extended Learning opportunity

learning how to be a global citizen and active advocate

This was a bit of a different learning experience. I mean, as 'different' as it can be when a normal day entails laser cutting and tracking vernal pools. For the second semester of my senior year, I participated in a variety of conferences and conversations about learner-centered learning and advocacy for marginalized voices/the planet. Over the course of two months, I participated in 7 different conferences. I presented at 4 out of the 7, and contributed to the conversation in all of them. Below I will list out all of the dates and aspects to the conference, as well as my personal notes from a couple.

Over this period of time, I feel like I really grew as a learner and communicator. I also made really important connections, and developed several partnerships because of it, such as with Beth White, Ben Freeman, and Harry Frank. I also now know I am a part of an even bigger community than I ever thought possible. I was able to connect with people from all over the world in these conferences, and it really made me consider my own world views and how thankful I am for virtual events. If not for COVID, I would never had had the opportunities I did during this project.

*Note: Because this is an ongoing adventure into activism and advocacy, this project does not have a calendar or rubric.*

Master List Of Conferences

Go Global Conference: About learner centered learning, less than 50 attendees, mostly Vermonters, I did not present but I was the only student voice in a specific breakout room about education! It lasted one day.
Global Just Recovery Gathering: About all different types of advocacy ranging from climate to racial justice issues. More than 5,000 attendees from all around the world! Again, I did not present but I did contribute to conversations. I think I was one out of two Vermonters there, but I'm not sure. It lasted over three days, and the timings were internationally based, so at one point I had to get up a 5am for a Zoom call. Worth it!
Bright Spots Panel at the VT Superintendents Conference: I co-planned and lead a panel that shined light on innovative learners and their environments in Vermont. There were a little under 200 attendees, all from Vermont, and it lasted an afternoon. This opportunity actually opened the doors to working with Beth White, a reginal coordinator for Big Picture National, to create a newsletter that highlights creative learners all across the state of Vermont!
Education Reimagined's SparkHouse Event (x2): SparkHouse is an event that aims to connect non-conventional learners from all across the United States. I both presented and attended this conference. It had more than 75 attendees, and happened twice. Both lasted around an afternoon.
Up For Learning's Power 2 Conference: About non-conventional education in Vermont, specifically surrounding student voice. I both attended and presented at this conference. It under 75 attendees, mostly from Vermont. It lasted an afternoon.
Conversation with Nikole Hannah-Jones and Carlos Moreno: Hannah and Carlos had a live conversation about journalism, racism, and non-conventional learning. I attended their conversation, as well as an afterwards with Dr. Christopher Emdin. It had over 1,000 viewers from all across the United States, and lasted an afternoon.

here are some of my notes from various conferences

I'm so glad I participated in so many extended learning opportunities this semester. It really helped me shape my view of the world, and of all of the communities I didn't even know I was a part of. If I were to do it all over again, I think I would journal in my digital journal a bit more. I have a lot physical reflections in notebooks, but I don't have a lot of my thoughts in my website. I'm also very glad that the work I did with the conferences has helped me advance regarding networking. I think that will be very helpful during/after my transition to post secondary planning.