Youth for the Environment and Sustainability (YES) Conference Set for February 24, 2018

Students from throughout the nine Bay Area counties will come together to discuss transportation, clean air, climate change and a healthy San Francisco Bay Area at the fifth annual Youth for the Environment and Sustainability (YES) Conference, scheduled for Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Laney College (900 Fallon Street – right by the Lake Merritt BART station in Oakland). The free day-long regional conference will bring together middle- and high-school students who are passionate about alternative transportation and are spearheading efforts in their communities to reduce pollution and congestion. The YES Conference is part of the Spare the Air Youth program and is sponsored by MTC and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Conference organizers are encouraging students to register for the event as well as to get involved with development of content by signing up to present their own school or community efforts. Students, teen leaders, teachers and youth advisors can submit proposals to make a presentation, lead or participate in a panel discussion, or guide an interactive session.

At the upcoming conference, students will have the opportunity to exchange ideas, participate in workshops, and share stories from their schools and communities about how youth can lead the way in promoting safe and healthy communities. Participants will learn how they can take advantage of alternative transportation options like bicycling, walking, public transit and neighborhood carpooling to promote stronger communities and a cleaner planet. 

There is no cost to attend the conference, and breakfast and lunch will be provided. Parents and teachers are welcome. Students must have their parents’ permission to attend. For complete conference details and to register, visit: http://www.sparetheairyouth.org/2018-yes-conference.

Conference updates and related sustainability opportunities and resources are being posted to the Youth for the Environment and Sustainability Facebook page and Twitter account. Use hashtag #YESConference2018 to follow the conference on social media. The YES Conference presentation proposals will be accepted until January 10, 2018, and the conference registration deadline is February 16, 2018.