COP15. I am poor, young and ambitious.
Today I arrived in Amsterdam after a long train ride with the DB night train from Copenhagen. Although it was cheaper to fly to Amsterdam Airport, I decided to take the train after COP15 (practice what I preach…) Costs: 120 euro. For 15 hours on the floor of an old German train that was leaking snow. Anyway.
Time to reflect a little on everything that happened in Copenhagen in the last week! I left Järna and YIP a week ago:
Saturday December 12, 7am.
Together with 4 other YIP participants I got a lift with someone driving down from Stockholm. We arrived in Copenhagen just in time for the Vigil of 350.org.
Somewhere between 50.000 and 100.000 people on the street, but also knowing that people all over the world where doing the same in more then 5200 events:
Coming home that night I found my friends in Järna on the webpage of 350.org
During the entire week I had awesome accommodation in the centre, a 5 minute bus ride from Nørreport. Thanks so much to my host Nana!
Sunday December 13 – the universe conspired!
I got up a bit late, to catch up on some sleep, and then met up with the others at the Club, our location for the OASIS game on Tuesday and Wednesday. More about that later! We then went to the Bright Green business expo in the Copenhagen Forum, and got some free VIP tickets at the entrance. We only went to see a lecture by Alex Steffen from worldchanging.com. The lecture was much of what he already writes about (I actively read his inspiring blog) and some quotes from Paul Hawken, Naomi Klein and others. One thing stayed with me, in one of his last slides he said:
Most people on the planet are poor, young and ambitious.
Very inspiring, because those are the ingredients for great achievements! Nothing to loose, a life ahead, and dreams about the future.
After that I hurried to a prep-meeting of the WSCSD side event for the 18th. A quick briefing where I also met the UNFCCC YOUNGO’s and some other friends like Michaela Hogenboom (Youth Representative to the UN Commission for Sustainable Development), Christopher Baan from WSCSD and some young people from The Global Humanitarian Forum’s Youth Forum.
Had to leave quickly to the next event, the launch of a film and website of the European Environment Agency (EEA).The movie ‘one degree matters’ shows the effect of climate change and the solutions we can already see in Europe.
Bend the trend is a social movement inviting individuals to pledge a lifestyle change, such as going to work by bicycle instead of car, that will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In the end of this blog post I will also pledge a lifestyle change!
I met some really inspiring people, including the farmers from La Vialla, the bio-dynamic and organic farm in Toscane, Italy, where I buy my wine since I was introduced to them by a good friend of mine. Their farm was in the movie, and is one of the examples of sustainable agriculture in Europe.We got served their amazing food during the entire evening.
Monday December 14 – sailing into the future
In the morning we took of to a workshop of the Tällberg Foundation about the Rework the World 5th YES Summit.
“Rework the World is a global initiative that seeks to mobilise young people around promising sustainable ventures and help take the emerging green economy to the next level.“
We had a very inspiring meeting with them about the questions of youth at COP15, and I got inspired again for the summit. Let’s see if we can go there with YIP and WSCSD.
We then quickly went to the Klimaforum09 to a talk called “Survival Pact, not Suicide Pact: Bill McKibben and President Mohammed Nasheed of the Maldives on the global movement for 350ppm”. We waited about an hour for President Nasheed, listing to Bill McKibben preaching to the choir about the number 350. He had too, I forgive him.
According to President Nasheed the number 350 is the most important number ever. That is quite a statement, but is is certainly very important. All 6.8 billion of should know about 350ppm, but understand that it is all part of 1 universe, 1 galaxy, 1 solar systems, 1 planet, 1 atmosphere, 1 never-ending thing called LIFE.
The rest of the day I spent walking around Copenhagen, ending up at the Club for a briefing for OASIS.
Tuesday December 15 – OASIS #1
The first day of OASIS at the Club. The Club is a place for kids and youth from Copenhagen to come and spent time after school, in the afternoons and evenings. In the 80’s this place was famous for it cultural influence on Denmark’s music and cultural life. Today the building is quite old and needed some hands. The basement was under utilized and after an open space with the educators of the club, the kids, and 20 YIP participants, we started renovating the place. We emptied the basement, started desiging different corners and spots, and had great fun all around! Communcal cooking, dancing, and fighting for the few tools.
That night I heard about the exclusion of civil society from the Bella Center. Some people waited 11 hours before they got in. Where will these 15.000 people go was my first question? And why did they have to wait in the cold? We could use some extra hands!
