Students from the AU Center Attend Powershift 2011 in Washington

During this convention, student leaders and members from their organizations get a chance to interact with each other and brainstorm innovative ways to keep their college campuses eco-friendly and gain the interest and commitment of their peers. I had a chance to attend the convention this year with students from Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College and Morehouse College. The three colleges form what’s called the Atlanta University Center (AUC), and they united their eco-friendly campus clubs for the benefit of this convention.

The days were filled with workshops, seminars and speeches from leaders such as Lisa Jackson, the first black Environmental Protection Agency administrator; Bill McKibben, 350.org founder and environmental activist; and Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO from Green for All. These three keynote speakers gave the crowd a sense of security and hope that as long as the students continue to do their good works in their communities, they are doing their part. They also addressed reigning issues of interest and concern to which students are seeking solutions.

After getting the chance to meet with Lisa Jackson and Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, I realized that this fight to protect our environment is not an act that is beyond me. I can contribute to the movement and do my part on my college campus and in my community. All the seminars and workshops led up to the most important day, Lobby Day, which is when all of the public protesting takes place. Overall, this trip was an awesome learning experience for me, and I am glad I learned things I can do to help.