Preliminary Report

The Foundation hosted our first national youth conference, “Think Outside the Bomb,” from August 15-21, 2005 at the University of California Santa Barbara. The conference convened over 60 young organizers, speakers and facilitators who shared their stories, unique experiences and leadership skills. Considered a success by everyone involved, the stated goals were for participants to leave the conference with a deepened understanding of nuclear issues; expanded social and professional networks; fresh insights and tactics for fundraising; and a well-stocked supply of organizing materials. This brief report draws upon reflections by conference facilitators: Michael Coffey, Carah Ong, Will Parrish, Darwin BondGraham, and Tara Dorabji. Similarly, written evaluations from 22 youth participants inform this report. As additional feedback is received it will be applied toward future planning efforts.

Context

Since the launch of the Foundation’s Youth Outreach Initiative over 5 years ago, it was understood that a national youth conference would allow us the critical face-to-face time needed to nurture authentic relationships with student leaders. We viewed a conference as a boost for our other youth outreach efforts, e.g., internship and volunteer opportunities, essay and poetry contests, peace leadership trainings, speakers’ bureau, etc. However, conferences are expensive and it wasn’t until the spring of 2004 when the fruits of our fundraising efforts aligned with our vision. Coincidentally, the conference was scheduled a few months after the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Review Committee, days after the 60th remembrances of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and during the continued debates around North Korea, Iran and US nuclear aspirations.

Plays Well with Others

Collaboration is important among the small community of organizations working on nuclear issues. Few would disagree that there is room for improvement on this issue, especially as it pertains to reaching out to young people in engaging and in sustainable ways. We found numerous allies in our effort to plan and implement our youth conference on nuclear issues. The conference would not have been as successful were it not for assistance received from UCSB Associated Students, Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, Western States Legal Foundation, Women’s Action for New Directions, Educators for Social Responsibility, Nuclear Information and Resource Service, American Friends Service Committee, Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility, and other non-governmental organizations.

Proceedings

The average day featured a series of panels, small group discussions, working groups, and skill trainings from 9 a.m. through 9 p.m. Flexible and fluid, the schedule allotted 2-hours for meals and free time. Inspired by the excitement of the week, participants often chose to work through their free time exploring nuclear disarmament, waste, and energy issues as well as the UCSB campus and Santa Barbara beach. The conference agenda is available online at http://www.wagingpeace.org/menu/programs/youth-outreach/youth-conference/index1.htm.

Diversity

Participants ranged from 15 to 29 years of age and hailed from 17 states, including California, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, Illinois, Washington State, Washington DC, as well as from the Marshall Islands and Kazakhstan. Participants came from diverse ethnic backgrounds, fields of study and career aspirations. A sample of high schools, colleges and universities represented at the gathering includes Laguna Blanca School; Monterey Institute of International Studies; Tulane University; University of California, Berkeley; University of Wisconsin; Utah State University; University of Hawaii, and Western Michigan University. Participants are affiliated with numerous non-governmental organizations, including but not limited to the following: Church of the Brethren Witness, Citizen Alert, New Jersey Public Interest Research Group, Peace Action, Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center.

Action Plans

Participants used the conference as a time to brainstorm individual and collective action plans. The general framework of these plans included a personal mission statement, proposed activity, activity goals, expected results, timeline, a list of key people involved, and a budget. Their peers, facilitators, and speakers offered specific ideas and feedback on these action plans. Participants presented their action plan on the last day of the conference.

Documentation

As our first event of its kind, we chose a manageable and practical group size. Still, it is our goal for the information and energy of the event to reach thousands more people. UCTV filmed and edited the first 2 morning panels.. Also, a group of conference participants formed with the goal of producing a short, youth-oriented film about the conference. Similarly, a group of conference participants formed to compile notes from the various panels and workshops. Some of these notes are available on the Foundation’s website at http://www.wagingpeace.org/menu/programs/youth-outreach/youth-conference/index1.htm#notes. Efforts are underway to edit these notes, combine them with photographs and create an accessible, colorful conference follow-up publication to be distributed among young activists, educators and donors. The highlight of such a publication will be the “Principles of Unity” which were drafted and accepted by consensus at the closing of the conference. The “Principles of Unity” are available online at http://www.wagingpeace.org/menu/programs/youth-outreach/youth-conference/index0.htm#unity.

Anonymous Quotes from Evaluation Forms

“I’ve been blessed to be here!”

“Facilitators couldn’t have been any better!”

“The most valuable part of this conference was establishing the network of students who have the skills, creativity, resourcefulness and ambition to take on nuclear abolition.”

“I hope it is repeated for others.”

“This was a revolutionary experience for me in a number of ways.”

Submitted by Michael Coffey
August 26, 2005