Praise
"One of the most immediate actions Congress can take to address climate change is to pass a cap and trade system.... I am optimistic that with the innovation, ingenuity, and commitment from the American public, we will be able to tackle global climate change and create lasting economic opportunities for generations to come."
- Congressman Jay Inslee, Washington
- Congressman Jay Inslee, Washington
"Thank you for all participating in Focus the Nation's energy town hall meeting and for being part of a national effort to create a new, clean energy economy. Your activism will help President Obama and Congress pursue aggressive strategies to protect our planet."
- Senator Sherrod Brown, Ohio
"Your efforts in Focus the Nation 2009 are vitally important as we reform our energy policy to create jobs, combat climate change, and build a clean, renewable energy economy.... I look forward to working with you in the days and weeks to come as we forge a brighter, cleaner, greener world for generations to come."
- Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin
"...I am a co-founder and vice-chair of the newly formed Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, a group of like-minded members who are working... to supporting legislation that can pass Congress this year to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, increase energy efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.... Reaching consensus and moving our country in a new, green direction will not be easy. This is why it is so important for you to be here today, debating the issue, and discussing the future you want with your friends, neighbors, and community leaders."
- Congressman James Langevin, Rhode Island
"Since its inception, Focus the Nation has provided opportunities for young leaders across the country to make their voices heard. Energy dependence and global warming are two of the most important issues of our day and I commend all of today's outstanding participants for dedicating their time and tremendous talent to coming up with innovative and practical solutions to these challenges."
- Senator Dianne Feinstein, California
"I want to thank everyone at Massachusetts Power Shift and Focus the Nation for their tireless effort to increase awareness of and prompt action to address global climate change and secure America's energy future."
- Senator John Kerry, Massachusetts
"I will consider carefully any climate change legislation proposed during the 111th Congress and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue to seek increased funding to improve our understanding of climate change and support common-sense measures to address greenhouse gas emissions efficiently and appropriately."
- Senator Patty Murray, Washington State
"The dialogue taking place at events like this one in Colorado are important in order to change the way we power this nation.... As Congress debates upcoming climate change legislation, it is important to get input from all parties in order to create green collar jobs and clean up the environment."
- Congressman Ed Perlmutter, Colorado
"...I need your help spreading the message that passing smart energy legislations today will save us billions in years to come.... With Focus the Nation both here in Connecticut and around the country, you're working on the front lines to advocate for the change we desperately need. Please keep up the important work you're doing."
- Congressman Christopher Murphy, Connecticut
"I send my warmest greetings as you gather to participate in Focus the Nation's 2009 Town Hall forum on America's energy future...and discuss how we as a nation can seize the opportunities of a new energy economy."
- Chairman Barbara Boxer, California, Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
"It gives me great hope for the future to see a new generation so engaged in the debate over energy and our environment. It takes ingenuity and perseverance to transition to a low carbon economy, but that future is clear, and it’s very necessary."
- Senator Lisa Murkowski, Alaska, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources
"Thank you for doing this nationwide town hall meeting. It’s particularly exciting to have college students involved in this issue of climate change and solutions to our energy future because you’re the one’s who’re going to inspire the change and hopefully in labs across America and elsewhere, discover the solutions we need."
- Congressman Bob Inglis, South Carolina
"I want to thank everyone at Focus the Nation for their tireless effort to increase awareness of and prompt action to address global climate change and secure America's energy future"
- Senator John Kerry, Massachussets
"We all must look to the future with new ideas and new approaches for solving age-old problems, which is why I applaud groups such as Focus the Nation for keeping that dialogue alive.”
- Congressman Walt Minnick, Idaho
“It’s very timely to have this kind of discussion with a new president, a new congress and a new administration loaded with lots of new energy right now and I think this is a good opportunity to talk about these energy issues.”
