining Power Shift head to the info page.
– Claire Snyder
