Aug. 11-14: Student Power Convergence in Columbus, OH

via Student Power 2012

Students from all over the U.S. are planning a National Student Power Convergence in Columbus, Ohio from August 11-14th. Inspired by successful, youth-led campaigns at home and transformative movements abroad, students in the U.S. feel the need for a national movement. The convergence will bring together hundreds of students from across the country to discover the connection between our struggles and ignite a broader movement for justice and equality.

The convergence will feature appearances from organizers of international movements like the spokesperson for Québec’s CLASSE student union and noted speakers like Naomi Klein. Participants will learn from leaders of historic student movements and key organizers behind successful campaigns to stop the Keystone Pipeline and fight the deportation of Dream Act eligible students.

The convergence will include trainings designed to equip attendees with movement building skills and strategy sessions to connect a wide variety of organizers from across the student movement. Students from fledgling statewide networks like New York Students Rising, the Ohio Student Association, and many from more established groups are organizing the event.

This is the most diverse, tech-savvy generation in our history – and the first that can’t expect a higher standard of living than its parents. Our generation sees its opportunities increasingly eroded by inequality, racial injustice, and austerity. The political system, ruled by corporate interests, no longer serves the people. Students refuse to allow our country to continue going fiscally, morally, and culturally bankrupt.

“As students from the U.S., we come from a legacy of progress through resistance. Now it’s time to unite and realize that nobody can shape our future but ourselves,” says Biola Jeje, a CUNY student helping to plan the convergence.

From the mass student movements of the 1930s to student sit-ins of the 1960s, young people have instigated some of the most significant social and economic shifts in our nation’s history. Groups like SNCC and SDS were among the most influential change-makers of the 20th century. Now, it’s our turn.

The past year has shown resurgence in youth activism. From Wisconsin to Keystone XL, from Occupiers to DREAMers, youth in the U.S. already have the will and determination to forge a politically transformative movement. The convergence will provide a shared space where U.S. youth can determine a path for collective action.

http://studentpower2012.org/
@studentpower12 /// facebook.com/studentpower2012