FAQ
What is the 2009 ReEnergize Texas Summit?
The 2009 ReEnergize Texas Summit will inspire, engage and empower hundreds of youth from across Texas to take bold action to repower the Texas economy and to reclaim our future.
In the first two days of the ReEnergize Texas Summit, Mar 28-29, 2009, students and non-student youth will be inspired and informed by speakers, workshops, and trainings providing solutions for a new future that tackle economic failure, environmental and social injustice and climate change. On Monday, Mar 30, we will march from Huston-Tillotson in East Austin across Interstate 35 to the Capitol Building where we will lobby the state legislature for clean and just energy legislation that creates new green jobs and protects our future.
What is ReEnergize Texas?
ReEnergize Texas is a coalition of students fighting climate change across the Lone Star State. We have central staff on duty to assist young people and student groups who want to get active on their campuses and/or in their communities.
A few of our key principles:
- Texas has the greatest renewable energy potential in the country… sounds like an economic opportunity for our state
- If Texas takes the lead, the rest of the country will follow our example because 1) no one expects it, and 2) we’re Texas
- We believe in a safe, clean, just future for Texas, America, and the world. We therefore support renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal), and energy efficiency measures
More info at: http://www.reenergizetexas.org/
Where is it located and when will it happen?
The conference will happen March 28th to March 30th, 2009 at the Huston-Tillotson University, Austin, TX. It will begin at 11:30 AM on March 28. Address: 900 Chicon St, Austin, TX, 78701
*What’s the price of admission?
Registration rates (Free T-Shirt if you register before March 23)
Student/Youth: $15
Young Professional: $25
Movement Supporter: $35
There is no difference between the options except for the level of financial support you can provide to the Summit.
What does my registration fee include?
The registration fee covers the entire weekend of amazing speakers, panels, workshops, and presentations. It does not include housing or food.
*Are scholarships/financial aid available?
Yes! We don’t want money to be an obstacle for anyone to attend ReEnergize Texas. We have scholarships available on a need basis. Scholarships applications will be available online at
What is our game plan?
We are going to mobilize, network, learn, teach, make a statement and meet with our representatives to take action on climate change.
Will I have to miss school/work?
Unfortunately, this may be the case, if you’re lobbying on Monday. The conference takes place on a Saturday, Sunday and Monday. For most of us, this will entail missing some school and/or work. However, this is truly a once in a lifetime event; a real opportunity to change the course of human history. In terms of school, we’re confident most teachers will understand this is a learning opportunity for students and may offer credit of some kind for attending.
Who will be speaking?
We are currently working on lining up the best of the best from every relevant field. So far we have Dr. Robert Bullard ("Father of Environmental Justice"), US Congressman Lloyd Doggett (a climate champion in the US House of Representatives), Mark Kapner (VP for Renewable Energy, Austin Energy), Pam Ragon (President, Texas Republicans for Environmental Protection), Brother ChiSing (Interfaith Mindfulness Ministries) and more.
We also have several other amazing trainers and workshop presenters who are experts in a diverse array of topics. Workshops and trainings will address the many issues that intersect with building a sustainable future: clean energy, social and environmental justice, faith, health, grassroots-organizing, and energy and climate policy. Visit website for more info.
Workshops Include:
How to Make Your Campus A Climate Champion
The Road to Copenhagen: The Big Political Picture on Climate and Energy
How to Integrate Sustainability Across the Curriculum
How to Ensure the Green Economy and the Green Future is Inclusive of all Communities
Texas’ Energy Future: Clean Power and Green Jobs
False Solutions: Coal
Faith, Justice, Morality, and Climate Change
Environmental Justice and Environmental Racism
False Solutions: Nuclear
The Role of Civil Disobedience in the Climate Movement
Greening Your (K-12) School
Global Impacts of Climate Change on the Environment and Communities
Creating a Just and Sustainable Food System: The Real Food Challenge
Non-violent Communication: Cultivating Deep Listening, Compassionate Speech in Bringing about Personal and Planetary Transformation
Sustaining Our Activism for the Long-run with Mindfulness
Skills Trainings Include:
Public Narrative
Leadership Development
Recruitment
Campaign Planning
Messaging and Framing
Working with the Media
Why should I come?
Because a) you are the future of this state/country/world, and b) you care about the environment, the future of humanity and/or leaving a legacy for your children and c) 2009 is THE year to avoid catastrophic climate change!
How do I get in touch with people from my area going to the conference?
Contact Cassy Rivas (cassy.rivas@gmail.com)
*How can I get to Austin?
There are lots of different options for transporting your group to the Capital, and we’re working hard to help you in this process. If you’re traveling with just a few people, consider the using the Facebook Zimride option.
If you’re traveling with a larger group, consider renting a bus or a van from your school.
Travel is too expensive, but I really want to come. What should I do?
Check out this page for lots cheap, easy and fun fundraising strategies. We also have a dedicated person who can help you find transportation options for your group. Just email Cassy at cassy.rivas@gmail.com. If you need special assistance with travel expenses, there are a limited number of travel scholarships available.
*Where should I stay in Austin?
