Tomorrow's Leaders are Being Trained Today
by Shaza Hussein, University of South Florida - Tampa
Florida YES, the amazing state network that works with Southern Energy Network in Florida, started the spring semester for many aspiring Florida youth at our Winter Retreat this past weekend, offering trainings and opportunity for networking, campaign planning, and relationship building. The retreat began this past Friday, when students from across the state made the journey to Orlando, FL to receive training in leadership and grassroots organizing. Students from the University of West Florida, Florida State University, University of South Florida, even our friends down south at Florida International University, and of course Rollins College – our wonderful host- were present, representing a variety of environmentally conscious organizations and students.
The activities began Saturday morning as we all arrived at the beautiful Rollins campus and were greeted with breakfast and hot coffee (and tea!). We started our days off right, with icebreakers, energizers, and setting norms and safe space, facilitated by Kelsey Crane from Florida Atlantic University and myself. After a brief history of FL YES and SEN was presented, highlighting their accomplishments and goals as an organizing group we dove into our first training: Organizing 101!
For those of us with an ego (myself in particular) this training may have been anticipated to be review. My confidence was shot down rather quickly, though in the best way possible. This training outlined simple yet effective methods one can use when shaping, managing, and unifying their on campus groups. From the “Principles of Democratic Organizing” to power dynamics to campaign planning – every aspect of organizing was deconstructed into basic digestible knowledge. More important than the skills imparted on current campus leaders, this training empowered the attendees who had not yet stepped up to leadership positions with the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to take on new roles and become more deeply involved. Additionally those struggling to embrace their new found leadership positions acquired expert opinions on how to best delegate tasks, make contacts, and other troubleshooting issues in the follow up discussion and open forum.
Sunday began with more kick-butt energizers and hilariously awkward icebreakers followed by a Recruitment and Retention training. We opened again with essential rules of thumb for outreach activities. Participants learned recruitment techniques for tabling, as well as how to develop leaders and retain long-term membership. The training also supplied a platform for those schools with successful campaigns and extended FL YES membership to share words of wisdom and assist struggling student organizations. I think many would agree that this session provided some much needed support for the stressed and overwhelmed students, allowing them to not only gain insight but to also build connections with local schools and activists that could provide aid with future concerns.
The group then had a fantastic presentation from the loveable duo, Mary Olson and Mandy Handcock. “Know Nukes in Florida” enlightened the group on the resurgence of interest in nuclear power and the proposed building of new plants in some of Florida’s most stressed and delicate ecosystems. After a group lunch we began our campaign planning. This open forum discussion allowed those from all across the state to voice their opinion on FL-YES campaigns and introducing new ideas. Working groups were refined and developed and time was allotted for them to come up with a plan of action for the spring semester.
The day concluded with a special session I led concerning “Self-Sustainability”. We discussed professional sustainability – understanding the limitations of our organizations, setting realistic and timely goals, and reaching out to others as necessary. We also discussed personal sustainability, a topic of slightly more sensitivity. Throughout the retreat personal planning was highly emphasized as many bright young activists bursting with energy and desire for change can have the tendency to overwhelm themselves with work (myself included!). The discussion aimed at reminded us all that while our love for the Earth, this planet and all its wonder, and our passion to protect it was important, we must also realize that without healthy, well-rested, and happy activists there is no youth climate movement.
On that reflective note, the group rose Monday morning for a final group hike. We enjoyed a luxurious breakfast and drove off to Wekiwa Springs in Apopka. There we traversed the narrow paths among the silent forests and meditated on what we had learned this weekend. The skills we acquired will last us a lifetime, but are immortal in relevance, they will benefit not only us, but our friends, family, and community – but most importantly our earth and all the sentient beings that share it with us. As we all parted ways in the parking lot we made promises to keep in touch, send updates, and take care of ourselves. We all leave with a bit of melancholy, so sad to be separated for our fellow environmental warriors but also happy and filled with joy and the prospect of seeing them change the world.
Photos by Will Wysong, University of South Florida - Tampa
