maybe someone here can use this..sierra student coalition

[Guest guest]

COLLEGE ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE

SIERRA STUDENT COALTION

 

Many of us have serious concerns about the state of our environment; we want to

change things for the better. So often, though, we don't know where to start.

While many universities now offer classes in environmental studies, the classes

rarely offer practical avenues for solving the environmental problems studied.

For those students who are looking for more, the Sierra Student Coalition is

proud to offer the College Environmental Leadership Training Program.

 

The program will be held from June 10-16 at Prince William Forest Park, in

Triangle, Virginia. Some of the best environmental trainers in the country will

come together to teach 20 student activists how to develop strong and

effective groups that can tackle serious environmental issues. The program will

focus on the following:

 

Basic activist essentials: How to start and run an effective organization at

your school. We cover everything from the original recruitment drive, to

training leaders who can carry on the torch once you and others have graduated.

 

Communication skills: How to say what you mean, with confidence and persuasion -

be it to the media, to fellow group members, or the public.

 

Campaign organizing: How to plan and run a campaign to effect real environmental

change. Some of the skills covered include lobbying, working with the media, and

the Sierra Club's Campaign Plannning Matrix.

 

Environmental issues: We bring in the experts to discuss some of the most

crucial environmental issues facing our planet today.

 

All our trainings are rooted in experiential learning. This style of teaching

seeks to provide students with the opportunity to apply directly the skills

learned in each workshop. We place students in simulated campaigns and

organizing situations to put their skills to the test (no grades, though!). This

way, participants gain a much stronger comprehension of the material,

and leave the program as more learned and able activists.

 

Of course, the program isn't all work and no play. No sir. The week is filled

with energizing (and often goofy) nighttime activities, experienced guest

speakers from the environmental movement, hiking, and good food (no meat!).

 

Participants can also expect to develop strong relationships with program staff

who will continue to provide support and resources beyond the program's

completion.

 

If you have any questions, please call John at 1-888-JOIN-SSC, or e-mail

johnkamp

 

 

Ho w t o a p p l y. . .

 

Fill out the application in this e-mail, and send it to the SSC National Office,

and send it to johnkamp, or to the National Office (see

address on application).

With the application, please include an essay responding to the following

questions:

1) Why do you want to attend this program?

2) What do you plan to do with the knowledge and skills you will gain?

 

Applicants will be accepted based on an expressed passion for learning, a desire

to share and learn from others' experiences, and a desire to effect

change. An extensive resume and a long history of activism are in no way

requirements for applying.

 

The subsidized cost of the program is $75, which includes tuition, room, board,

and local transportation to and from the site. If you are not already a member

of the Sierra Club, a $19 student membership fee is included (which

entitles you to all the benefits of Club membership), for a total of $94. If you

send in your application via e-mail, you must send in a check to the national

office to confirm your acceptance. We cannot accept credit cards.

 

If you are not able to afford the cost of the program, some need-based

scholarships are available. We do not want money to be a reason for not

applying.

 

Please call 1-888-JOIN-SSC to request scholarship information.

 

Space is limited. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but no later

than May 1. You will be notified within a month of receiving your

application. If you apply but become unable to attend the program, you will

receive a full refund.

 

APPLICATION

 

Name:

Birthdate: / /

Sex: M F

 

Grade entering in fall of 2001

 

Frosh sophomore junior senior

 

School name:

 

School-year address:

 

School-year phone:

 

Summer address:

 

Summer phone:

 

Email:

 

 

Are you part of an environmental group?

Group name:

 

How did you hear about this program?

 

Mail this form and check to:

Sierra Student Coalition

Summer Program

PO Box 2402

Providence, RI 02906

 

or email it to:

johnkamp (check must be sent via mail; credit cards not accepted)

 

 

What is the Sierra Student Coaltion?

Founded in 1991, the Sierra Student Coalition (SSC) is the student-run arm of

the Sierra Club, which is the oldest and largest grassroots environmental

organization in the world. The SSC was created to give students the tools

necessary to protect our environment, and change the world. Through the SSC's

national network, students from across the country are able to work together

on hip, happening, energizing environmental campaigns - from strengthening the

Clean Air Act, to protecting Utah Wilderness, to fighting global warming.

 

The SSC also helps you work with your local Sierra Club group on environmental

issues in your own back yard.