A Thousand Youth to Take Action on Climate Change

Preparations are underway for a mass of young people to converge in Auckland in early December to shape their future, in the first-ever national event known as Power Shift NZ-Pacific 2012.

On the 7-9 December, Auckland will be host to a part conference, part festival, part workshop and part celebration of the power of young people taking their future into their own hands.

Power Shift is being driven by a grassroots network of youth organisers who have built a climate movement across every region of New Zealand, and every Pacific Island nation. It is a collaboration project between 350.org, a global movement for action on climate change, Generation Zero, a organisation of young New Zealanders calling for better climate policies, and other individuals.

This week they launched the project with a website, and are now inviting up to 1000 young people from around New Zealand and the Pacific Islands to register online to attend.

“Climate Change is the defining issue of our generation, and there is a growing youth movement in New Zealand that will come to Power Shift to learn new leadership skills, be inspired by amazing leaders and role-models, get planning for local actions, and launch a nationwide campaign to push for climate solutions” said one of the organisers, Brittany Packer.

“Participants are already planning their carbon friendly transport to Power Shift, with youth as far as Dunedin planning to cycle to the event!”

Power Shift NZ-Pacific 2012 is not a flash in the pan. It will build on the experience of Power Shift events that have been held all over the world over the past 5 years – in India, Australia, America, Canada and the UK, mobilising more than 25,000 young people.

With registrations for the event now open, the organisers have their sights set on future horizons.

“This event will be a focal point for rapidly growing this network of young people, as well as providing training in specific skills and links to concrete actions toward a safe climate future”, said Ms Packer.

“If it’s anything like other Power Shifts around the world, it’s bound to be historic.”

To learn more, and to get your ticket, visit www.powershift.org.nz.

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