What is the training? Why should I go?
Change It is an intensive, all-expenses-paid, week-long training program for student activists, facilitated by some of the nation's top environmental leaders and speakers on global and social issues. Participants will work one-on-one with Greenpeace mentors, who will provide personalized training on organizing and campaigning. Students will also travel offsite to participate in a campaign event and will emerge from the program with the skills and tools they need to become effective leaders in the environmental and social justice movements.

Is it really free?
Yes! It's really free! All expenses for the top 140 applicants, including travel, room and board, and the training itself, will be covered entirely by the program, at no cost to you.

Who should apply?
Full- and part-time students ages 18 to 24 who have at least one more semester of undergraduate college are eligible. We're looking for young people who are passionate, smart, bold, visionary, savvy and committed to being active on the front lines of change. Applicants must be dedicated to protecting the environment and working for social justice. You must have leadership qualities but leadership and activism experience are not required. See the rules for a full description of program eligibility.

Why do I have to be in college to apply?
The skills we provide focus quite a bit on campus organizing and networking. Non-college students would not receive the full benefit of the program, and would feel left out of many of the training sessions.

Can I apply if I went to Change It last year?
Yes, but as a student trainer. We will reserve 24 spots (12 in each city) for exceptional applicants who are qualified to be trained in advance of the program to help facilitate during the week of training. Since this year's training will have some overlap with the 2006 and 2007 program, these are the only spots that will be open to Change It alumni, but they could be offered to non-alumni as well. These 24 spots will require an additional commitment of training time from selected students. See the rules regarding our selection process for student trainers.

Where and when is this happening?
The 2008 Change It program will take place for a week this summer in Seattle and Boston.

Dates:
Boston: July 16-21, 2008
Seattle: July 26-31,2008

How will I get to Change It?
Trains, planes, automobiles - from wherever you are in the US, we'll get you there! Arrangements for travel will be made once selected students confirm their participation. And energy offsets will be purchased for every mile travelled!

Where will I live during the training?
The participating students will stay in campus-dorm-style accommodation.

Are there vegetarian and vegan options for food?
Yes.

When is the final deadline?
May 12, 2008 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time.

When will I know if I've been accepted?
Selected students will be notified within two weeks of the deadline. We will also post their names on the website once they're confirmed.

What if I apply but I don't get in?
You can get involved right now with Greenpeace. The Greenpeace Student Network is an alliance of passionate leaders fighting environmental crimes with grassroots power. Greenpeace gives you organizing tools, mentoring, training, and the chance to be a real force in a global movement for change. You can get more info at http://www.greenpeacestudents.org.

What is Seventh Generation?
One of the nation's first self-declared "socially responsible" companies, Seventh Generation is committed to becoming the world's most trusted brand of authentic, safe, and environmentally responsible products for a living home. The company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois that states, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." For more information visit http://www.seventhgeneration.com.

Is it weird that Greenpeace and Seventh Generation are working together?
We can't win the fight for the environment unless companies become an engine for positive change. Seventh Generation's dedication to corporate responsibility is aligned with Greenpeace's mission and they are one of the very few companies that Greenpeace feels comfortable partnering with. We are proud to be working together to provide this training so that we can diversify the student environmental movement.

I have a different question, who can I ask?
Send us an email at info@changeit08.org.