– Congressman Vic Snyder, Focus the Nation Little Rock, Arkansas
What people are saying about Focus the Nation
"Town Halls are the ultimate way of making your voice heard. By talking to our local and national politicians, we will be able to effect the most change locally and nationally. Studies have shown that the most effective way of getting someone to do something is to ask them. This is the best way to make sure that those in power have the pressure to make change and our neighbors understand the urgency of the problem. Focus the nation will be the ultimate catalyst for this to happen."
- Drew Olsen
"I have found the Focus The Nation organization to be right on target and full of exactly the 'right stuff' needed to build the political will amongst the current youth generation and political and business leaders. As a long time organizer and activist I have been repeatedly impressed with the stellar blend of professionalism and gusto exhibited by their student and youth leaders. Seeing what they've done with little or no funding I can only dream of the impact they will have with the support they have so dearly earned."
- Matthew Sluder
"Focus the Nation will provide a great space for leaders, old and young, to get together to create meaningful change in our communities. This coordination of local efforts is vital to confronting climate change and building a sustainable society."
- Christine Lewis
"Focus the Nation has given me an opportunity to lead the community in a town hall meeting. It has created networks for students to get in contact with politicians and local organization leaders, and opened an opportunity for communities to come together to speak their minds. Amazing program!"
- Shawna Feinman
"I am organizing a Town Hall in Austin,Tx and so far it has been such an amazing experience. With ample help from the people at Focus The Nation, I am organizing my entire community (and Austin isn't a small one!) to get active and speak to their representatives to make their voices heard. This is such an imperative time for people to get out of their houses and get dialogue on global warming solutions for their cities going with their representatives!"
- Dawnielle Castledine
"The USC Institute for Genetic Medicine Art Gallery is so grateful for the collaboration of Focus the Nation and their organizational tools and Focus the Nation Town Hall Forum program. We have met wonderful friends all over the Greater Los Angeles Area as a result of our collaboration with FtN. We are partnering with them not only to organize the April 18th Forum but to document our planning and implementation of this project so we can evaluate our work and measure the outcomes to generate strategies for sustainable actions we can air at next year's Focus the Nation Town Hall Forum. Our partners, Focus the Nation and Americans for Informed Democracy have provided mantles of leadership under which we grassroots organizations can share and leverage our resources inclusively, noncompetitively, transparently and accountably."
- Lynn Crandall
"This is the perfect vehicle to bring students and the community together with campus, local and state leaders. We have been working hard to put our first event together, and the wonderful programming help that these folks do to assist is invaluable. The timing is crucial, and I think the more folks that get involved, the quicker we can move forward, and begin to rebuild our communities, our country and our world!"
- Mia Casey
"I participated in a Focus the Nation town hall event in February 2008, and can testify to the power of the Focus event model and the catalyzing force that it can play in a community. Never before have I seen elected officials (including the Oregon Governor, a state Senator and Representative and a U.S. Congressman) so engaged with community members and youth leaders. Focus the Nation is building on this town hall model and taking it all across the nation on April 18th this year. But the April 18th Town Halls are just the beginning, and Focus the Nation needs to keep the focus on over the critical years ahead, as they work to empower a young generation to power our nation."
- Jesse Jenkins, Breakthrough Institute, Focus the Nation Board member
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"Focus the Nation is going to have the largest campus teach-in in United States history…This is an important issue, I want everybody to be involved with it, everybody to be paying attention”
- President Barack Obama, FTN 2008 kick-off, Clemson University |
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"I want to thank all of the participants, supporters and organizers of Focus the Nation...Keep up the great work!"
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, California, 2008 |
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"Today's young people are leading the charge to combat climate change...I'm so pleased to be taking part in Focus the Nation." - Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, California, 2008 |
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“Focus the Nation provides a unique opportunity to educate our communities about climate change.” |
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“The challenge of global warming requires us to Focus the Nation…the solutions to global warming are an extraordinary opportunity to transform our economy, secure new investment and create good jobs.” - Governor Jennifer Granholm, Michigan, 2008 |
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"Focus the Nation is helping to raise the level of debate in this country, and I'm very pleased to be a part of it." - Congressman John McHugh, New York, 2008 |
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“I am pleased to be part of a national effort to Focus the Nation on this critically important issue.” - Congressman Henry Waxman, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, California, 2008 |
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“Focus the Nation is an unprecedented opportunity to put global warming exactly where it belongs, front and center.”
- Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Founder of the Congressional Bike Caucus, Oregon, 2008 |
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“Congress is finally taking action – but we need public support to act boldly. I hope Focus the Nation will give Rhode Islanders an opportunity to speak out.” - Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Rhode Island, 2008 |
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“I am thrilled to participate in Focus the Nation and I am excited for many more elected officials to take part in the discussion.” - Congressman & Wind Engineer Jerry McNerney, California, 2008 |
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“I am grateful to Focus the Nation for providing us an opportunity to get the word out about the consequences of this situation.” - Congressman Vern Ehlers, Michigan, 2008 |
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“I’m proud to help Focus the Nation spread awareness through education initiatives, advocacy programs, and public policy.” - Congressman Steve Cohen, Tennessee, 2008 |
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“I was pleased to participate in Focus the Nation"
- Governor Bill Ritter, Colorado, 2008 |
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“Thank you for inviting me to participate in Focus the Nation…Your activism is inspiring.” - Congressman David Price, North Carolina, 2008 |
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"Focus the Nation is an important opportunity to engage and inform the public…to make sure we combat global warming at every turn." - Governor Ted Kulongoski, Oregon, 2008 |
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“I want to thank Focus the Nation…I am confident that you will play a very important part in this national effort.” - Senator Bill Nelson, Florida, 2008 |
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“The fact that so many of you are participating in Focus the Nation events speaks volumes about the level of commitment that I hear all across America.” - Senator Barbara Boxer, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, California, 2008 |
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“Focus the Nation will raise awareness about the effects of global warming…Now is the time to act…We can all make a difference!"
- Congressman Dennis Moore, Kansas, 2008 |
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“We all have to do our part to take action…Focus the Nation will be an important part of this effort." - Congresswoman Lois Capps, California, 2008 |
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"I’m pleased that CSUMB is hosting Focus the Nation, bringing together so many members of our community to talk about global warming and how we can counter it." - Congressman Sam Farr, California, 2008 |
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“I am pleased to participate in this forum as an opportunity to encourage nuanced understandings of this challenge.” - Congressman Phil English, Pennsylvania, 2008 |
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“Focus the Nation provides a unique opportunity to educate our communities about climate change.” - Congressman Ben Chandler, Kentucky, 2008 |
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"It’s essential that voters get completely engaged…That's why I'm so supportive of Focus the Nation." - Congressman Mike Doyle, Pennsylvania, 2008 |
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“I am heartened to see our nation’s future leaders standing up and demanding solutions. Focus the Nation is an important opportunity for their voices to be heard.” - Congressman Mike Thompson, California, 2008 |
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“Efforts such as Focus the Nation are an important part of continuing the dialogue on how to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.” - Lieutenant Governor Mark Parkinson, Kansas, 2008
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What people said about Focus the Nation 2008
Selected quotes from city and state level elected officials from Focus the Nation 2008
"Those of us who wear suits every day have to take action."
- Mayor R.T. Ryback, Minneapolis, Minnesota
"When the history of the response to climate change is written, Oklahoma wil not be in the first chapter, and it probably won't be in the secong chapter. But, we have every potential to figure prominently towards the end."
- Miles Tolbert, Oklahoma Secretary of the Environment
Regarding action on climate change: "The train has left the station and now it's just a matter of guiding it to its destination."
- Ernie Pomerleau, Chairman, Governor’s Commission on Climate Change, Vermont
"Demand change. If you're not engaged, politicians will be more reluctant to change. The impetus needs to come from the people."
- Mayor JoAnn Seghini, Midvale, Utah
"We need to move beyond that Madison Avenue approach and mobilize voters in our state to realize this is an issue."
