4th Annual Sustainable Living Empowerment Conference
REGISTER TODAY
When: Saturday, April 23, 2016
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Where: Saint Peter's University, McIntyre Lounge, 2641 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Sponsors to Date
- Saint Peter's University (Department of Political Science, Social Justice Program, Public Policy Program, Sustainability Committee, Sociology & Urban Studies)
- UnitedHealthCare Community Plan
- Northeast Earth Coalition (NEEC)
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (chapters: Beta Alpha Omega, Omicron Xi Omega, Rho Gamma Omega)
- Forward Ever Sustainable Business Alliance
- Vaibrenta Holistics & Creative Community Action
- Family Partners of Hudson County
- NJ Sisterhood
- Mid-Atlantic Regional Transition Hub (MATH)
- Civics for the Emerging Activist & Cool Beans Green Living
- Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Jersey
What is the purpose of this year’s conference?
Tobias: First and foremost I can't thank Saint Peter's University enough for allowing this grassroots led event to take place on their campus. And I'm humbled by the support of all our sponsors and community organizations that have endorsed this event.
I have to add that James "Jim" Olmstead and Luz Rameriz from UnitedHealthCare Community Plan has arranged it so that there will be representation to assist with healthcare enrollment so I strongly encourage people in need of health insurance to attend.
This year's theme "Branching Communities Together" refers to an attempt of bringing together grassroots organizations and organizers throughout Hudson and Essex Counties under one roof, share ideas, break bread with one another, and move our respective mission(s) forward. The overall purpose of the conference is to move people in a way to where they become active participants toward the goal of building healthy, sustainable communities.
We also strongly encourage the tabling of organizations working to create tangible solutions for our environmental issues affecting communities throughout Essex and Hudson Counties.
You’ve had the conference for 3 consecutive years in Newark. Why the change of venue? Why Jersey City?
Tobias: Why not Jersey City? I’m actually highly impressed with the diversity throughout Hudson County. Also, as an organizer, I’m always looking for opportunities to bring people together. As a resident now in Jersey City, I feel a sense of responsibility to do something that merges the work I do in Newark with the amazing work others are doing in Jersey City, and throughout Hudson County.
But I also have to give it up to my girlfriend Roxana Marroquin for recommending that I approach Saint Peter's University, specifically Anna Brown from the Department of Political Science & Social Justice Program and Alex Trillo from the Departments of Sociology & Urban Studies.
Also, through Roxana, I was able to gain the support of Tawana Williams of Civics for the Emerging Activist and Cool Beans Green Living. So I feel really good about this year's conference.
What should people expect from the panel discussion?
Tobias: This moderated panel will consist of 5 panelists representing topics relevant to the conference overall theme of building healthy, sustainable communities. The panel will run for about an hour, and it will be recorded. There will be no Q&A from the audience. We’ll be announcing the presenters in a couple weeks, but here are the topics.
- Panelist 1 -- Health and Wellness
- Panelist 2 -- Climate Change
- Panelist 3 -- Ecological Sustainability
- Panelist 4 -- Food Security
- Panelist 5 -- Poverty
What should people expect from the roundtable discussions?
Tobias: The roundtable discussions are crucial because this portion of the conference is our Call to Action. The roundtable discussions will go for about an hour. A representative from each table will give a recap as to what was discussed and outcome. I've included a short list of some of the roundtable discussions. Each roundtable will have one or two facilitators helping to guide the discussion along.
- A Living Wage is Essential to a Sustainable Economy
- Climate Justice and Becoming a Climate Resilient Community
- Art Transforms Communities
- Holistic and Spiritual Wellness
- Sustainable Education from K thru 8
- Rebuilding New Jersey's Local Food System
- Mutual Aid and Communal Living: Sharing as a Solution to Climate Change
What will the parking situation be like?
Tobias: We're looking to make parking more accessible for those attending the conference. One of the campus's parking lots will be made available, but we'll release more details as we get closer to the event.
REGISTER TODAY
For additional information or to become a sponsor contact organizer Tobias Fox at tobia...@gmail.com or 646.399.03337. www.sasgocal.com
#SustainNewark #WhatsUpJerseyCity
