Let the Next Generation Lead

IT IS TIME TO LET THE NEXT GENERATION LEAD

Let’s be there to support them.

Powershift - October 26-29, 2012, Ottawa     http://www.wearepowershift.ca

Today I watched three amazing, beautiful, and smart young 16-year olds on TV.  They were taking civics and began to take a serious look at the role of women in US politics.  They decided to send a petition to the Department responsible for orchestrating the presidential debates,  They had determined that there had not been a female moderator for the presidential debates in the last twenty years.  They wanted a dynamic female role model showing how a strong, competent woman would handle this debate.  The department refused to even receive the 180,000 signatures they collected but their action attracted so much media attention that their request was taken seriously.  Feminist, environmentalist Cathy Crowly of CNN fame will be moderating the presidential debate and these girls are thrilled to see that happen.

Young people today are smart, experienced, and knowledgeable about the political process.  They know how to focus a message and get their point across.  They have no time to wait.  Their future is at stake.  It is time to step aside and let them lead.

Brigitte de Pape, famous for her “Stop Harper” action in the Senate, is one of many talented young people who are bringing this “Powershift” into being.  They are creating a forum where the next generation can convene, supported by their elders, and create the vision for the next incarnation of humanity and the pathway to get there. 

I am really excited to have the opportunity to meet young people from across Canada who are organizing themselves to lead change.  I believe Powershift has identified the two most important issues facing us in Canada and around the world that need significant policy changes:  democracy and a new energy paradigm. 

It is our young people that will face the results if we allow our leaders to stay on the path of completely ignoring climate change.  We need to be refocusing our energy policies to really transform our society towards renewable energy as quickly as possible.  We want leaders who will respect the democratic process and support the people to do what needs to be done.  We really need a powershift.  I hope to work with the leaders of today who will make that happen.  I hope to be at their side as an ally and a support.

Do you want to be an ally?  If you live in Ottawa, register and come to the conference.  Offer to billet young people in your home. ( https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dDNIRTdBSmVNSlBGcEE0Y3BEcVVnOHc6MQ#gid=0 )  If you don’t live in Ottawa and can’t come to Ottawa, sponsor a young person from your community to come.   psc.logistics@gmail.com) Watch for what is coming out of the conference.

I am really looking forward to hearing Bill McGibbon, the keynote speaker.   We need his best ideas for how to make this shift.  Hot news today – Naomi Klein will be there.
See full schedule:  (http://www.wearepowershift.ca/schedule )