Human Rights Heroes at Home 2009 - Green Alternatives

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Submitted by: Matt Kazinka

The Summer of Solutions brings together young people in communities across the country to build local solutions that are self-sustaining, replicable, and accessible to all. In the summer of 2009, we brought together more than 140 youth leaders to organize green manufacturing initiatives, energy-efficient neighborhoods, participatory development processes, and local food programs in 9 cities across the country.
The Summer of Solutions builds on the following inspiring insights to create change:
1. Green alternatives are about real progress, not a moral ideal. Real energy solutions build community and out-compete unsustainable models.
2. Initial actions should be self-sustaining and self-replicating, grow towards broader action, and invite new people to engage creatively.
3. Community is the solution – grassroots networks applying collaborative, locally-appropriate solutions are the innovators we have been waiting for.
The Summer of Solutions story is exemplified by participant Callista Perry’s narrative. Callista took a leap of faith to join the 2008 Twin Cities program, finding the financial resources to make her participation possible and moving 1200 miles to join the St. Paul program. Callista's testimony speaks for itself: “It is the empowerment that comes part and parcel with being part of building solutions that are really REAL, and knowing that those projects and initiatives were started by people my age - my friends and co-organizers. If they can do it, we can do it too. And we will - because we can." During 2009, Callista went on to be a co-leader for the Worcester Massachusetts program.
See our program: www.summerofsolutions.org
Hear our stories: www.solutionaries.net