- State Senator Mark Miller, Wisconsin
"Though we're small, less than 2 percent of the population, we have a significant impact into long-range decision-making in our natural resource environment. We live on the same planet -- we have to protect what we have as well. We just borrow the earth from our grandchildren."
- Gary Collins, Arapaho Liaison for Wyoming Governor’s Office
"Every once in a great while, people have the opportunity to come together and do something truly remarkable. This is one of those opportunities."
- State Senator Ben Westlund, Oregon
"Global warming is indeed a global and a local problem. Climate change knows no jurisdiction. That is why we need solutions not just locally, but on the state and national level as well."
- Chris Story, EPA Assistant County Administrator, South Carolina
Selected quotes from Focus the Nation 2008 organizers
"This Focus the Nation initiative is an opportunity for the community to come together to learn more about global warming. Bringing diverse perspectives and viewpoints allow for critical thinking and problem solving skills, which can benefit out local and global community. These discussion sessions highlight the mission of the Sustainability Task Force to encourage our community in learning, living and working sustainably"
- Debbie Holbrook, Information Resources and Library Services Coordinator, Coconino Community College, Arizona
"Global warming due to greenhouse gas emissions is the uber-ubiquitous issue of our times. It influences and is influenced by business practices, technological choices, our philosophical relationship to the planet and personal habits. Our management of this single issue, more than any other, will define the quality of life for our descendants. Participation in Focus the Nation's Teach-in is one of the many steps that the university will take in the coming year to address this issue."
- Nick Brown, Executive Assistant for Sustainability, University of Arkansas, Arkansas
"We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative. This is education at its finest. It represents the enormous power that youth have when they use their education to create positive change in the world"
- Leo Chavez, Superintendent and President, Sierra College, California
"Focus the Nation is about a generational reckoning. It's between the people who will face the effects 30 or 40 years down the line and the people in power right now who will never have to. But it's not a doom-and-gloom thing here; this is a call to action." ... "If we only have eight years, that puts incredible pressure on this election."
- Mark Stemen, Professor, Chico State University, California
"It's important for young people to hold our political leaders accountable and to get a clear picture on where they stand on climate issues, and turning our efforts to clean-energy policies is easy to get young people excited about, because it's our future, and it's real action."
- Ivaly Sanford, Student, Chico State University, California
"We're in global climate change now. The time for talk has finished and it's time to start taking action - you guys do that in the voting booths."
- Dr. John Dorsey, Professor of Natural Science, Loyola Marymount University, California
"This energy crisis is not like your grandmother or grandfather's, or your father or mother's energy crisis. Hopefully, events like this will give politicians the backing and the courage to make a new energy and climate policy part of the agenda."
- Dan Kammen, Director, Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory, UC Berkeley, California
"Where to begin? Bringing this event, this movement, together has been an experience for all of us organizers here at Humboldt that we will hold colse always and grow from continually. This organizing process has been different than any other we as individuals have been involved with. The scope of this issue is unprecedented, and the fact that ALL of us are part of the problem as well as the solutions makes it an evolutionary project for all involved: organizers, panelists, and student & community participants alike.”
- Lisa Wood, Alumna, Humboldt State University, California
"Our students are the creative and driving force behind many campus sustainability initiatives. Their hard work and enthusiasm continues to alter campus culture, policy and operations in a 'green' way. Without them, we would not be able to achieve our campus sustainability goals."
- Wendell Brase, Vice Chancellor of Administrative and Business Services, UC Irvine, California
"I just got an email today from a student that said in all her 4 years here at CSUMB it was the first time she had that 'real University' feeling, which I think we can all take as a real compliment."
- Mary Berube, CSU Monterey Bay, California
"Many students are interested in climate change but they don't have the time to learn about it because they are not in an environmental major. Focus the Nation is for students from all majors to find out more about solutions."
- Kevin Dickinson, Student and FTN outreach coordinator, UC Davis, California
"This was a wonderful event that was well received with a lot of positive comments. It was an excellent way to start off our Greening campaign here at UCSF. We are looking forward to next year!"
