white house forum

On Thursday, December 3, Restoring Eden staff Alexis Illyn and two student representatives were part of an historic youth forum at the White House: The Clean Energy Economy Forum.  Over 100 youth leaders gathered, most under the age of 30, from non-profits, faith, business, and community groups across the country.  We met with experts from federal agencies, White House officials, and members of the Cabinet, specifically Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson.  We felt honored to represent the growing voice of Christians speaking out for the protection of God’s earth and all who depend on it.

Ben Stark, a student from Calvin College, and Kate Kirby from Gordon College share their experience of the event:

Ben writes...

This December, I had the opportunity, the privilege, and the honor of attending the Youth Clean Energy Economy Forum at The White House. I made the trip to Washington D.C. representing Restoring Eden. More than that though, I attended the forum as an advocate for Christians that are seeing this as more than a political issue, but rather as a deep concern of stewardship over God's creation and a matter of social justice for all of His children.



During the opening remarks, it was made clear that our movement has caught a lot of attention. In fact, more members of the President's cabinet were present than at any other stakeholder's event thus far. Clearly, our administration recognizes the magnitude of the situation at hand and intends to help us partner with them to achieve a cleaner economy. Nancy Sutley, Chair on the White House Council on Environmental Quality, said that our generation "will be critical to building this."



Also critical is the presence of the Christian voice. The morning of the Forum, the majority of those attending gathered in a hotel conference room to prepare for the event. At one point, the question was asked, "Who here is of a faith background?" To my surprise, only several people raised their hand. It seemed to echo what I was told when meeting with my Michigan Senators. during late October: Christians' voices aren't being heard. From my experience though, Christians are some of the most passionate about these issues. We must keep pressing. We must continue caring. And we must speak up. We are an important ally to this cause and God's creation is counting us.



Nonetheless, the forum was extraordinary. The goals of this movement and Christians are, overall, one in the same. Concerns for Mountain Top Removal, the disproportionate burden on low income communities from coal and nuclear plants, and America's need for a bold vision like an Apollo Project for Clean Energy or a Green New Deal were voiced, as well as many others. And in the end, we made it clear that our movement strongly desires to stay involved and in communication with the Government concerning these issues.



Overall, I can't see this forum as anything less than a success. Our government recognizes our willingness to support strong steps towards a cleaner future, and they wanted to meet with us directly to explore the ways in which we can work together to achieve our goals. Words cannot express how grateful I am to have been given the opportunity to attend this event. Nor can they paint an accurate picture of the excitement and enthusiasm that my spirit felt that day. It continues to pulse with the hope and determination to accomplish our vision.

As I flew home the next day, I was reading a collection of essays by Wendell Berry, and I want to close with a quote that I came across:

"How can we have something better if we do not imagine it? How can we imagine it if we do not hope for it? How can we hope for it if we do not attempt to realize it?"

May we keep attempting to realize Heaven on Earth.

Kate said of her experience...

The invitation arrived via voicemail last Monday, November 30th in New Testament Class. When I saw that Alexis Illyn from Restoring Eden had called, I dropped to the floor in an attempt to discretely listen to her message. Amidst all of the pre-class commotion, I heard the two tip-off words: “White House.”

A day later, I was on a flight to Washington DC to be one of 100 students invited to attend the Youth Clean Energy Economy Forum in the White House. The opportunity to bring the Christian perspective of environmental stewardship to the table is a great example of the power we have to participate in issues deeply rooted in our faith. It felt very liberating to stand up in front of our nation’s future leaders, and in one breath, break down destructive Christian stereotypes.

From what I have experienced, many of those who advocate for environmental protection are wary of advocating from a moral standpoint. As one of only two students representing a faith group at the forum, it is no wonder that Christian students are seen as an unlikely alliance on environmental issues. Many don’t expect us to be advocates for sustainability, but the motivation for my activism, love of God and a desire to protect His Creation, is the catalyst behind my actions.

Seven days later, the political adrenaline high has subsided and I am back in class once again, this time with a thrilling feeling that there’s more where that came from.