Letter from the Executive Director

This month we are turning our attention to the Arctic, which seems fitting given the recent scientific reports that are being released about the summer sea ice conditions and the important discussions that are unfolding regarding mineral rights, infrastructure, political power of indigenous peoples, and waterway access. It should be no surprise that extreme climate conditions are becoming the norm in the Arctic and that with these changes bring additional challenges for Arctic nations, including the United States. Minnesotans are already contributing to U.S., Canadian and broader international efforts to address the challenges and opportunities of the changing Arctic. To build further understanding of these critical issues, the Will Steger Foundation and the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis are pleased to partner with the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs and the Institute on the Environment to bring a first-of-its-kind discussion of The Changing Arctic: International Cooperation and Developmentto the Twin Cities, on October 27. Along with experts from Minnesota, Canada and elsewhere, we will examine diplomacy and international cooperation, economic and social development, as well as education, exploration and science in the Arctic from 1-6 pm at the University of Minnesota Humphrey School.

Our Clean Air Act Defense work continues, despite the Obama administration’s delay to set standards to reduce carbon pollution from power plants and the continued Congressional attacks. We are organizing a series of meetings for youth climate leaders and health professionals with staff from Senator Franken and Klobuchar’s offices regarding the importance of a strong Clean Air Act this month. Youth are sending the message that they will make up 22% of eligible voters in the 2012 elections in Minnesota and as young people, they want the Clean Air Act to be protected for their future.

Sincerely,

Nicole Rom, Executive Director

Education

Teachers experience one of the many activities introduced at the North American Association for Environmental Education workshop Kristen helped facilitate last week in Raleigh, North Carolina. Read more…

Due to a grant from the National Education Association we were able to develop a small resource with background information and some activities related to extreme weather and climate change. Check it out.

Teaching Climate Change in Your Classroom, 2 credit online graduate course, Hamline University, October 30-December 4, 2011

Register by going to www.hamline.edu. Under "Logins" on the right select "Course Listing" then select Fall 2011 under "Continuing Studies". Scroll down to select ENED 6126.

Many educators are taking advantage of our new Minnesota’s Changing Climate online classroom. This online classroom contains a wealth of information about Minnesota, its biomes and climate change. It also features a student blog where we have already received over 500 submissions of students’ outdoor observation posts and comments, including some beautiful photos. Check out some of the photos here. Explore this excellent resource, and encourage your students to submit their own observations and comment on other students’ posts. If you are interested in receiving our bi-monthly Minnesota’s Changing Climate email updates, please contact Ann Benson, Education Program Assistant. These updates include resources that complement the Minnesota’s Changing Climate curriculum and online classroom.

Educators: stop by the Will Steger Foundation table at Education Minnesota, October 20 or send colleagues to Kristen's session Explore Minnesota's Biomes in Your Classroom, 2:45-3:50 in Room 10!

Emerging Leaders

YEA! MN Fall Kick Off

Students from six different Twin Cities high schools joined YEA! MN for a fall kick-off event at the All Saints Episcopal Indian Mission church in the Phillips neighborhood of south Minneapolis. Highlighting the connections between energy efficiency and environmental justice, Grand Aspirations, a youth run organization based in the Twin Cities, led the students in a service project weatherizing the church windows and doors and installing energy efficient bulbs throughout the building. MN Center for Energy and the Environment was also on hand to engage students in the MN Energy Challenge at home and through school teams.

WSF Hires New YEA! MN Coordinator

Introducing Joe Kruse, YEA! MN Coordinator for the 2011-12 school year. Joe is a recent graduate from the University of MN and brings a wealth of experience in youth programming, social justice, and community agriculture. Along with direct mentorship of the YEA! MN youth steering committee, Joe will be visiting environmental clubs throughout the Twin Cities metro area to support student-led action projects and engage student leaders in the YEA! MN network and opportunities.

Midwest Power Shift

Join hundreds of youth for Midwest Power Shift, a massive youth climate summit in Cleveland, OH aimed at engaging youth in action on tar sands, coal, fracking, 2012 elections and the clean economy. Workshops are posted online and host an incredible range of speakers, panelists, and trainers. Register Today! Travel stipends are available. Spread the word and support the Midwest youth climate movement! WSF’s Youth Programs Director, Abby Fenton is a keynote speaker and is recruiting youth leaders from across the region to participate.

In The News

The Changing Arctic Press Release

Symposium presented by the Consulate General of Canada, the Will Steger Foundation and the University of Minnesota will explore international cooperation and development in the Arctic. Read More…

Duluth News Tribune

Will Steger’s opinion: Congress leads the ‘Race to the Bottom’ in the Duluth News Tribune about attacks to the Clean Air Act. Read More…

Press Democrat

The Will Steger Foundation is a beneficiary of Climate Ride California, a 320-mile ride that is a benefit for environmental organizations. Read More...

Loll Designs

Loll Designs, specializing in the use of recycled materials to make long lasting no maintenance outdoor furniture features the Will Steger Foundation on their website. Read More…

Action!

Express Your Support for Environmental Education Provisions in the Elementary & Secondary Education Act

A draft of the Elementary & Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is being finalized. Call your Senators to tell them that you support environmental education and including the provisions of the No Child Left Inside Act. These provisions include support for outdoor learning activities, professional development and implementation of state environmental literacy plans.

Photo of the Month

Abby Fenton, WSF Youth Programs Director, discusses the role youth play
in advancing solutions to climate change at Moving Planet on September 24th.
Abby is flanked by high school youth from YEA! Minnesota.