Pupupower Shift 2011
Can I get a f%*# yeah from everyone who went to Power Shift 2011?!! http://www.powershift2011.org/
As the Ohio State University Power Shift coordinator, I felt myself falling into a few traps of organizer burnout, which is the reason that I even started this blog. But this time I was able to realize how I really felt about the situation and why. Power Shift is an amazing experience and very necessary for our time. Youth from all around the country joined together to create massive change with actions, trainings and sharing incredible stories. the New Organizing Institute, who organized all of the trainings from 9am to 1pm on saturday and sunday, did an incredible job. We learned how to utilize our individual strengths while keeping the whole solid. We heard amazing speakers like Al Gore, Van Jones from Green for All, and Lisa Jackson the director of the EPA. I probably saw 50 people that I love so dearly and there were many of those “OMG HERE YOU ARE, I MISS YOU AND AM SO EXCITED TO SEE YOU” Giant Hug followed by more giant hugs.
All this being said, I felt like my heart wasn’t in the work to be done before the conference. I realized the main reason I took on the role as coordinator was because I had done it before for the last power shift, and that no one else had stepped up. Looking back I am very glad that I committed to be the coordinator and am very proud of the 30 students that came with us to DC. BUT next time I will make more diligent intentions as to why I am committing to a task or role. All of this work is vital to creating a safe just and clean world, but having intentions and your heart in it is the most important, otherwise you may get burnt out and now want to do anything. And no one wants that.
This is more of a reflection on my experience coordinating than attending the conference. Attending the conference was fun, inspiring, exhausting and empowering.
Thank you to everyone that attended, and let’s make it a happen!
