Attending my first national Power Shift conference back in 2011 was a major turning point in my life. After spending three days participating in workshops, discussions and even some massive rallies in the streets of Washington, D.C., I returned to Oregon feeling empowered and supported by the thousands of youth who I knew would be taking action across the country post-Power Shift. I left my position as a reporter for my college newspaper, changed my major from journalism to environmental studies and immersed myself in the world of climate activism and grassroots organizing. Although I honestly had no idea where this path would take me, I felt confident knowing I was following my heart and supporting a cause that sparked a fierce green fire within me.
In the two years since that life-changing event, I've facilitated trainings at grassroots organizing camps for Greenpeace and the Sierra Student Coalition; attended two UN climate negotiations (COP17 in South Africa and COP18 in Qatar); and worked with youth leaders from all corners of the globe. Last fall I had the privilege of facilitating trainings at Power Shift Canada ((bit.ly/AaNpieceMC), another eye-opening experience that only further emphasized how important this type of conference is to young people worldwide.
That's why I'm asking today for your help in attending this year's US Power Shift conference in Pittsburgh, PA. All proceeds will cover my travel expenses for the weekend event. By enabling me to attend Power Shift you will grant me the opportunity to share my many experiences (and lessons gleaned from them) with the next wave of changemakers - and together, hopefully, we will achieve our goals of ensuring a safe and healthy planet for generations to come.
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