Inspiring Stories of Local Activists

From TW Member Jenna Shankman
My name is Jenna Shankman and this past summer I went to New Mexico and India to explore my different talents and perspectives about the world through a program called SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE, a program for youth aged 16-22 that focuses on leadership, current, issues and development of the whole person. This experience helped me become especially passionate about environmental issues and the present human impact/cultural relationship with the planet. Out of this interest, as well as a general passion for a more just, loving, peaceful, and connected world, I built my culminating project [I am a senior in high school].

I wanted to be inspired my the stories of activists. Many of us feel great respect and know the big names of: MLK, Gandhi, or modern voices like Paul Hawkins and Van Jones, but what about all the many wonderful local activists that we have right here? Do you know their stories? Through the Bellingham Storyteller' s Guild I worked on finding out more about these incredible individuals, their background, and all the work that they do.
They include:

Rick Dubrow
Lynnette Allen
Doug Banner
Susan Bradbury
Dennis Lane
Sara Radoff
At the end of this month I will be holding an event sharing what I have found.

WHEN: Thursday, April 30th at 7:30

WHERE: Center for Expressive Arts and Experiential Learning

1317 Commercial St (Across from the Parkade and above Tivoli Restaurant)

Bellingham WA, 98225

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

What is the relationship between social justice, environmental sustainability and personal fulfillment? What does it mean to really stand for something? What do people actually care about? What kinds of motivations exist within a person who decides to devote their life to activism?

What do I believe in and what I can I do?

There are a lot of questions circling around as we human beings try to understand. We want to understand ourselves, each other, why things are the way they are, what is right, and why so many things are seemingly wrong.

This event is designed to explore and shine light onto some of these questions through the stories of six local activists and non-profit members, who have found a tangible way to make that difference that so many of us seek.

My goal is that their work will inspire you and help you leave with a better idea of how you can use your own personal talents, strengths and passions to further what you believe in and want to stand for in the world or even to help you realize what that is in the first place!

I hope you will join me for this evening of exploration and sharing.

Namaste!

Jenna