Wednesday December 16 – OASIS #2
We continued with the renovations, and we shifted gears. Girls were painting on the sound of the Spice Girls, and the guys were hammering and sawing in the basement. I was wondering what had happened at the Bella Center and followed the People’s Assembly and police intervention via Twitter. It made me quite sad, and I thought a lot about the future of the civil movement. Can’t we think of another way of action? Demonstrations and violent interactions with the police, is that really the solution? The old news (tv, newspaper) only reported on these ‘riots’ that night, although they were relatively small.
We finished the OASIS game with an amazing result! The basement, that had been used for storage, turned into an exhibition space for art of the kids, a dark corner into a cozy lounge space, and a future washroom into a temporary girl lounge. We made tables, benches, fixed lights, cleaned storage spaces and recycled lots of materials, with no costs or external resources. Most importantly, we had a lot of fun!
In the evening I was feeling a bit down, thinking a lot about the political outcome of COP15. I was worried. I watch a documentary on National Geographic on the mysterious Colony collapse disorder (CCD) or sometimes honey bee depopulation syndrome (HBDS), and got even more worried. Climate Change is a challenge, but imagine if the bees disappear. Job of the future: Hand pollination?
Thursday December 17 – silence
In the morning I went to check out the Bella Centre. The parking lot was empty. Where did Civil Society go? I then went to the Forum, the alternative NGO venue. EMPTY. Where is everyone? Only in the Klimaforum09 I found the people I was looking for. Civil society sharing the possible solutions. Thousands of leaflets, brochures, flyers, posters with projects, initiatives, ngo’s, etc.
We then went to Christiana to visit the Climate ecovillage. What a great place! The best piece is the exit sign:
I had a great conversation with former Ashoka Fellow Edgard Gouveia, Jr., who did OASIS with us. Christiania, the best place for lunch and a genuine winter feeling!
Friday December 18 – ‘…’
The World Student Community for Sustainable Development (WSCSD) had their side-event on Youth & Student collaboration beyond Copenhagen in the Forum in the morning, and it was a great succes. Because I was not accredited I was not able to join, but I heard many positive stories! Read the news on http://cop15.wscsd.org/
Saying goodbye to fellow YIPpies, and relaxing after a full week I tried to follow the negotiations online. The hope was on Obama. It was only until the late evening that the first ‘results’ came out. I was having a wonderful supper, I could not be bothered really, but was of course very curious. Michaela Hoogenboom tweeted some updates from the Bella Center.
The Copenhagen Accord.
The blog posts have been endless. I do not need to add much. Read Bill McKibben, Jon Isham or Andrew Light or the many others.
The Awesome Outcome:
RT @christopherbaan: We, the young generation and entrepreneurs have to do it. Together. Fast. We can’t afford to wait for politics to fail.
This has been the largest connectivity in civil society in history. Environmentalism became Social Justice in Copenhagen (Naomi Klein)
COP15 and the disappointing political outcome inspires me to work more and harder with civil society, youth and entrepreneurs. What if we continue living and inventing the solutions for a ambitious and inspiring green future? The time of waiting on the politics is over. Let’s work together with innovative sustainable enterprises, social entrepreneurs, civil society and youth.
Good example: Aart van Veller from wijzijnkoel.
What if we do not show up at COP16, because we are to busy working on the solution? (Thanks Nakyta for this wicked idea!)
My personal pledges for 2010:
- Maximum of 10 flights, only if related to work for civil society, and if there is no other option. (I need cheaper train tickets, anyone?)
- 95% vegetarian (5% organic, local meat & fish)
- 100% organic/bio-dynamic and fair-trade food
- Facilitating the 10X growth of the civil society movement, with youth.
- Create a climate positive international youth network festival.
- Build a wind-mill.
I am not proud of my 2009 travelling footprint, but it got me where I am now:
I am poor, young and ambitious.
(In the next blog post I will write more about my plans for 2010. I need a short break to develop some strategies.)
24 – a Youth Renaissance?
November 6th, 2009. I am turning 24.
In the Netherlands, the life expectancy of a male inhabitant is 77,6 according to UNFPA State of the World Population 2008.
I have lived 30% of my life.
