On February 27, three Change the World Kids Alums (Monique Hanson, Nika Meyers, and Phebe Meyers), along with 12,000 dedicated youth, converged in Washington D.C. for Powershift ’09, the largest youth climate conference ever! Youth from across the United States and twelve other countries met to demand that our new president and congress rebuild our economy and pass climate and energy policies that will provide a sustainable and clean future for our country and planet. Renewable energy and green jobs were only a few of the pertinent issues discussed and lobbied. University of Vermont and Middlebury College led the pack with the most students attending the conference, UVM with a wonderful 198 students, and Middlebury College with 195 students.

This four-day event consisted of a plethora of workshops and panels lead by students, social activists, farmers, politicians, teachers, environmentalists, and more, discussing topics that spanned from environmental justice, education, skills training and communications, to green jobs and the economy, campus organizing, health and community, to faith and spirituality, politics and policy. Workshops included Gardening for Climate Justice, Greening your School, Training: How to get what you need for free, The Story of Coal: Past Present and Future, Environmental Justice: Making Sure Green is Fair, Indigenous People and Climate Change, Green Jobs Now, and Agribusiness is Cooking the Climate,” public speaking 101, facilitation 101, and leadership development 101.

In addition to workshops and panels, keynote speakers such as Van Jones, Majora Carter, Lisa Jackson, Ed Mackey, Billy Perish, and Marisol Becerra gave words of hope for our successful future in fighting the race of climate change though policy and activism.

Youth were treated to wonderful concerts by the Roots and Santigold.

An unexpected rally at the White House at 11:00pm in the falling snow was a highlight for many youth. “I have always dreamed of marching and rallying for something, especially in Washington D.C. It is also wonderful that we were rallying for something good, apposed to protesting something like a war!” shouted an enthusiastic advocate. Chants such as “Green Jobs Now!” and “Powershift” echoed throughout the streets of our Nation’s Capital. The energy was amazing!

The other highlight was a full day lobbying on capital, where youth met with their congress people and representatives and advocated for support for a clean energy future. Over 350 meetings were conducted, and there was a rally on the capital lawn. A sea of green hard hated youth, posters and energetic leaders filled the area. The poor weather did not stop youth from demanding change.

“This was an experience of a lifetime. The energy that filled the room when more than 12,000 individuals joined in cheers was incredible,” one Middlebury Student said. “I can’t wait to see what amazing ideas and campaigns come out of this weekend of inspiration.”