AASHE 2012: What's In Store for Students

There's nothing like the energy of hundreds of young sustainability advocates gathered in one spot. The enthusiasm is palpable, the conversations full of momentum, and the resulting collaborations carry the power of change. AASHE is inspired year after year by the students who attend our conferences. This year, we hope to attract more than ever. With this in mind, here is a snapshot of what students can expect at AASHE 2012:

"I just wanted to say that I loved the conference, and feel fundamentally changed for the better because of it."
-- AASHE 2011 student attendee

• AASHE 2012 Student Summit
  One of the largest gatherings of sustainability student scholars in North America, this year's day-long summit will feature peer-to-peer presentations, workshops and activities designed to enable students to bring sustainability initiatives back to their campuses. From sharing best practices to learning innovative new tactics, this summit attracts sustainability novices and die-hards alike.

• Student Summit Keynote Speaker Billy Parish
  Named a "Climate Hero" by Rolling Stone Magazine and one of Utne Reader's “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World,” Billy Parish will share his experience of dropping out of Yale University to start the Energy Action Coalition. Now one of the largest youth advocacy organizations in the world working on the climate crisis, the coalition is comprised of 50 youth-led environmental and social justice organizations.

Parish is also co-founder and president of Solar Mosaic, a solar investment marketplace, and co-author of Making Good: Finding Meaning, Money & Community in a Changing World.

• Discounted Hotel Option
  We realize that students are on a budget! Within walking distance of the Los Angeles Convention Center, the student hotel is $99. Faculty members who are coordinating travel arrangements for students, or planning to attend with a group of students, are able to stay at this hotel too.

• L. Hunter Lovins Opening Conference Keynote
  How can we "kickstart capitalism to save our economic ass"? During her "Innovation in Higher Education: Leading the Change" keynote, Lovins will outline ways that higher education institutions can take a lead role in creating the next generation of thought leaders by including sustainability as part of their campus management programs, curriculum and offerings.

• Tree Campus USA Community Service Event
  Join community volunteers and local college students for a day of planting trees at the Los Angeles Valley College campus. Besides getting your hands dirty for a great cause, you'll meet lots of conference attendees and get a tour of the college's sustainability initiatives. Volunteers will receive a free Tree Campus USA t-shirt, hat, gloves and boxed dinner.

• Blue Cow Kitchen Dine-Around
  Curious about the sustainable food scene in L.A.? Dine with fellow conference attendees at Blue Cow Kitchen, a New-American restaurant that supports farms, ranches, fisheries and artisans that are guided by the principals of sustainability. $50 per person includes tax, tip and a three-course meal.

Also check out the AASHE's Resources for Students on the AASHE website!

For more information and to register for the conference, visit the AASHE 2012 website. Registration ends October 8.

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