Anna Siegel, youth activist, speaks to the packed forum at OHCHS in 2020
NORWAY — The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy will be hosting its 2030 Vision Climate Convergence on April 22-24 in downtown Norway, under tents at the recreation park on Cottage Street. This year’s convergence, themed “Collective Power for Climate Justice,” will continue to build momentum for climate action in western Maine and beyond during this critical climate decade.
Building on their 350-person in-person event in early 2020 and last year’s virtual convergence, 2030 Vision will host local and state organizers, advocates, and experts to inspire action and strengthen Maine’s climate movement. Celebrating Earth Day and CEBE’s ninth birthday, the three-day event will focus on training organizers, building community, highlighting youth voices, and educating people about how to engage in local and statewide efforts.
CEBE is honored to welcome Lokotah Sanborn, Penobscot community organizer and food sovereignty advocate, to kick off the event on Friday night, April 22. The evening will also include the world premiere of “Youth Voices,” a 30-minute film featuring young people in Maine sharing their thoughts on the climate, followed by a series of Pecha Kucha presentations – a fast-paced and engaging format.
Saturday and Sunday will include more plenary speakers, facilitated roundtable discussions, and workshops on a broad range of climate-related topics. Dr. Richard Silkman, author of A New Energy Policy Direction for Maine: A Pathway to a Zero-Carbon Economy by 2050, and Sue Inches, author of Advocating for the Environment, will be featured speakers on Saturday.
Bill McKibben with youth activists at 2020’s convergence
Saturday evening will feature GoldenOak in concert, for which separate tickets are also available. Chloe Maxmin, Maine State Senator and author of Dirt Road Revival: How to Rebuild Rural Politics and Why Our Future Depends On It, will speak on Sunday and participate in a workshop on rural political organizing. Luke Sekera-Flanders, co-founder of Community Water Justice, will also speak on the importance of organizing for water justice in Maine.
“We are so happy to be back in person for this year’s convergence” said Renee Igo, CEBE’s Communications Coordinator. ‘While Zoom was a great tool to keep organizing through the pandemic, there is no substitute for gathering in person to share ideas, food, and music. We are really looking forward to seeing our friends and colleagues here in Norway.”
Attendees are welcome to attend for the whole weekend or for any part of it. Organizers are planning to livestream the plenary sessions for those who can’t make it in person. Sliding scale pre-registration is required, and details can be found at ecologybasedeconomy.org. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for attendees on Saturday and Sunday, and pizza from the wood-fired oven at the Alan Day Community Garden will be offered on Saturday evening.
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