- Lisa Hartmeyer, nursing student, UC San Francisco, California
"I must say that in the 25 years I have been at CalPoly, this was the most impressive, relevant, important, professional, and well coordinated student run event I have ever seen on our campus."
- Dennis K. Elliot, Manager of Engineering and Utilities, Cal Poly, California
"Global warming is 'environmental' in quotes, but it's important to every person on this planet, especially students. The consequences are being felt now, and they'll be felt even more later on. This is very much a young person's issue."
- Glenn Fieldman, Professor of Environmental Studies, San Francisco State University, California
"So many young people are so apathetic these days. Apathy is going to get us nowhere. It's up to our generation to make a difference. Global warming is happening now and it is up to us to change that."
- Emily Schosid, Student, CU Boulder, Colorado
"It was experiential and personal. People ended up inspired and ready to move forward with enthusiasm on climate change issues. At the end of a long day of events it could be easy to be depressed or at least tired, but this evening workshop worked at a deep level to find heart and inspiration."
- Anne parker, Professor, Naropa University, Colorado
"Ours is the generation that has to make the difference"
- Catie Schmidt, ninth grader, Greenwich Country Day School, Connecticut
"I worried that we might have dead silence and never be able to sustain discussion for 35 minutes. WRONG--we had to cut it off, with students continuing the discussion in the hall. ... We are a tiny snowball rolling downhill."
- Paula Philbrick, Professor of Biology, UConn, Connecticut
"The first step toward solving a problem is admitting there is one. We challenge you to be part of the solution."
- Danielle Lanslots, student, UConn-Stamford, Connecticut
"What it comes down to is conversations happening in the classroom and conversations in the dining hall. That was the real goal, to get people thinking and talking about (global climate change). The real measure of today's success will be whether these conversations carry on throughout the week and the rest of the semester"
- Julien Burns, student, Wesleyan University, Connecticut
"I think one of the important things is that the universities should consider themselves a resource of the community at large. it's not just a matter of hot weather; it's a matter of changing a lot of ways we interact with ourselves and our environment. We're going to have to adapt to the change in the climate. We cannot ignore it."
- Dr. Mitch Wagener, Associate Professor, Western Connecticut State University, Connecticut
"This is not a (political) party thing, folks. It may be discussed in the world of politics, but here's the really cool thing about the environment. Everything that happens to me will happen to you whether you support one party or the other."
- Nancy Chamberlain, Assistant Dean of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Studies, Northern Virginia Community College
"It is possible that Gallaudet will be the only FTN site that has all of its presentations in ASl. We are working hard to include the deaf community in the area."
- Earl Terry, student, Gallaudet University
"Today demonstrated that we want solutions to this problem. We can and will solve climate change."
- Carissa Buckholz, President of Students for a Sustainable Campus, Ball State University
"As an institute of higher education, I think it's important just because this is our future and our students. This is the future they're going to inherit, they need to be armed with all of the information and with the beginning skills to really jump in and make a difference as responsible citizens. I think we owe that to our students."
- Tammy Tintjer, Assistant Professor, St. Mary of the Woods
"I really believe that the United States government needs to take the leading role in this. There's going to be no global agreement if the United States is not on board, I mean it's that simple."
- DJ Wasmer, Professor, St. Mary of the Woods
"By approaching the issue of global warming from an interdisciplinary lens, we were able to bring together individuals from very diverse backgrounds to discuss this important issue."
- Ellen Faszewski, Wheelock College
"The Global Warming Teach-In is a great opportunity for Babson College to educate its students on the impacts of climate change and the potential entrepreneurial opportunities that are available in 'green' business. This event further shows the commitment of Babson College to take a leading role in global responsibility."
- Dr. Vikki Rodgers, Professor of Ecology, Math and Science, Babson College
"It sparks discussion outside of class; that's what matters. You want them to understand that these things have implications beyond the grades they get."
