Power Shift Coterie

For those of use with an abundance of environmental enthusiasm, but a shortage of funds to make the fare for Copenhagen, Power Shift is the perfect opportunity to contribute to our national dialogue on climate change. C&S will be sending a delegation of up to 50 young people to Sydney to take part in the summit. Organised by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, the event seeks to educate young minds about the pressing concerns of global warming and initiate a ripple-effect of eco-friendly action – with Australia’s youth as the vehicles for widespread improvements at a community level.

Stimulating discussion, debate – and ideally, action – Power Shift will bring together a cross-section of the nation’s political and scientific scene, dismantling the barriers of field, party and age in an effort to encourage collective action.

What’s on offer?
The summit’s purpose is twofold – it aims to both educate youth about the intricacies of climate change, while fueling discussion about potential solutions on a local and national level.

Conference attendees can expect to learn about the best techniques for vocalizing their environmental concerns, as well as a ‘green jobs fair’ displaying a wide array of potential careers in ‘green’ areas of employment.

Power Shift has also locked in a number of high-profile speakers to detail their thoughts about climate change management and its implications for public policy. And that’s just the tip of the (melting) iceberg – discussion based presentations on climate change from indigenous, religious and international perspectives aims to address a global concern holistically.

You can expect to see, amongst others:

• Tim Flannery, Australian of the Year 2007
• Rajendra Pachauri, head of the Iner-governmental Panel on Climate Change and Nobel Peace Prize Winner (via videolink)
• Larissa Brown, Young Environmentalist of the Year 2008
• Julia Gillard, Deputy Prime Minister
• Malcolm Turnbull, Opposition Leader

And don’t entertain the idea of leaving before Saturday night, or else you’ll miss out on the Power Shift concert.

Summit Agenda & Components

Trainings: Conference attendees will learn the best practices of climate organising, including: campaign and event planning, recruitment, media, public speaking, lobbying, leadership development, coalition-building, campaign strategy, and community and campus organising.

State/Regional Break-Outs: After splitting into geographically-based groups, youth will identify upcoming state and regional opportunities to realise tangible climate progress and plan coordinated campaigns and events to make them happen. We will also faciliate the coordination of upcoming youth actions on climate change across the country.

Presentations: Diverse speakers will enlighten youth about the connections between Climate and Faith, International Security and Climate Change, How Combating Climate Change Leads to Job Creation, Climate Change from Indigenous peoples’ Perspectives, and many more presentations that will help build our movement and add new perspectives to the discussion.

Job Fair: Employers on the cutting edge of our energy transition will meet youth looking for the jobs of tomorrow in non-profit, clean energy, and other sustainably-focused sectors.

2010 and Beyond: Leaders of both major parties – candidates for the Prime Minister of Australia at the next election – will speak to their plan to reduce Australia’s GHG emissions to safe levels, forcing them to justify their policies to the generation that will be most affected by them.

Change & Switch’s “Power Shift Coterie” package will include accomodation, food , transport to and from the conference, stickers, a t-shirt, and a good time!

The current cost is $375 however, a high number of sponsored positions are still available.

The dates are 10-13th of July 2009.

If you would like to take part, please email us at info@changeandswitch.org