The Bioneers Conference will be on October 21-23rd, 2016 at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, CA. The Bioneers Conference is an annual convergence of solutions-focused leaders in the environmental and social justice movements who come together to share their innovative work healing the planet and her inhabitants.

This year they are offering a spectacular line-up of presenters, workshops, and experiential activities for youth. Highlights include 16-year-old Native American environmental activist and rapper Xiuhtezcatl Martinez who will rap and share his vision of youth activism in his plenary presentation “Our Generation Was Born to Change the World.”

Youth can participate in mentoring sessions, the LBGTQ Talking Circle, Youth of Color Caucus, drop in art projects and many  other interactive activities. Workshops include “Liberation in Action: Reconnecting Youth,” facilitated by Barbara Jefferson, an experiential workshop that draws from the practices of Joanna Macy’s work and Theatre of the Oppressed to build motivation, creativity, courage and solidarity; “Increase the Peace Conflict Resolution” facilitated by Destiny Arts, designed to deepen dialogue and awareness of challenges youth face at school or in their communities; and “HipHopForChange,” led by Malik Diamond, an interactive arts and music workshop on the culture of Hip Hop and its historical importance to Black and Latino communities. Youth are invited to participate in the Poetry Slam, which always rocks the Youth Tent, a dedicated welcoming space for youth.

 Learn more online: http://conference.bioneers.org/youth-leadership-program/

 There is limited number of individual and group scholarships available for youth ages 13-23 who would like to attend the conference and need financial assistance. The scholarships include a special pre-conference Youth Orientation, dinner, and Council on Thursday, October 20, access to the entire 3-day conference, and lunch daily. There is a $25 registration fee per student, and it’s important to note that Bioneers does not provide lodging or transportation. Here is the link to the group scholarship application:

http://conference.bioneers.org/youth-scholarship-applications/