It Takes a Village of Voices!

Nearly 100 youth from Squalicum, Bellingham, Sehome, Ferndale, and other area high schools attended the November 17th “100 Youth Voices!” event sponsored by Explorations Academy. Youth heard from speakers for and against the terminal, discussed information related to the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal, then voiced their questions, perspectives, support and concerns. In December, Explorations Academy students will bring together input as well as a video, which will be shared on our Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/274210705943145/ and with the  community and elected officials.

Students heard from Dave Warren, Northwest Washington State Labor Council President, (in favor), Lindsay Taylor, Project Coordinator at ReSources (against), and David Roberts, Kulshan Environmental Services, who provided an overview and history about the Cherry Point area. Additionally, the forum benefited greatly from the contributions of community members, speakers, trained facilitators, students and Explorations staff. (Check out our blog for more details: http://explorationsacademy.wordpress.com/)

The breakout sessions elicited intelligent queries from youth who genuinely wanted to know more. Community experts answered youth's questions and clarified health, environmental, and economic issues regarding this complex community topic. From there, students had a lot to say.

Nathan Ferris, a young man who just moved to the area indicated, “I'm greatly concerned about the health factors in having so many uncovered coal trains every day, as well as the devastating environmental factors to such a beautiful site as Cherry Point, and the disruptions of massive trains through the biggest city in Whatcom County.”

“I feel that the proposal of the Gateway Pacific Shipping Terminal and Cherry Point is just what Bellingham and Whatcom County needs. With all the jobs that it creates, it will help our economy,” said Joshua Ewing, a student from Bellingham High School.

Youth and community facilitators recorded concerns, support, and questions from an hour of breakout session discussions. At the end of the evening, youth worked together to create majority statements to be shared with community decision makers.

Thanks to all of the students and staff who worked hard to envision, plan, promote, and implement this successful event! Thanks to Albers at the Majestic who gave generously the use of the Majestic. Thanks to Subway for donating sandwiches and the crew of volunteers who made more food, helped at the door, and assisted in so many ways towards the success of this event. Thanks to the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center facilitators and to the community speakers and experts who made the event informative and engaging. Thank you Walking Stick for Giants who played great music after the event! Thanks to Abram Dickerson for keeping the vision alive that this event would be successful!