Back in 1970, a wise group of folks - about 20 million of them across the United States, actually - banded together on the first Earth Day to warn the world about the importance of planetary stewardship, thus marking the official beginning of the modern-day environmental movement. Since then, PSAs starring Woodsy the Owl and tearful Native American chiefs have been replaced by commercials for fancy hybrid cars, while environmentalism has started straddling the line between trendiness and responsibility.
Regardless of corporate enviro-spin taglines, today's youth are leading the way in taking care of this big blue marble we call home, and Rochester's teens are no exception. In fact, a group of the most dedicated are spending their Spring Break focusing on the environment, and your teens are invited to come along.
The Leaders Club at the Monroe YMCA Teen City youth center (797 Monroe Avenue) is holding a series of activities to celebrate "Eco Week" during April break. Organized by the staff, events designed to engage youth in their community will be held every evening of break week
"By bringing people together to sing, dance, work, play and connect, we are teaching these youths to appreciate community in the broadest sense of the term, that which is made up of people, animals, plants, dirt, water and sun. We want them to literally see the web that weaves us all together," explains Monroe YMCA staff member and Americorps volunteer Emily Weber. "I am really excited to give these teens the opportunity to see how powerful community is and what we can do -- even during these hard times -- to come together and do our part to make this world just a little greener."
Some events the Leaders Club takes part in on a regular basis (but this time feature an ecological spin), while others, such as the participation in the monthly Critical Mass bike ride in the city, are new. Teens will learn how to "upcycle" their old clothes into new creations, and how to green their home environments, build worm-composting bins, collect cans and bottles to raise money for summer activity scholarships, and participate in a Monroe Avenue clean up. The week will start with a party at Cobb's Hill Park on Saturday, April 18.
Weber is asking any community members or local businesses who would like to partner with the teens to contact her either at emilytweber@gmail.com or 256-8218.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Saturday, April 18, 5-9 p.m.: Teen Night at Cobbs Hill Park
Dance to world music, eat great food, and enjoy the community at this kick-off party. Musical instruments, blankets, and flashlights recommended; potluck dishes accepted. Bring your own bowl. $2 donation requested, will accept bottles with deposits.
Monday, April 20, 6-9 p.m.: "Upcycle Your Clothing" at Teen City
Trade old clothes for new-to-you clothes, and learn to do fun things with old t-shirts and jeans.
Tuesday, April 21, 4-6 p.m.: Monroe Community Bottle Drive at Teen City
Drop off your bottles and cans with deposits to the Monroe YMCA Leaders Club to fund summer program scholarships.
Wednesday, April 22, 4-7 p.m.: Earth Day at Teen City
Help make a worm bin and turn compost into dirt, and learn ways to make Teen City (and your own homes) more environmentally friendly.
Thursday, April 23, 4 p.m.: Monroe Avenue Clean-Up at Teen City
Help the YMCA Leaders Club collect trash and clean up the Upper Monroe Avenue Community as part of their EcoWeek festivities. Bring gloves.
Friday, April 24, 6 p.m.: Critical Mass Bike Ride
Meet at the Liberty Pole for a slow ride through Rochester.