YOUTH COMPONENT

From the 26th – 30th September 2010 you will be joining with students, young professionals, business people and academics from all throughout Australia to work towards an inspired vision for a sustainable future.

As young people we all have an incredible capacity to create change. Throughout the conference we will have interactive workshops, presentations and field trips specifically targeted at young people. These activities will provide opportunities to build skills and experience, such as leadership, networking, teaching through nature and goal-setting. Some of the time we will be integrated with the main conference, while at other times we have the opportunity to offer separate activities. More details of the program will be released soon so stay tuned!

The Youth Component was made possible through an ACT Environment Grant from the ACT Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water.

Mentor Program
This year we will have a facilitated Mentor Program to connect people new to the industry with those with some more experience. The program is designed to be an engaging and interactive way to invigorate the industry by helping new people to get more support and for more experienced people to pass on their knowledge and learn from the vibrancy and innovation of young people. Please indicate your interest in this program on your registration form.

Get Connected Before the Conference!
Join the Facebook page for information on the Youth Component, social events, updates, and to meet other participants: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=272429091522&v

Sponsorship
If you need financial assistance to get to the Conference, there are several different options you can try:

State Chapters – Each State Chapter has a limited amount of funding available to support young people to get to the Conference. They are also a great resource to finding more sponsorship opportunities in your state/territory. Contact details can be found at: http://www.aaee.org.au/?page_id=24

Schools – Many schools and their P & Cs or school boards will fund students to represent the school and the state at conferences such as this. Contact you these bodies in your school for information on their process.

Universities – Faculties and schools from universities all throughout Australia have funded students to attend conferences. Contact the department you are a student of for more information.

Creative Space
If you play, sing, draw, create or would like to learn how, then the Creative Space is for you. The Space will be open at various times throughout the Conference for you to chill, express your creativity, meet new people and join in with one of the workshops:

Re-Create – Give new life to old garments.  Learn to alter, add a patch or completely transform something old into something new using a variety of hand and machine sewing techniques.  Plenty of raw materials will be provided for you to choose from and there will be assistance to transform them in any way you like.

Journal Jackets - Use recycled fabrics and materials to create a reusable cover to keep your journal or notebook warm and stylish.  Ensure you always have somewhere to record your ideas, thoughts, artistic endeavours and inspirations.  Take this workshop at your own pace, learn hand and machine sewing techniques and be as wild as you dare.

BadgeSWAP! - Chill out in the Creative Space and make mini artworks which can be turned into stylish accessories with the BADGE MAKER.  Political slogans, poetic thoughts, artistic creations, fancy patterns; if you can fit it into a 2.5cm circle, you can turn it into a badge and share it with the world.

Blog-O-Sphere - Use the internet to get your ideas out there and stay connected to AAEE after the conference.  Join us in the creation of an AAEE youth blog, and have the opportunity to contribute your ideas, thoughts and reflections on the conference.  The workshop will also cover tips and tricks you can use to start your own blog and get it looking snazzy.

Accommodation
If you have not yet organised accommodation, here are some budget options you may consider:

Getting Around in Canberra
The Australian National University is located 5 minutes walk from the City. Public buses run regularly to and from the City, some parking is available at the ANU and cycling is convenient.

Visiting Canberra
The City (Civic) has many shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and other attractions. Social events will be organised throughout the conference.

Under 18s
The Conference gives the opportunity for people of all ages involved in environmental education to engage in workshops and presentations that interest them. For this reason there will not be official supervision arrangements for youth under 18 years of age during the conference. Arrangements can be made for parents and guardians to check in with youth throughout the day, and the conference venue will have a safe-space for youth to raise any concerns.

If you have any questions, comments or would like to know how you can get involved, feel free to contact me.

I look forward to working towards a sustainable future with you soon!

Maris Tebecis

Youth Program Coordinator
maris.tebecis@gmail.com
0431 059 201

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