United Nations Sunday: Our Global Role in a Rapidly Changing World
Our day started with a complimentary lunch and music provided by two local college students on piano and vocals. An introductory song was then performed on mandolin that was sung to the tune of Woody Guthrie's song, "This Land is Your Land" but the words were changed to reflect the global theme of the day. Rev. Bill Sinkford then read a thoughtful blessing. A youth peace poster competition was announced and youth were invited to participate. Next, the lead speaker, Yashar Vasef who is Senior Development Manager at the Community Cycling Center spoke. He was born in Tehran and fled the Iran-Iraq was in pursuit of peace and security. Then the panelists were introduced and the all spoke briefly. The first panelist was Shannon McClure who is an Arts Integration Specialist and Equity Consultant. She spoke about climate justice as a civil right. The second panelist was Jaden Winn, a Wilson High School student, who spoke about Youth Igniting Change, a group he founded. The next panelist was Mary Ann McCammon, the founder and president of Quilts for Empowerment and she spoke about the impact of global climate change on women. The last panelist was Don Merrick, a retired chemical engineer who most recently has focused on activism regarding legislation in Oregon. He spoke about a response to the impact of climate change globally and in Oregon. Then all attendees were invited to move into groups at tables to discuss various questions about climate change. There were table discussions and then each group assigned a leader to report a summary of their table's discussion to the entire room. The event then came to a close with refreshments and the opportunity to visit several informational tables around the room.
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