Looking at the world today, the increasing global population and the increasing life expectancy show a fascinating demographic. When my parents were born they entered a population of about 3 billion people. Since then the population doubled to 6.8 billion today. I will probably see the same growth in my lifetime, up to 9.2 billion in 2050. (I will be 65 by then.)
In the countries with a rising life expectancy the median age is going up, and the population pyramid is turning into a population ‘vase’, and eventually maybe a straight column?
(http://charts.jorgecamoes.com/animation-and-demographic-information-visualization)
The bottom of the population pyramid is also called the youth bulge. We can maybe say that this time in history is the peak of youth. Population goes up, and life expectancy goes up. If population reaches a steady level, life expectancy will still rise, and the global median age will keep going up. Will the youth start aging in 2050, creating a decrease in the youth bulge?
Most worrying is the consequences of the current “youth bulge” (technically a situation where 15-29 year olds make up more than 30% of a population) for global security. (…) In Africa and the Middle East, for example, there are estimated to be 300 million people aged 15-30 (out of a total population of 2 billion). – The battle of the youth bulge
The about quotation is from an interesting article by Malcolm McIntosh, where he also refers to the possible darker side of a youth bulge. Some scientist have linked youth bulges to war, genocide, colonialism, fascism and terrorism. Youth without a direction can be directed by an ideology, join a movement. This is an opportunity and a challenge, because youth is being educated to look up to the previous generation, and follow their values and realities.
Youth Supplement to UNFPA’s State of the World Population Report 2008:
There are more than 1.5 billion people between the ages of 10 and 24, the largest generation in human history. Approximately 70 per cent live in developing countries, 60 per cent in Asia alone. They enter adult- hood in a time of transformations in the economy, education, communication, demographics, the environment, technologies and culture.
Globalization is this generation’s hallmark, with free flow of markets, capital and products; easier travel, instant connections, and rapid urbanization, with more than half of world population living in cities and towns. The result is economic and cultural integration on a scale never before seen, with a tremendous impact on every aspect of life.
This generation of young people is also shaped by a trend towards democracy and the rise of civil society, giving them much more opportunity to participate in local and national decision-making.
Young people, especially girls, are more likely to be healthy and educated than previous generations; except that they – especially adolescent girls and young women – have been disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
So what?
No what do all these stats tell us, and what does this mean? And more important; why does this effect everyone, and why does it effect me?
My generation enters a world of global challenges, and it is up to us to do something about it. Climate change, economic crisis, population growth, HIV/AIDS, technological development, migrations, globalized markets, re-distribution of capital, and much more is on our plate. Challenges older generations has never seen before. And no one knows how to deal with them.
Could the biggest generation in history co-create the solutions?
Could the biggest generation in history come with a direction, instead of waiting for one?
Could the biggest generation in history start a movement, instead of joining one?
Could the biggest generation in history be the change we want to see in the world?
What about a Youth Renaissance?
Please join me in a discussion, here in the comments!
TED: Ideas worth spreading
If you still do not know what TED is:
One TEDTalk a day keeps the doctor away.
One Young World
Dear friend,
I am standing to be a delegate to represent my generation at the One Young World Summit. This is the largest youth leadership summit in the world. Because I have proven myself as a young leader I will be travelling to London in February 2010 to discuss 6 key issues with 1499 other young leaders from across the world. The organizers are aiming to have every country represented, proportional to population. I am representing the Netherlands.
The One Young World Summit will be a platform for the brightest and best of the next generation of world leaders to make their voices heard on a global stage. Kofi Annan, Desmond Tutu and Bob Geldof are just three of the counselors who will be running the sessions. Resolutions will be created in six key areas: the environment, politics, business, religion, healthcare and the media and will act as a youth response to conferences such as Copenhagen.
One Young World is 100% not for profit. We are all required to raise €3000 to cover the costs of travel, accommodation and the event itself. I need you to vote for my video on YouTube by visiting www.youtube.com/oneyoungworld, and click on my video and vote for me! If I end up in the top 20 of the list I have a chance of getting a free ticket.
Thank you ever so much for your support.
Yours Sincerely
Pieter Ploeg
Climate Change
Today, on October 15th 2009, more then 7000 bloggers all over the world are writing about “Climate Change”, the topic of the 2009 Blog Action Day. One can say that this topic is ‘hot’ and popular, and that that is the reason it is this years topic of the Blog Action Day.
