Youth Virtual Conference 2016, 2 March 2016, Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids RCE introduced an initiative to host an annual Youth Virtual Conference on sustainability related issues. For the past 2 years we have successfully connected schools from eight countries on three continents in real time to present and discuss issues pertaining to sustainability such as water and food systems. The 3rd Annual Youth Virtual Conference on “Energy Systems and Sustainability” was held on March 2nd, 2016. Multiple secondary schools (ages 14-19) from RCE cities across the world were linked in a four hour, peer-education symposium. Each class/student group presented their research on sustainability related energy issues of interest to them and their region.

The benefits of this conference are many and included the following objectives:

1. Create a global learning community in order to understand the complex issues of sustainability related to food systems and security
2. Develop a skills set of collaboration, communication and problem solving among bright young people
3. Understand how local actions have global impacts

Congratulations to all participants for a very successful YVC! The feedback from all involved as participants and viewers has been very positive. The learning went very deep and perspectives and world views gained were tremendous! According to Ryan Huppert "the following are some of the most prevalent concepts and ideas that recurred: localism, diversification, decentralization, lowering costs, increasing efficiency, systems approach, political engagement, collaboration, equity, and solar, solar, solar!" 

Ensemble Video of the Blackboard Collaborate Ultra Recording

YouTube Live Stream Recording

Please visit Grand Rapids for more information.