I am forwarding this information about the Sierra Student Coalition summer program in case you know of someone who might be interested. I have clipped off the application form at the end to shorten the message. If you need that, get in touch with me. Thanks, Jane Clark [log in to unmask] Hello, Iowa folks, This is John Kamp, the SSC trainings director. I am writing to let you know about our summer programs, and to give you the e-mail versions of the applications/brochures. Below you will find the brochure/application for the high school programs. I will send another e-mail with the college brochure/application. It would be super good to get more students from the midwest involved. Talk to you all soon. Sincerely, John SUMMER CAMP TO HELP YOU CHANGE THE WORLD BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE SIERRA STUDENT COALITION It is somewhat depressing to think about what a state of almost disrepair the earth is in. Global warming, deforestation, species extinction, air pollution. So much is wrong that it almost seems like there is no place to start, that it is hopeless. But there is reason to be hopeful, and there are places to start. And every summer the Sierra Student Coalition gladly offers one of those starting points: The High School Environmental Leadership Training Program. The SSC offers the summer program as a direct way to help you get involved, get energized, and ultimately change the world. Consisting of seven days and six nights, the program is an intense week of learning how to organize, and how to overcome barriers and obstacles to effecting real environmental and social change. Throughout the week the program focuses on helping you get ready to take what you have learned and put it to the test, at your school. What do we cover? basic activist essentials How to start and run an effective organization. We cover everything from recruiting folks for the first meeting, to running a meeting, to developing new leaders to ensure that your organization persists from year to year. communication skills How to say what you mean, with confidence and persuasion - be it to the media, to fellow group members, or the public. campaign organizing How to plan, implement, and run an effective environmental campaign. We teach the most essential skills needed to effect real social and environmental change. environmental issues Once you have the skills, we help you find an issue you would like to use them for - public lands, global warming, human rights and the environment, you name it. Of course, the program isn't all work and no play. No sir. The week is filled with hikes, energizing (and often goofy) nighttime activities, good food (no meat!), and general hanging out with good people. By the end of the week, no one wants to leave. Nonetheless participants ultimately do go back to their respective towns and cities; they put their skills to work, and help change the world. WHERE ARE THE PROGRAMS? This summer we are holding five training programs across the country - in the West, Midwest, Northeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions. In order to ensure the best possible learning environment, we limit each program to 15 participants. The M i n n e s o t a program will be held at the St. Croix State Park, north of the Twin Cities, in the forests along the St. Croix River. Students will be staying in the Norway Lodge guest house. The program runs from June 25 to July 1. HOW DO I APPLY? Fill out the application at the end of this e-mail. E-mail the application to [log in to unmask], or send it to the SSC national office (see address below). With the application should be included an essay responding to the following questions: 1) Why do you want to attend this program?; 2) What do you hope to do with the knowledge and skills you will gain? Applicants will be accepted based on an expressed passion for learning, a desire to share and learn from others' experiences, and a desire to effect change. An extensive resume and a long history of activism are in no way requirements for applying. The subsidized cost of the program is $160, which includes tuition, room and board, and local transportation to and from the site. If you are not already a Sierra Club member, a $19 student membership fee is included (entitling you to all the benefits of Sierra Club membership) for a total of $179. Your acceptance will only be confirmed once the check is received. If you are not able to afford the cost of the program, some need-based scholarships are available. We do not want money to be a reason for not applying. Please call 1-888-JOIN-SSC for scholarship information. Space is limited. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, but no later than June 1. We will notify you within a month of receiving your application. If you apply but become unable to attend the program, you will receive a full refund. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]