Original post written by Jeremy Osborn and featured on the 350 blog, May 12, 2008
People all around the world know the name “SIT” for their study abroad programs. The SIT Study Abroad Program sends students to near 50 countries around the world. From their website, “SIT [Study Abroad] fosters a worldwide network of individuals and organizations committed to responsible engagement in a changing world.” Their network is an incredible resource, and one we’re hoping can help the 350 mission to be more cohesive and even more globally connected.
Not as many people know about the SIT Graduate Institute, a small school tucked away in the hills around Brattleboro, VT, USA, but they should. These students, from more than 30 countries, come to the Northeast corner of the US to study programs like International Education, Sustainable Development, and Social Justice in International Relations.
They also, as it happens, kick some serious butt in advocating for a safe and just climate for our world. At the end of term, with finals and papers breathing down their necks, these students made banners, translated text into myriad world languages, created art, and spent a half an hour of an already hectic Friday to show their support for 350 with these photos.
For a specific rundown, here are the details from Thea, one of the photographers and event organizers. She says she would have written more, but, you know, she’s cramming for finals.
“A group of SIT Graduate school students came together last week to show their support for the 350.org initiative. They pulled out their poster paints and set to work creating signs in different languages from around the world. 350.org postcards were also distributed before the big photo day which took place on the school’s front lawn overlooking the beautiful valley into Brattleboro. Over 30 students, representing a multitude of nations, stood behind the symbolic red line with their signs.”
Thanks to Thea, her co-organizers Megan, Shannon, Nana, and others in their Environmental Working Group, the students who participated, and thanks to SIT for building an institution in which all of these wonderful people have the opportunity to come together to do things exactly like this.
Tags: World Learning, 350, SIT Graduate Institute, Environment
