Focus Group

More than 1,500 schools participate in Focus the Nation events

Posted at 10:58 AM on 01 Feb 2008

As part of a national teach-in called Focus the Nation, more than 1,500 colleges and universities across the country yesterday put together panel discussions, workshops, and other events to build eco-action momentum among the yoots. Professors agreed to work climate change into their biology, politics, philosophy, and everything-else classes, and some schools brought local politicians in to speak. At California's Loyola Marymount University, students dumped plastic bottles on the lawn to demonstrate student waste; at the University of California San Diego, a student dressed as a polar bear sat in a mock electric chair. The University of Oregon event was broadcast on Oregon Public Broadcasting radio, and moderator Tsing Loh signed off with an exhortation to inspired students: "Good night. Go forth and conquer!"

sources: The Star-Ledger, The Oregonian, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, Rutland Herald
see also, in Gristmill: Sarah van Schagen reports from the scene at the University of Washington

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Comments: (2 comments)

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Definitely an inspiration

As a UC San Diego undergrad, I was there to see the polar bear - definitely a great adage to the event. Beforehand there was a panel discussion involving everyone from scientists to sociologists to politicians. It was great not only to talk about the reality of what's going on and what we want to see happen, but also how to go about making it happen. Congressman Filner of San Diego who attended the panel definitely brought up good points about how to bring about change in policy - to change the language. It has to sound appealing to those people who aren't exactly onboard. He noted the harmful effects of negative language - for example, in terms of water recycling, termed "from toilet to tap" by some, negative images have really had a harmful effect on implementation of such ideas. We all have to think about how to present the ideas of taking care of the earth in ways that influence those who won't normally listen.

by chazzaw at 1:07 PM on 01 Feb 2008

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by EAOP at 5:28 AM on 03 Feb 2008

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