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SCPA Presents Young People and Their Concerns

SCPA 2nd THURSDAY
 (Moved to 2nd Thursday to avoid July 4 conflicts)
6:30pm Thurs. July 9, 2015

LOCATION: 
Front Street Civic Center, 2205 Front Street, downtown Melbourne FL 32901

Free and open to the public. Donations gratefully accepted.
 More information

PROGRAM: Young People and Their Concerns

What's on the minds of young people today? Do you know?

44% of young college grads today are stuck in low-wage, dead-end jobs making less than $25,000/year.

At the same time, futurists are predicting a robot revolution replacing 1 out of 3 U.S. workers by 2025.

Many young people feel U.S. capitalism has failed them. Even with education, jobs paying a living wage are hard to find, and there is huge student debt. What's going on? Could it be, as U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has said, 'the system is rigged' and young people know it?

Hundreds of young people turned out for Monsanto protest in Melbourne two years ago -- so young people are obviously concerned about GMO, all over the world. Global warming? LGBT concerns? Racism and injustices? Student loans, campus safety? Koch influence in higher education, like at FSU?

Are young people active in certain causes? Do they read books? If yes, what books? Just in it for infotainment? Or... ?

What does the future hold for our young generation?

PANELISTS

Savanna Bennett: 22 years old. I have grown up in the Melbourne area and I am a recent FIT graduate. I am excited to have this opportunity in which I, along with a few of my peers, will share with the public our perceptions and concerns. I have received a bachelors degree in ocean engineering. Although I am seeking employment at the moment, I intend to further my education at some point in the near future.

Clayton Louis Ferrara: 27 years old, Chilean-born, American Naturalist, teacher, and writer living in Winter Park, Florida. He is a classically trained biologist and the first American to be named a "Darwin Scholar" by the Field Studies Council in London for his achievements as an environmental educator and young naturalist. He is on the emerging leaders council of the National Wildlife Foundation, and was named an alumni of significant distinction by Rollins College, in 2011 for his professional and philanthropic achievements since receiving degrees in both biology and environmental studies. Clay is Executive Director of the United Nations accredited NGO, IDEAS For Us, and is Director of Sciences at the Ampersand School.

David Freeman: 17 years old. A senior in the Advanced Placement Capstone program at West Shore Junior/Senior High School in Melbourne, David is an advocate for Democracy at Work and other progressive movements.

Emma Kalvan: I am a 17 year old student from West Shore High, transferring to FSU for a bachelor's in physics and astrophysics. I am incredibly excited to start my career as not only a scientist, but a person making a difference.

Liz Schmidt: I'm 18 years old and will be attending Florida State University in the fall to major in environmental science. My interest in politics and social activism has led me to consider a double major or minor in political science, as well. I appreciate the opportunity to speak to the Space Coast Progressive Alliance.

Taurean Wong: A 32-year old black male currently pursuing a degree in education at the University of South Florida. As a graduate of Community Tampa Bay’s Anytown™ program, he believes in the power of dialogue, empowering diverse groups of young people, and interdependence. Taurean identifies as an agent of change in his geographies of influence and he continues down the path of being a life-long inclusive leader. Enjoying live music is what he likes to do to relax.

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1st or 2nd Thursdays are monthly gatherings, building the growing progressive community. Share your petitions and other items of interest, make brief announcements. Enjoy the gathering, super programs, super people. Bring a friend! Free and open to the public.


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Space Coast Progressive Alliance (SCPA) is an advocate for the Greater Public Interest on issues important to us all. We advance progressive policies that further civil and personal liberty, the environment, health care, education, labor, peace, social welfare, financial stability and international harmony. Florida non-profit founded in 2004.

Terri Wright held the position of General Manager at WFIT from 1998-2023.