Creating Community Conversations that Catalyze Youth Leadership & Action
ABOUT TRANSFORM 2040
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In Fall 2021, Transform Mid-Atlantic launched a Global Citizenship Initiative Taskforce as part of its 2021-2026 Strategic Plan to discover ways that our network might weave global issues and partnerships throughout its strong local and regional work and collaborations. The Taskforce's recommendations concluded that civic and community engagement and service-learning activities in Maryland, DC, and Delaware are increasingly focused on complex, global challenges and opportunities that connect our region in the Mid-Atlantic with communities the world over. In part, the Taskforce wrote:
Communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic region are increasingly facing serious and urgent challenges related to the disastrous effects of climate change, socioeconomic and race-based inequities, poverty, intense political polarization and threats to the bedrock of the nation’s democratic institutions, an influx of refugees and migrants fleeing violence or seeking opportunities in our communities, and a growing divide between the region’s urban and rural populations. While many of these challenges and the solutions being developed to face them are community specific, they are connected to the challenges and issues of other communities and institutions throughout the region, United States, and world. Every day, we each participate in and are connected to global economic, social, environmental, and political systems, regardless of zip code, level of education, ability to travel, or socioeconomic status. We are, each of us, global citizens.
In September 2022, the United Nations brought together youth leaders from all over the world at its Summit on Transforming Education. The Youth Declaration presented by these leaders included their compelling visions for the future. It demonstrated the important impact and influence of youth ideas, leadership, and action. Their actions also underscored the importance of information literacy and intercultural and intellectual humility in responding to persistent and growing inequities and challenges. These are the values, skills, and competencies that have inspired the creation of TRANSFORM 2040.
Spring 2023 Pilot Program Description & Application
During Earth Week 2023 (April 16-22), between 5-7 Transform Mid-Atlantic member institutions will have access to licenses to provide an on-campus screening of the film 2040, an award-winning film by Australian director Damon Gameau about the rich variety of innovative responses to the climate change crisis that people are already envisioning and putting into practice.
The title of the film is derived from the question, “What could the world look like in the year 2040 if we were to fully embrace ideas that already exist?” The film’s trailer and other information may be found on The Regenerators website.
Participating campuses will receive the following:
- License for a public screening of the film 2040 (at no charge);
- Marketing materials for the screening;
- Resource kit for educators;
- Discussion guide to lead post-screening community conversations;
- Invitation to a follow-up panel discussion featuring the voices of global and regional youth leaders after Earth Week
Last September the United Nations brought together youth leaders from all over the world at its Summit on Transforming Education. The Youth Declaration presented by these leaders included their compelling visions for the future. Similarly, the 2040 screenings can serve as a catalyst for community conversations that will also focus on hearing from youth about their dreams for the future.
After the screenings, TMA will host a panel discussion among regional and international youth leaders – including some of the youth leaders who took part in the drafting the Youth Declaration -- about ways we can work together towards a more sustainable future. This discussion, aimed towards catalyzing a larger initiative we will call “Transform 2040” will occur sometime after Earth Week.