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Program Information:
Do you want to:
- Learn about the important issues that affect Vermont, the nation and the world?
- Meet with Vermont's political leaders, local activists and expert faculty and staff?
- Get to know young leaders from across Vermont and other countries?
- Develop your leadership and activism skills, and learn how to use the arts to create social change?
IF THE ANSWER TO ANY OF THE ABOVE IS YES, THEN PLEASE READ ON!
This exciting and empowering 12-day Institute explores the major
current issues of today's complex world. It challenges participants to find solutions to the
local and global problems that directly impact young people.
A typical program day includes:
- Intensive Issue Groups on Politics, Global Children's Issues, Social Justice, & Leadership;
- Discussions with key Vermont politicians, activists and community leaders;
- Teambuilding challenges, leadership skills workshops, field trips, sports, campfires;
- Creative simulations, including a Mock Congress, Town Council and United Nations;
- Arts & cultural activities, such as drumming, barn dance, open mic night & Arabic culture.
Located on the scenic campus of the School for International Training in Brattleboro, the Institute:
- Brings together 50 of Vermont's most dynamic young leaders,
and challenges them to ask and find answers to difficult questions - by exploring
different sides of issues and political perspectives;
- Provides opportunities for students to form strong friendships
with peers and a smart, fun staff;
- Inspires Vermonters to become politically active in their communities,
make informed choices as young citizens and develop the skills needed to turn ideas into action.
VITAL ISSUES:
In workshops, simulations and debates, we will cover issues such as: Livable Wages, Child Labor, HIV/AIDS,
Terrorism, Iraq, Immigration, Global Warming, Poverty, School Quality, Human Trafficking, Landmines,
Separation of Church & State, Gender, & Civil Liberties.
LEADERSHIP SKILLS & 'WALKING OUR TALK':
Workshops will provide practical, hands-on training in public speaking, meeting facilitation, listening,
project design, internet activism and more. Students create arts-based social issue performance pieces, and
"walk their talk" by marching in Brattleboro's July 4th parade and carrying signs to educate the community about
issues.
MEETING INTERNATIONAL YOUTH:
Institute participants also have the opportunity to meet international high school students from places such as
Northern Ireland, England, and the Middle East who are attending parallel peacebuilding programs at S.I.T.
Please consider joining us for 12 amazing days that might just change your life!
For more information, check out the Current Issues & Youth Activism web site.
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