When we look at the world today we can see more and more action around climate change. There have been many international events, and increasingly people are gathering to ‘have their voice heard’. More recently we have had a Global Wake-Up Call, an Avaaz campaign, and on October 24th millions of people are engaging in the International Day of Climate Action, organized by 350.0rg. I am also taking part in that event, with a big action in Stockholm with YIP.
One can sign petitions on hundreds of website, urging our political leaders to create a miracle in December, at the COP15 conference in Copenhagen.
At the same time we can discover more and more ‘alternatives’;, good practices, examples, new energies, eco-friendly products, zero-waste parties, organic food, local products, vegetable gardens, etc.
At the same time it is possible to book flights with Ryanair for € 13,- or less. In November I am flying more then ever before. I am flying from Stockholm to Brussels (€13,-), Oslo (13,-), Berlin (€48,-) & Basel (€38,-) for meetings, workshops and conferences, all ‘to make this world a better place’.
Where as this world needs world-citizens, it is not possible to be a world-citizen without a massive ecological footprint. One can improve internet communications and decrease travelling, but then again;
“Is this question of climate change all about CO2“?
When we take a closer look at these words Climate and Change we can find some other definitions as well (Dictionary.com)
Climate
“The prevailing attitudes, standards, or environmental conditions of a group, period, or place.”Change
“To become different, altered, modified, transformed or converted.”
When we really try to look at that this movement is actually about, we can question what this time asks of the human race. Is it just protectionism, our ‘immune system’? Are we restoring our balance with nature?
I have always been fascinated by the way some, or maybe most people see nature as that chaos outside of the city, or in the parks.
We are cutting down the trees, but do we want to live in a world with trees? We are building roads, but do we want to live in a world where we have to drive cars to get somewhere?
As a kid I sometimes was afraid for the moment all particles in the universe would be in a order or position where something radically would change. I imagined the world being an unsolvable puzzle, that would sometimes be very close to a solution, before a radical change.
- Yes it is important to write this blog post today.
- Yes it is great to be part of an action of million of people on the 24th.
- Yes it is crucial that our politicians come to an agreement at the COP15.
- Yes we do need to start using alternative energy, sustainable products and local organic food.
- Yes I do need to limit my flying, and look for alternatives.
But is that enough? Maybe the most important question of today should be written in every single newspaper every day, in all school text books, tweets, blogs, television shows, etc:
How on earth do we want to live together?
Our prevailing attitudes, standards and environmental conditions of groups, periods and places need to become different, altered, modified, transformed or converted. It is so important to not only focus on reducing our emissions, but to consciously leapfrog our thinking and perception into a radically new perspective.
Constantly.
Environmental Climate Change and the story of CO2 is just a chapter in the journey of global human and natural development.
Are you ready for the challenges of a climate-neutral society?
Theory U
During our last week at YIP, we went into depth with Philip Backmo and Thijs Moonen about Theory U. One of the exercises was to answer a series of questions, and I would like to share the results here. I can recommend this exercise to everyone!
- If you know you could not fail, what would you be doing for the healing of our world?
To me one of the most important changes that have to take place in this world is a mind-shift from pessimism to optimism, and especially bringing people together. Then one adds a little inspiration, and the greatest dreams can become reality! Some people in this world are in full flame and passion already, others are a red rock, and many are a black rock. But there are no black rocks without a red spot. I am confident that bringing together the right people can help “radical collaboration” to emerge! - In pursuing this vision, which particular project do you want to undertake?
For me this is what Connectivity is all about. Connectivity is the celebration of the movement of movements, the gathering of the millions of bright lights on this planet, the change makers, the pioneers, the new leaders, the social entrepreneurs, so well described by many author, like Paul Hawken en Naomi Klein. Connectivity took place in the form of a conference in 2006, in São Paulo, Brazil, and is now being planned for South Africa in 2011. - What resources, inner and outer, do you now have that will help you do that?
For me bringing Connectivity into this world is really the most motivating work that could be done. I feel a deep passion and strength to realize this dream. I feel strong and capable about the organisational aspects, I feel comfortable in larger groups of people and feel good and confident when I meet now people, or when I am networking. Furthermore I am part of a great network of active young people, through various ways, and I am based in a very inspiring place in Sweden, at the Youth Initiative Program. - What resources, inner and outer, do you need to acquire?