If you are looking for small-scale housing (i.e 1-9 people), we can connect you with Austin area students also attending the Summit. Just shoot and email to cassy.rivas@gmail.com
If you’re looking for larger-scale options (10-60 people), check out the
Don’t forget, you or someone in your group may have connections: identify friends and family in Austin that can host a couple of extra people for the long weekend. Don’t let housing stand in your way of coming though–we have help. Contact Cassy at cassy.rivas@gmail.com for ideas and advice on finding a place to crash for the weekend.
Registration
*I see different options for registration fees. What do these mean?
There is no difference between the options except for the level of financial support you can provide to the Summit and to building our movement.
Young Professional Registration
The core of our organization may be college students, but we have had a great response from people of all ages. We know the movement is relevant to all people and ages. Many young professionals are not that removed from their University experiences and can be great examples for thousands of young people.
Student/Youth Registration
- Self Explanatory
Movement Supporter Registration
While most of our material comes off as youth targeted, we know that the issue of climate change, new green jobs, and a moratorium on coal and dirty dependent energy is not a generational issue. We thank you for caring about the issue of climate change and global warming.
Why is there required information for registration? Why do you ask for so much information?
The required fields are necessary for us to be able to plan an effective ReEnergize Texas Summit. If we don’t know who is coming, we may not be able connect everyone with their appropriate representatives in Congress, or have enough space for events within the conference.
Will the registration fee increase as time passes?
No because we love you too much! But, it would be really helpful for us if you did register as soon as you can to help better plan for the Summit!
*My registration timed out and I lost the info I was working on, can I do anything to retrieve it?
Unfortunately, you will need to reload the start page and enter the previously entered information.
If you are having trouble registering, send an email to praweend@gmail.com
*Can I pay with check? What if I don’t have a credit card?
If you don’t have a card, you may pay with check when you reach the Summit.
*Can I pay on the day of?
Yes, we would prefer it if you paid by check.
*I feel like my credit card was not charged correctly, or charged multiple times. What’s up?
Don’t worry about being erroneously charged. Once you submit your credit card the funds you ask for are held pending approval.
If your credit card is approved, your initial registration has been completed and you should receive a confirmation email.
If your credit card was not approved, it was most likely due to a number of common mistakes (you entered the wrong billing address, expiration date or maybe name as it appears on the credit card.)
If you try multiple times, multiple pending attempts may show up on your balance (depending on your bank). The statement showing the funds subtracted is only reflecting the temporary pending approval charge that you mention. Once the system confirms that the charge has not been approved the funds will return to your bank statement. You will only be charged once.
*If I can no longer attend the ReEnergize Texas Summit, will I get a refund if I cancel?
You are allowed to cancel your registration up until March 23. If you decide that you cannot attend the conference before this date you will be refunded your registration fee minus a $10 processing fee. Write to praweend@gmail.com with any questions.
*What if I can’t afford to pay for this conference?
If you are unable to afford the conference cost but would like to attend, we have a limited amount of fee reductions available. The goal is to not let money be an obstacle.
- Only apply if you are confident that the registration cost will prevent you from attending the conference.
- Look into what is available for you in terms of school funding or other fundraising opportunities in your area
- Information on these options are available at:
reenergizetexas.org/summit/downloads/fundraising_ideas.pdf
If after thorough consideration, you still feel you will need your registration fee reduced, please apply for your specific scholarship at this page. If you are concerned about the remaining costs involved in the conference, namely housing and transportation, please fill out the online travel scholarship form, and we will work to accommodate your needs.
High Schooler FAQ
I’m a high schooler. Can I come to ReEnergize Texas?
In a word, yes! We strongly encourage high schoolers to come to ReEnergize Texas, and to bring all their friends, classmates, and teammates with them! There will be plenty of interesting workshops and trainings that will be beneficial to more than just your average college kid. By the way, you rock! You’re getting started on this organizing thing early, and that pays off big time.
*Is there an minimum age to attend ReEnergize Texas?
There is no minimum age to attend ReEnergize Texas, however for safety reasons we ask that participants under the age of 14 be accompanied by a chaperone. All participants under the age of 18 must return a signed liability form when they arrive at the conference. The form will be emailed to you if you indicate during the registration process that you are under the age of 18.
What about missing classes? Is that going to be a problem for me?
Most high school teachers will be interested and excited to know you plan to attend the ReEnergize Texas conference, and will work to accommodate your academic needs. You may even be able to get extra credit in your U.S History or Social Studies class for the lobbying and workshop components. After all, this conference is a learning experience!
Where can I stay? I need to convince my parents that I’ll have a bed!
Here in the office, we’ll work to find housing for high schoolers, because nothing should get in the way of your being able to attend this conference. There are plenty of options for you, including inexpensive hotels near the Summit. Check out the website and get in touch. We will work with you to find the most appropriate option for you and your group.
*I can’t drive. How do I get to ReEnergize Texas?
There are lots of options for travel to the conference, including bus, plane, and carpool. Get in touch with us if you need help (cassy.rivas@gmail.com). We will work to help you find the option that is most appropriate for you and your group.
Is there a place for high schoolers in this movement? We keep hearing about colleges and universities. What about us?
By all means, we cannot rock this movement without representation from our younger peers who are already kicking butt in their schools and communities. We understand there are a lot of obstacles to high school organizing, but there are also a lot of reasons why it’s so important. The sooner youth are familiarized with climate change, social and environmental justice, and civic engagement, the more power we will have as voters and as citizens
Download the FAQ page in pdf format for printing
