Submitted by Glen Estill on behalf of Sources of Knowledge
There is a theory of social change that says if you can get 3% of the population to support you on something, then that is enough to convert an entire society.
In 2018, Steve Lee launched an ambitious plan to engage in a discussion about climate change with 3% of the high school students across Canada. He called it the 3% Project, and he formed an organization to engage in direct talks with students across Canada. He criss-crossed the country from Nova Scotia, to British Columbia, to the Territories.
He was making an impact, so much so that Jason Kenney’s Alberta “Energy War Room” opened with an attack on Steve.
I had been instrumental in bringing him to speak to Bruce Peninsula District School in Lion’s Head, and so I attended the assembly that was held. At BPDS, the entire high school from grade 9 to 12 was included.
Steve made a powerful presentation, that covered climate change, but also solutions, and empowerment of individuals to effect change. The talk was potent, well delivered, and it triggered an active question and answer period. One of the grade 9 boys put up his hand. “Are you scared?”, he asked. You could have heard a pin drop.
What a legacy we are leaving our youth! Not only do they have a changing climate to deal with, and an economic system that will continue to change the climate, but we are leaving them with the psychological stress of dealing with it too.
Steve Lee is presenting about his conversations with high school students at the Sources of Knowledge Forum at the Tobermory Community Centre April 29-May 1. Registration is open now at https://sourcesofknowledge.ca/.
I won’t tell you what Steve’s answer was. You will have to come to the Forum to hear that!
