Town Hall Coalition

Youth Activist Convergence: "Our Future, Our Choices"

Youth Activist Convergence: Report Back
The First-Annual Youth Activist Convergence, held on April 12th-14th in Sebastopol, was a complete success in its efforts to educate, inspire, and unite emerging activists. This youth-inspired, youth-driven event brought over two hundred activists, students, educators, and community members together for a weekend of workshops, keynote speakers, musical events, and hands-on demonstrations. The weekend concluded with the creation of the Youth Activist Manifesto, the unifying vision for the newly created Youth Activist Alliance.

Convergence Highlights and Accomplishments
w 200 people of all ages were involved in the weekend Convergence (this includes tablers, workshop leaders, volunteers, and over 100 registered attendees).

w One of the greatest strengths of the Youth Activist Convergence was its ability to bring together representatives from a diverse spectrum of activist organizations. Over 75 groups were represented during the weekend, including Ruckus Society, Amnesty International, Positive Images, Sonoma County Youth Volunteer Corps, Food Not Bombs, Art and Revolution, ACLU, Center for Corporate-Free Education, Greenpeace, MECHA, WaterKeepers, Global Exchange, and more. Educators and students from over a dozen schools and universities also participated in the Convergence.

w Twenty-two workshops were held during Saturday and Sunday of the event (Of these workshops 8 addressed environmental dilemmas and solutions, 14 focused on social issues, 11 explored political topics, and 5 covered economic realms). A majority of these workshops were organized, facilitated, and led by activists under the age of twenty-five.

w Keynote speakers included emerging and experienced activists who addressed a range of topics from the power of direct action, the necessity for youth to protect civil liberties, to the importance of creative spirit in activism. Gabriel Martinez, Drew Dellinger, John Sellers, and Starhawk inspired attendees and provided background on political, social, economic, and environmental movements.

w Creative Convergence elements included a hilarious and pointed play by North Bay Art and Revolution, musical performances by Orpheus and Alison McLeod's Three-Ring Groove Gala, a film-festival highlighting activist media, as well as a riotous open-mic.

w The final day of the Convergence focused on creating a Youth Activist Alliance and writing a Youth Activist Manifesto. Sixty young activists collaborated to establish an action plan for creating positive change on local and global levels. Several youth activists presented a draft on the Manifesto to media representatives, local community members, and public officials. In a gesture of support and solidarity Sebastopol's Mayor Larry Robinson, proclaimed that the Youth Activist Manifesto would also become the city's Manifesto.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
The Convergence was a huge undertaking that thrived because of the determination of its 20+ dedicated volunteers and the support of community members, local businesses, and generous donors. We would like to thank all of those who have lent a hand to this project by sharing with you some of the praise we have received in the days following the Convergence.

Everyone has agreed that the Convergence was well organized, inspirational, diverse, and timely. A member of Sonoma County ACLU's Board of Directors commented that he was "blown away by how comprehensive, in-depth, and well-organized the event was, from the kick-off speakers to the many relevant workshops to the live music at lunch." It has also been noted that the Convergence did an excellent job in supporting established youth activists, while providing inspiration for new activists. To quote one attendee, "I had a most inspirational time!"

Future Plans/Goals
The Youth Activist Alliance (officially established at the Convergence) will have its first meeting on Wed. May 22nd at 7pm at the Peace & Justice Center (647 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa). This will be an opportunity to carry-on the inspiration created during the Convergence. We will work to create the 2nd Annual Youth Activist Convergence, host ongoing events, and organize around issues that concern us, and impact other youth throughout the world. JOIN US! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Financial Update
Fundraising was a key component leading up to the Youth Activist Convergence. Through letter writing, fundraising events, and grant writing we were able to gain support prior to the Convergence. We were also able to cover some of the event costs by collecting registration fees at the Convergence. These funds were used to support the following: program development including speaker and workshop costs, printing of publicity materials, venue and equipment rental, postage, salaries for planning staff, office and supply costs, entertainment costs, and event materials. The following is an outline of the Convergence Budget:

Funds Raised Prior to YAC:	$11,000
Funds Raised at YAC:	$2,800
Donations Following YAC:	$500
	= $14,300
Total Convergence Expenses:	$15,280

Unfortunately, the turn-out for the Convergence was not as high as expected and so the event did not generate funds for future Youth Activist Alliance projects. Any support and/or creative fundraising solutions are welcome!

For more details, information, etc. Contact Town Hall Coalition (707) 874-9110

Check-out issues of the Russian River Monthly, Sonoma West Times & News, The North Bay Progressive, and local high school papers for press-coverage of the event.

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