It has become a tradition for Will to hit the road each fall with several speaking engagements. Last year Will spoke to over 5,000 people in only five weeks; and this year, we anticipate the same reach. Will spoke to several international audiences this month, including a Swiss Climate Forum, MN-Austrian Forum on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change at the University of Minnesota and the International Bioenergy Days at Minnesota State University-Mankato. 

Will, Abby (Baffin Island Expedition Member and Education Program Manager), Toby (Norwegian Ellesmere Island Expedition Member), and Jim (Tech Director) are on the road for The Longest Summer Tour. The Tour kicked off in Chicago with a forum at the University of Chicago with Illinois’ Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and at Northwestern University with hundreds of students in attendance. The Tour will highlight the effects of climate change on the Great Lakes region while also spotlighting the region’s resources and efforts in clean energy and climate change solutions. The Longest Summer Tour seeks to inspire and empower our nation’s emerging leaders to participate in initiatives that solve the climate crisis and build a more sustainable future. Check out a promotional video, daily podcasts, blogs, and the tour schedule at: www.thelongestsummertour.org 

Meanwhile, we are putting the finishing touches on our 2007-2008 Annual Report and continuing with our strategic plan with our board and staff. Please continue supporting our work by sharing this e-newsletter with a friend or contributing online, via phone 612-278-7147, or mail.

Sincerely, 

Nicole Rom
Executive Director 

Will graces the cover of the University of St. Thomas Magazine’s issue on sustainability. A six-page article features the Ellesmere Island Expedition and Will’s eyewitness to global warming. The article and videos can also be seen at the magazines website. Click here to read the article.

Sam Branson’s story, “The Iceman Cometh” in Esquire Magazine, contains an 8-page fashion photo spread along with Sam’s experience on the Ellesmere Island Expedition. Check it out on newsstands now.

American Photo Magazine’s 30th Anniversary issue features Will’s famous lunch break image on a two-page spread. The image is featured as one of 30 perfect pictures in 30 years. Click here to view the image.

Will stops in to the studios of KSTP-5’s Twin Cities Live television show. Click here to watch the segment.

Terry Trane of the KQRS Morning Show interviews Will in a recent broadcast. Click here to listen to the interview.

Will spoke at the recent International Bioenergy Days conference at Minnesota State University, Mankato.  His message that slowing global warming rests with younger generations was covered in the Mankato Free Press. Click here to read the article.

'Challenge, Climate Change, and Choice' School Presentations

The Will Steger Foundation is excited to announce a partner polar adventure: 'Forward Expeditions - North Pole '09'. Team members Tyler Fish and John Huston will be visiting schools across Minnesota throughout the fall semester to draw attention to global warming and the polar regions and to generate excitement for their upcoming ski-trek to the top of the world.

In March of 2009, John Huston and Tyler Fish will attempt to become the first Americans to ski unsupported to the North Pole. Due to the rapidly melting sea ice of the Arctic Ocean, this 55-day, 475-mile expedition may not be possible in 10 years. John and Tyler approach this immense challenge with optimism, humility and responsible action. This presentation will focus on their quest to reach the North Pole, how the team's deliberate approach to this challenge can be applied to larger contexts, and how the lessons of modern and historic polar explorers can inspire how we live our own lives, face challenges, and pursue our goals and dreams. The presentation will also highlight how global energy choices are dramatically impacting the Arctic and link to climate change resources for educators. This digital-multimedia presentation features stunning photographs, educational diagrams and a question and answer session.

For more information visit: www.northpole09.com. Contact janet@willstegerfoundation.org to schedule a school visit. WSF Staff continue to be available for class visits related to GW101 expeditions throughout the 2008-09 school year. 

Educator, Ellen Hadley and her students traveled to Mathomedi this month to hear Will speak at Mathomedi High School. Organized by the Mathomedi Area Green Initiative and joined by Mathomedi students, educators and concerned citizens, the event focused on climate change, energy and local solutions. 

We were proud to sponsor Minnesota Powershift, a youth climate summit that drew 150+ students from across the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and the Midwest from October 3rd-5th at Washburn High School in Minneapolis. The summit featured keynote speakers including Will Steger, US Congressman Keith Ellison, and former candidate for State Senate Jack Nelson Pallmeyer, over thirty different workshops, a free performance from the indie band State Radio, and a panel presentation including J. Drake Hamilton, Science Policy Director for Fresh Energy, Representative Kate Knuth, Former Chief Meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Craig Edwards, Karen Monahan, Community Organizer for Environmental Justice Advocates of MN, and Karen Studders, former MPCA Commissioner under Jesse Ventura. US Senator Amy Klobuchar sent a video tailored specifically for the audience, congratulating students on their work and encouraging ongoing youth leadership on climate change solutions. Click Here to view.

YEA! MN Kick-off Event

Students from 10 different high schools joined the YEA! MN steering committee for the fall 2008 kick-off event. YEA! MN will be hosting four large educational meetings over the course of the school year, free and open to high students across the metro area. YEA! MN is proud to launch the Clean Communities Campaign aimed at engaging over 100 students in the MN Energy Challenge. YEA! MN is a network of high school students taking leadership on climate change solutions. The next large meeting will be held on November 7th, location TBD. Contact abby@willstegerfoundation.org for more details or visit www.yeamn.org 

Tell your representative not to reverse important protections against dirty fuels!

Will wrote an op-ed recently about the dirty, alternative fuel derived from oil shale and tar sands. In his letter he wrote: “Confronted by a dwindling supply of cheap oil and greater understanding of how burning fossil fuels causes global warming, America finds itself at an energy crossroads. One path is to exploit dirty, inefficient fuels derived from oil shale and tar sands.  We can follow this path and extend our oil addiction, or we can choose a path that could create new jobs, energy security and prosperity by pursuing clean energy technologies.” 

You too can take action at the Natural Resources Defense Council by urging your representative to oppose any legislation that would reverse important protections that prevent federal agencies from purchasing liquid coal and other dirty fuels. 

Will meeting with Illionois' Lt. Governor Pat Quinn in Chicago during The Longest Summer Tour.