I am very much learning by doing, and sometimes struggling with the differences between people, and how I can work together with all kinds of people. How do I create Connectivity in my own community? I need to develop more facilitation and hosting skills, for example through different social technologies for group processes. I also need to improve my languages. And I need to find financial support! - How might you stop yourself?
Although I cannot imagine being stopped by myself I am aware of my changing moods and my weaknesses. I might sometimes doubt that I am doing the right thing, and I know that I can sometimes feel very demotivated and want to stop and go back to a safe and passive life. - How will you overcome these obstacles?
I know what inspires me, so in darker times I just have to open that book from Paul Hawken again, watch some TEDTalks, or most importantly, interact with people! I am surrounded by shining light, and a few minutes with another person can re-light my flame! - What can you do in the next 24 ours, no matter how small the step, that will move you towards your vision?
Write this blog post to share my inspiration!
Imagine these questions were being asked to all children receiving education, every single day! I am fully inspired!Tijdens afgelopen week bij YIP, gingen we de diepte in met Philip Backmo & Thijs Moonen over Theory U. Een van de oefeningen was het beantwoorden van een aantal vragen, and ik zou graag de resultaten hier delen. Ik kan deze oefening iedereen aanraden! Ik heb de vragen niet vertaald, hopelijk is dat geen probleem!
- If you know you could not fail, what would you be doing for the healing of our world?
To me one of the most important changes that have to take place in this world is a mind-shift from pessimism to optimism, and especially bringing people together. Then one adds a little inspiration, and the greatest dreams can become reality! Some people in this world are in full flame and passion already, others are a red rock, and many are a black rock. But there are no black rocks without a red spot. I am confident that bringing together the right people can help “radical collaboration” to emerge!
- In pursuing this vision, which particular project do you want to undertake?
For me this is what Connectivity is all about. Connectivity is the celebration of the movement of movements, the gathering of the millions of bright lights on this planet, the change makers, the pioneers, the new leaders, the social entrepreneurs, so well described by many author, like Paul Hawken en Naomi Klein. Connectivity took place in the form of a conference in 2006, in São Paulo, Brazil, and is now being planned for South Africa in 2011.
- What resources, inner and outer, do you now have that will help you do that?
For me bringing Connectivity into this world is really the most motivating work that could be done. I feel a deep passion and strength to realize this dream. I feel strong and capable about the organisational aspects, I feel comfortable in larger groups of people and feel good and confident when I meet now people, or when I am networking. Furthermore I am part of a great network of active young people, through various ways, and I am based in a very inspiring place in Sweden, at the Youth Initiative Program.
- What resources, inner and outer, do you need to acquire?
I am very much learning by doing, and sometimes struggling with the differences between people, and how I can work together with all kinds of people. How do I create Connectivity in my own community? I need to develop more facilitation and hosting skills, for example through different social technologies for group processes. I also need to improve my languages. And I need to find financial support!
- How might you stop yourself?
Although I cannot imagine being stopped by myself I am aware of my changing moods and my weaknesses. I might sometimes doubt that I am doing the right thing, and I know that I can sometimes feel very demotivated and want to stop and go back to a safe and passive life.
- How will you overcome these obstacles?
I know what inspires me, so in darker times I just have to open that book from Paul Hawken again, watch some TEDTalks, or most importantly, interact with people! I am surrounded by shining light, and a few minutes with another person can re-light my flame!
- What can you do in the next 24 ours, no matter how small the step, that will move you towards your vision?
Write this blog post to share my inspiration!
Imagine these questions were being asked to all children receiving education, every single day! I am fully inspired!
Global Wake-Up Call by Youth Initiative Program
40 international young people from the Youth Initiative Program in Järna, Sweden, “sun-baked” a flash-mob at Stockholm Central Station on Monday the 21st of September 2009, to urge our politicians to go to Copenhagen and ask for a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty!
Global Wake-Up Call by Youth Initiative Program from Pieter Jacobus Daniël Ploeg on Vimeo.40 international young people from the Youth Initiative Program in Järna, Sweden, “sun-baked” a flash-mob at Stockholm Central Station on Monday the 21st of September 2009, to urge our politicians to go to Copenhagen and ask for a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty!
Global Wake-Up Call by Youth Initiative Program from Pieter Jacobus Daniël Ploeg on Vimeo.
YIP Open Courses: Come and join in Sweden!
Dear friends,
I would really like to invite you to join one of the open courses at the Youth Initiative Program in Sweden! I have put the current list her, for the most accurate list to go www.yip.se/open_courses. See you in Sweden!
