Y.1. Youth Can Retrofit: Empowering Youth to Do Basic Energy-Efficient Retrofits as Service-Learning or Work Projects
Do you know about the Detroit Youth Energy Squad? You ought to. Ages 12-20, they know all about energy efficiency and conservation, and are turning that knowledge into community service projects, service learning, and summer employment. Celebrate a hopeful story, and find out if DYES, or something like it, is for you. Presenters: Justin Schott, Program Director for DYES, a collaborative between Voices for Earth Justice and WARM Training Center, will be joined by DYES crew members.

Y. 2. Many Voices, One Earth – The Dances of Universal Peace
Step into a circle that honors diversity and yet seeks to breathe and move from a common heart. No need to be shy; everyone is welcome here. Together we will learn to reverence ourselves, one another, and the amazing earth we all call home. No dancing experience is needed, only an openness to enter into the shared experience…and have fun. Presenters: Mary Fran Uicker, IHM, is a musician and Expressive Arts Therapist. She has been leading the Dances of Universal Peace since 1988. Therese Terns, IHM Associate, is an educator and peace activist who currently combines her Physical Education teaching with assistance to seniors in land stewardship through shrubbery pruning, gardening, and lawn care.

Y. 3. Appropriate Technology – New Low Cost Technologies for Renewable Energy
If you think it takes a lot of money and resources to make renewable energy and sustainable products think again. The presenter’s work in Guatemala and Nicaragua will introduce you to new, innovative technology designs that can improve the environment and livelihood of low income people around the world, and here in Detroit. Presenter: John Barrie is Principal Architect and Executive Director of the Appropriate Technology Collaborative. He is currently working with groups of engineering and design students from various colleges to develop new appropriate technologies for low income people.

Y. 4. I’m Like a Bird
It takes more than talking to reshape our world…and some of us are not talkers anyway. Here is an opportunity to increase your awareness of the unhealthy living conditions that surround us by writing about and creating a visual presentation of what it would be like to be a bird in an urban environment. No special writing or artistic skills are necessary. Presenter: Zeina Carla Washington is a visual artist and founder of the Inspired Future Art Organization, an eco-art program that uses art to inspire urban youth to become environmentally aware and active.

Y. 5. Remedia
Learn more about the work of young filmmakers and the role their films plays in raising awareness of dangers to the environment, and create your own short, internet-based (Facebook, You Tube, etc.) public service announcement. Presenter: Lottie V. Spady is the Education Director with the East Michigan Environmental Action Council which teaches youth to express their environmental concerns and take informed action through the use of film.

Y. 6. Natural Building
If you could design a model community that produces its own food and energy, recycles its own wastes, creates green jobs, and has “fun and community” at its core, what would it look like? Here is your chance to sculpt that community using an all natural earthen mix and locally collected natural materials. You don’t need to be an artist to do this, just a bit of a dreamer. Presenter: Deanne Bednar is an Art and Sustainable Futures Educator whose adventures in sustainable living include the co-construction of a number of natural buildings, permaculture gardening, earth oven building, roof thatching, natural plasters, and sculpting.

Friday 5:30 – 6:30 – Opening Reception at the Art Gallery