I've arrived in Copenhagen! A thank you, an update, and still more to be done

[Ethan Buckner]

To my dear friends and family,

Right now, I'm sitting inside the Bella Center, a monstrous complex that is hosting the United Nations Climate Negotiations (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark. The past few months have proved to be enormously challenging and stressful, yet equally energizing and hopeful. Two nights ago, I finally met in person the entirety of the SSC delegation to Copenhagen. The SSC, or Sierra Student Coalition, is the organization that I have dedicated my time, energy, and passion to in coordinating our youth delegation to COP15. I've been truly honored to have the opportunity to work with 18 amazing leaders over the past few months to orchestrate our presence in the international negotiations. These peers bring meaning to the work we do; as we are all aware that the actions our leaders take today directly impact our future. That is why while we're here; our delegation will lobby the US negotiators and members of Congress who are in attendance and project the need for a bold, just climate treaty so that by the end of the conference, the US negotiators will know our names and faces! We have the opportunity to meet and work with youth from all over the US- and the world- throughout the negotiations to organize actions, engage with the media, and communicate back to our peers at home to continue putting pressure on our leaders.

I'm here, overwhelmed, fired up, and incredibly grateful for all the help and support I've received so far.  Until now, I've been able to meet over half of my fundraising goal! I would not have been able to make it here without your amazing contributions. As a city, Copenhagen has many amazing qualities-- however, being financially friendly to near-broke colleges students is not one of them. I've created a new chip-in site- http://ethanbuckner.chipin.com/help-me-eat-in-copenhagen- and am requesting your financial support so I can make it through the next few weeks and still afford books for next semester. If you'd prefer, you can also mail a check to:

Ethan Buckner

14941 Wellington Rd.

Wayzata, MN 55391

Please follow our delegation at www.sscinternational.org and spread the word to your friends, family, classmates, and coworkers about what's happening here across the Atlantic. 

I cannot stress how imperative these negotiations are for the future of our world, and more importantly for the world we will leave to our children and grandchildren. With your help and support, I can continue to pursue my passion and help in the pursuit of a just and sustainable future. 

With love and thanks,

Ethan

 
--
Ethan Buckner
Youth Organizer
Sierra Student Coalition -- www.ssc.org
Vassar College Class of 2013
612-718-3847
ethanb...@gmail.com
etbu...@vassar.edu