Some of the week-long YIP Courses have space for a few additional participants. Anyone can apply to participate. Places are filled on a first come first serve basis.
Open Courses Autumn 2009
19–23 October 2009:
Political Economics with Helene Bank
26–30 October 2009:
Business & Sustainability with Jane Lorand
30 November – 4 December 2009:
Study of Man with Marcel de Leuw
Open Courses Spring 2010
11 – 15 January 2010:
Visioning & Entrepreneurship with Jane Lorand
25 – 29 January 2010:
Budgetting and Bookkeeping with Kristofer Lüthi
1 – 5 February 2010:
Communication Skills with Tormod Bjørnstad
8 – 12 February 2010:
Fundraising with Matthias Weber and Burcu Becermen
15 – 19 April 2010:
Freedom and Community with Chen Atid
22 – 26 April 2010:
Health and Culture with the SOFIA Association
24 – 28 May 2010:
Sacred Geometry with Frank Chester
31 May – 4 June 2010:
Agriculture with Nikolai Fuchs
Dates may be subject to change. All changes will be published at www.yip.se/open_coursesBeste vrienden,
Ik nodig iedereen van harte uit om deel te nemen aan een van de open courses van het Youth Initiative Program in Zweden! Ik heb hier de huidige lijst geplaatst, de meest correcte informatie vind je op www.yip.se/open_courses. Tot in Sweden!
Some of the week-long YIP Courses have space for a few additional participants. Anyone can apply to participate. Places are filled on a first come first serve basis.
Open Courses Autumn 2009
19–23 October 2009:
Political Economics with Helene Bank
26–30 October 2009:
Business & Sustainability with Jane Lorand
30 November – 4 December 2009:
Study of Man with Marcel de Leuw
Open Courses Spring 2010
11 – 15 January 2010:
Visioning & Entrepreneurship with Jane Lorand
25 – 29 January 2010:
Budgetting and Bookkeeping with Kristofer Lüthi
1 – 5 February 2010:
Communication Skills with Tormod Bjørnstad
8 – 12 February 2010:
Fundraising with Matthias Weber and Burcu Becermen
15 – 19 April 2010:
Freedom and Community with Chen Atid
22 – 26 April 2010:
Health and Culture with the SOFIA Association
24 – 28 May 2010:
Sacred Geometry with Frank Chester
31 May – 4 June 2010:
Agriculture with Nikolai Fuchs
Dates may be subject to change. All changes will be published at www.yip.se/open_courses
Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Capt. Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation first discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — an endless floating waste of plastic trash. Now he’s drawing attention to the growing, choking problem of plastic debris in our seas.
Capt. Charles Moore of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation first discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch — an endless floating waste of plastic trash. Now he’s drawing attention to the growing, choking problem of plastic debris in our seas.
Warriors without Weapons
Edgard Gouveia Júnior, thank you for and inspiring morning! (Warriors without Weapons)
Edgard Gouveia Júnior, dank voor een inspirerende ochtend! (Warriors without Weapons)
Ytterjärna – Home
At this lazy Sunday it is about time to inform you all a little bit about where I live. My room is in a student accommodation called Tallevana, part of a campus called Rudolf Steiner Seminariet. When I look out of my window I see a vegetable garden, trees, a red barn, and a lot of sky. The seminar is part of a larger community called Ytterjärna, which includes many initiative like the Kulturhuset, Skillebyholm, Saltå By, Skilleby Trädgård, Örjanskolan, Vidarkliniken, and much much more!
The Youth Initiative Program is based in a white house called The White House, a perfect place to work for future community leaders.
The last two week we where engaged in a Craftvillage, where we worked with wood, clay, iron, cloth, rope, textile, and mostly hand tools, crafting our way towards a very cosy fireplace!
It is simply amazing to live her. In this place it is possible to work in an office in the morning, pick apples in the afternoon, and have a sauna in the evening. There is a constant vibrant buzz of young people, an endless stream of creative endeavours, and the most peaceful natural environment one could imagine. In the light of the dying summer I feel very much at home in a place that has a chary potential to be an answer to Tällbergs question.
