Letter from the Executive Director

Our 18-person delegation in Copenhagen at the U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP15) is working on a range of issues: interpreting high level policy discussions on adaptation, finance, climate justice, and technology transfer; participating in creative actions with youth from across the globe; and sharing their experiences with media and their peers in Copenhagen and back home in the Midwest. In addition to hosting a series of presentations and briefings over the course of the summit, Expedition Copenhagen team members are also meeting with government delegates and civil society from around the world.

Delegates heard from U.S. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson who received a standing ovation in a room filled with youth. Meanwhile, YEA! Minnesota alum, Ethan Buckner has been asking tough questions at U.S. briefings on behalf of U.S. youth; David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary of Energy, commended the presence of the 500 U.S. youth and 2,000 from around the world that are here to remind negotiators that their future is being negotiated. Similarly,Rajenda Pachauri, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report, told youth that their presence gives him hope and that young people have the power to spread the urgency of climate change, especially since their lives extend beyond a political term. He reminded youth to continue their political engagement at home.

Saturday, December 12, 2009; 3 PM
Central Library, Pohlad Hall
300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis - Map It!

This December, world leaders will gather in Copenhagen for historic talks on climate change. Join us at the mid-point of these negotiations for an afternoon of learning and engagement on the high stakes of climate change, featuring Will Steger, Youth Delegates of Expedition Copenhagen, a screening of The Age of Stupid, and post-film discussion. Free and open to the public.

2:30 PM Doors Open
3 PM Will Steger and Youth Delegates of Expedition Copenhagen

Get the latest from Copenhagen with a video message from polar explorer Will Steger. Then, put your questions to Midwest Youth Delegates of Expedition Copenhagen, appearing live by video from Copenhagen.

3:20 PM Screening of The Age of Stupid
Set in 2055, this newly-released British dramadocumentary looks back in history to 2008 and asks,“Why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?” 92 minutes. Rated for ages 12 and up.

Post-Film Discussion
Led by the League of Women Voters – Minneapolis.

Download the Event Flyer (PDF 656KB)

November 17th was an amazing day. Putting your dollars where your values are, supporters like you helped the Will Steger Foundation raise over $6,000 in donations in one 24-hour period. We had no idea the response would be so positive. Several of our supporters were old friends and several were new.

All we can say is “thank you” to everyone who gave. Thank you for your generosity and thank you for doing something that will have a long-lasting impact in the effort to inspire people to embrace the transition to a low carbon economy. We are honored to do this work. If you didn’t give yesterday, but still want to, it’s of course never too late. Just visit our GiveMN page to donate. Thanks!

Overall, Give to the Max Day raised more than $14 million for 3,000+ Minnesota nonprofits in 24 hours. Perhaps even more impressive, Give to the Max Day inspired more than 45,000 people to donate to Minnesota nonprofits on GiveMN!

Thanks for supporting us and maximizing your gift.

Crossing the "finish line" on the Will Steger Foundation
2008 Ellesmere Island Expedition.

Letter from the Executive Director

We are proud to share the Will Steger Foundation’s 2009 Annual Report. The report highlights our activities from September 2008-August 2009. We are proud of what we were able to accomplish with the help and commitment of our friends, donors, partners, and sponsors. Will Steger Foundation is particularly grateful for your interest and commitment. We aim to honor your contributions by the uses that we put them. Thank you.

We are also proud to team up with a great company, Stonyfield Farm! Stonyfield Farm is helping us send a dozen young leaders on an expedition to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, December 4-19 to help raise awareness for what’s at stake: our kids and the health of the planet they’ll inherit.

Will Steger is asking you to contribute to his charity of choice - Will Steger Foundation - on November 17th - Give to the Max Day.

Give to the Max Day is a statewide day of giving sponsored by www.GiveMN.org, a new online giving website that allows people to find and donate to their favorite charities online! GiveMN.org will be matching 50 cents on the dollar for the first million dollars raised through the GiveMN website and all donation transaction fees will be covered by their foundation partners.

Please donate to the Will Steger Foundation on November 17th.

Donate early!

Only the first million dollars will be matched.

Tell your friends!

Thanks for supporting us and doubling your contribution.

Sigrid Ekran and Sarah McNair-Landry on the Will Steger Foundation
2008 Ellesmere Island Expedition.