When Hope Takes A Stand
With Ocean Robbins

Sometimes older folks tell me: "I was idealistic and thought I could change the world once, too, but then I grew up." I'm trying to help us change our definition of growing up, so that it ceases to mean giving up on our ideals, and comes to mean becoming able to act on behalf of our highest commitments in life. I want to awaken the passion and creativity of youth, combine it with the wisdom, experience and insight of elders, and catalyze transformation in our world. And I believe it's completely possible."

We live in troubled times. Yet each of us carries in our hearts a vision of how this world could be - a world free from the scourge of war and starvation, a world with a healthy environment, social justice and peace.

This presentation starts from the premise that part of the reason we are alive in these times is to bridge this gap, and to bring our world a little closer to the prayers and dreams that live within us.

Through stories, experiential exercises, and speaking from the heart, Ocean Robbins entertains, informs, inspires and empowers. His presentations address such topics as:

• The state of our planet, and what we can do to make a difference (including our consumption choices, food choices, lifestyle choices and social interactions).
• Cynicism, hope, and the possible future.
• Inspiring stories of young people who are changing the world for the better.
• The work of YES! -- Youth for Environmental Sanity, and some of the key ingredients in the organization's 12 years of success.
• Connections between the movements for social justice, human rights, peace, and environmental sanity.

Ocean Robbins Presentation at our environmental and social justice youth conference was the highlight of the weekend for many of our participants. His positive message and soulful, inspiring words reached deep into the hearts of the youth attendees. Numerous people told me that his talk was the most inspiring and moving thing they had ever heard. As conference organizer I couldn't have been more pleased!

- Daniel Carr, Conference Coordinator, Deep Green Global Training

I cannot thank you enough for coming to the Principia College campus. What you had to say ignited inspiration in some people and fueled the fire in others. People that had given up hope in activism because the task was too large have now returned to stand up for what they believe in. More specifically, I was feeling "burned out" with the whole environmental issue and feeling like nobody was listening except for myself. Now, I have newfound encouragement to continue with the fight for environmental respect and animal rights. Thank you so much again for sharing your thoughts and words of hope, and enlightening us to the harsh reality of our abused and degrading environment.

- Lauren Chapman, age 19, Sophomore, Principia College, Elsah, IL

Again thank you sooooo much for coming to speak to us at the Sierra Student Coalition conference. It was truly wonderful and amazing and incredibly inspirational. I bought your book "Choices for our Future" and finished it within the week. I loved it soooooo much and i feel that your speaking and the book have significantly changed my life!

- Talia Cooper, Berkeley High School, Berkeley, CA