Op deze luie zondag is het de hoogste tijd om iets te vertellen over waar ik eigenlijk leef. Mijn kamer is in een studentenhuis genaamd Tallevana, deel van een campus die het Rudolf Steiner Seminariet heet. Als ik uit mijn raam kijk zie ik een groentetuin, veel bomen, en rode schuur, en eindeloos veel wolken en lucht. Het seminar is deel van een grote gemeenschap genaamd Ytterjärna, waar vele initiative actief zijn, zoals Kulturhuset, Skillebyholm, Saltå By, Skilleby Trädgård, Örjanskolan, Vidarkliniken, en veel veel meer!
Het Youth Initiative Program is gehuisvest in een wit huis, genaamd The White House, een perfecte plek om te werken voor toekomstige community leaders!
De laatste twee weken waren vol met de Craftvillage, waar we werkten met hout, klei, metaal, doeken, touwen, textiel, en vooral handgereedschap. Gezamenlijk hebben we gewerkt aan een gezellige vuurplaats!
Het is simpelweg geweldig om hier te leven. Op deze plek is het mogelijk om in de ochtend in een kantoor te werken, in de middag appels te plukken, en om ’s avonds heerlijk in de sauna te ontspannen. Er is een constante levendige buzz van jonge mensen, een eindelijke stroom van creative uitingen, en dat alles in een uiterst vredige natuurlijke omgeving. In het licht van de stervende zomer voel ik me hier enorm thuis! Deze plek heeft misschien het voorzichtige antwoord op de Tällbergs vraag.
Network Weaving – WiserEarth
As a must-see for the weekend: Check out this slide show, and visit www.wiserearth.org!
Een must-see voor het weekend: Bekijk deze slide show and bezoek www.wiserearth.org!
Powerlady’s
On this picture from left to right you can see Saskia (CH), Leticia (BR), Jara (DE) & Jozefien (BE). Four strong women that are engaging (end enjoying!) themselves in the Bonintwentle project in South Africa, with another very inspiring woman, Lulama. These women inspire me because of their endless positive energy, their vision for change and their love for the people around them. To see more about the project visit the Bonintwentle Blog.
Op de foto van links naar rechts: Saskia (CH), Leticia (BR), Jara (DE) & Jozefien (BE). Vier sterke geëngageerde jonge vrouwen in het Bonintwentle project in Zuid Afrika, samen met de lokale community leader, Lulama. Deze vrouwen inspireren mij door hun eindeloos positieve energie, hun visie voor change and de constante liefde voor de mensen om hen heen. Voor meer informatie over het project, kijk op de Bonintwentle Blog.
Connectivity ObjectivesConnectivity Motief
I wrote this article today, it might be published somewhere:
My name is Pieter Ploeg, I am 23 years old and I am taking part in the International Youth Initiative Program 2009/2010. For me this year is a joint search with pioneers of social change, a year of making sense where an international team of future change-makers comes together to explore human creativity in social development and to gain entrepreneurial skills to take action on a global scale.
When I look at my generation, born in the previous millennium but mainly living on this planet in the next 50 years, we are faced with the challenges put to us by the previous generations, and it is up to us to lead the next generation into the challenges we will be putting on them. We are the first generation that is born in a completely globalised world, where information is being shared in an ever accelerating speed, and where many young people struggle with the ability to respond to the world and it’s challenges. At the same time we are born in a time of strong individualism, where it is up to us to finally get rid of the “we and them” mentality.
People from all backgrounds, cultures, nations and societies join forces to rework this world into a future of more equality, equity, sustainability and radical optimism. I feel part of a movement, that some call the movement of movements, the earths immune system, or the civic sector. A global network of individuals, working together as people, living and striving for social change on all levels of society.
In this working together I find my personal ambition: Connectivity. Strengthening the togetherness and collaboration of all people. Finding inspiration in the leading pioneers of change, seeking empowering connections for grass-root initiatives and connecting engaged world-citizens with real work for a better world. Facilitating a network of real people working from a radical optimism, ready to face the most difficult challenges, with endless courage to bridge gaps in all layers of society.
Connectivity takes shape in many different ways, in the most concrete way in a conference, happening in 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa. The conference is really the celebration of the network, the “council meeting” of the civic sector, the international gathering of the movement. A week of connecting, empowering, strengthening and inspiring.
During this year of making sense I strive to facilitate the preparation of that celebration, and to breath connectivity in all of my actions. The Youth Initiative Program in Sweden enables me to work and live with engaged young people, to gain the practical skills for social entrepreneurship, and to work full-time for social betterment.