LA Conference 2008! Day Two!!

From Global Call To Action Conference 2008 - 9/12

Day two of the Global Call to Action Conference proved to be as exciting as the first. In the morning we were treated, once again, to some rousing speeches by all of the Laureates during the Ceremony of Inspiration. Jodie Williams got the crowd of enthusiastic youth riled up as she pointed out that much of the history learned in schools is not fully accurate and tends to justify, or even overlook, many of the violent tragedies that have occurred. She encouraged the youth to question what they learn and not let violence go ignored, be it in the past or currently happening. "Willful ignorance is not an option."

We were also treated to an appearance by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The crowd of enthusiastic PeaceJammers went into a complete uproar welcoming him to the podium. He encouraged the youth to work for what they believe in, and told them that they all had the power in them to be agents of change. "Nobel Laureates do not just drop from heaven. They are ordinary people just like you."

From Global Call To Action Conference 2008 - 9/12

From Global Call To Action Conference 2008 - 9/12

From Global Call To Action Conference 2008 - 9/12

The afternoon was spent in group sessions with individual laureates. We spent time with Betty Williams, where she fielded questions from youth about what inspired her to work toward peace. She candidly discussed the events that occurred in Northern Ireland that brought her to the point where she had to say "Enough is enough...I will not allow more innocent people to die." She also discussed how amazed she at the people who turned out with her on that faithful day in 1976.

Her time was followed by a presentation by an environmentalist in Los Angeles who taught us all about the importance of trees to the environment and the power that they have. He encouraged us all to be mindful of the trees around us and to take care of them.

We were also really happy to meet up with two of our own Greater Texas PeaceJam groups who had made the long trip to the conference from Lee High School here in Houston and The International School of the Americas in San Antonio. They were having a fantastic experience and were thrilled to be meeting other youth from all over the world. We are looking forward to seeing their pictures and hearing more about their thoughts on the conference. Next month they will join us back here in Houston for our SLAM on October 25th!

The conference continues to be exciting and inspirational with the presence of the Laureates, but also because of the drive and energy brought by the youth! They are all seem more than ready to go out into their communities and make a difference!