- Ron Wooley, Social Studies Teacher, Hingham high School, Massachusetts
"Students do care. It's our issue, but you have to keep it fresh. We want to show you can do something and it doesn't take a whole lot."
- Michael Page, student, Hingham High School, Massachusetts
"The idea is that if you start a surge of attention to climate change, then hopefully people will be thinking about that when they're electing their officials"
- Tina Woolston, Project Coordinator, Tufts Office of Sustainability
"I have been overwhelmed with the support of the faculty and students here at Wheaton. So many people are already aware of the problem, and want to do something so they can be a part of the solution. I hope that Focus the nation will be the beginning of an open dialog between everyone on campus about what we can do to lessen our impact on the problem, and maybe even start to find ways to really be a part of the solution."
- Claire Anderson, student, Wheaton College, Massachusetts
"Building a clean energy economy and a climate positive world is so much more than an environmental issue. At Williams, and everywhere, people from all backgrounds, beliefs and skills have the opportunity to share their vision for a positive future. Williams College's Focus the Nation events, combined with similar ones across the country, should help more people see the potential to become part of a brighter future."
- Morgan Goodwin, student, Williams College
"This was a great opportunity to connect with other schools...the 'we're not alone' thing!"
- Jennifer Niese, Kennebunk High School, Maine
"I'm looking forward to taking the lessons learned this year and making next year's event even better. I'm ready!"
- Christine Caprio, Alternative Education Coordinator, York High School, Maine
"This was a great idea, and I really believe it helped raise awareness in a region of Maryland that is not progressive towards the environment. We live in coal country, and many in this area view environmentalists as dangerous to the economy and livelihood of man. Nonetheless, I believe we opened some eyes on January 31st."
- Monika Urbanski, Program Management Specialist, Frostburg State University, Maryland
"I'm a historian, and really enjoyed the sense of making history--and our students did too."
- Jim Farrell, Professor of History, St. Olaf College
"I've learned so much. I didn't realize how much grass-roots organizing there was on the college level across the nation."
- Amanda Varley, student, Gustavus Adolphus College, Minnesota
"It's awesome to have so many faculty members opening these classes to the public. Global Warming is a serious issue for everyone, and the more people can learn about it, the better it will be for everyone."
- Lisa Anderson, Student, Albion College, Michigan
"Well, we learned that you can't get people to talk about Nonpartisan Solutions to Global Warming, but you can get them to talk about a 10-ton coal drop."
- Peter Meidlinger, Drury University, Missouri
"The problem is urgent. The problem, as we discover more, is more urgent than we thought. It is moving fast and there is no time to waste."
- Phil Condon, Professor of Environmental Studies, University of Montana
"The climate future is literally in our hands. The decisions we make today and over the next decade about how we use and how we produce energy is going to determine the climate that our children and grandchildren inherit by the end of the century."
- Camerone Wake, Research Assistant, University of New Hampshire
"It's an opportunity for Duke to showcase some of the sustainability initiatives we have achieved on campus and highlight some of the future plans for further reducing our environmental impact... A lot of students are very excited. It's a great opportunity to educate more people."
- Tavey Capps, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, Duke University
"ND holds the embarrassing distinction of having the highest approval rating for the current president. That translates into a lot of misinformation about climate change and a lot of refusal to believe. Our event was small and manageable. I think we made a small step forward. Thank you for your insight and determination to pull this off."
- Jean Rolandelli, Dept. Chair, Science and Engineering, Bismarck State College
"The real reason that Congress does not yet feel the urgency is that we don't"
- Kirby Torrance, Field Canvass Director, New Jersey Environmental Federation
"Climate change and energy issues are not where they need to be on the national agenda for the severity of the problems they pose."
- Fred Curtis, Professor of Environmental Studies and Economics, Drew University
"It's particularly important for NMSU, which is the largest employer and purchaser of materials and probably energy in southern New Mexico apart from the military. What we can do can have a big influence on the rest of the community."
- Tim McKimmie, Associate Professor of Agriculture, New Mexico State University
“People will have to do something once their awareness has been raised. The question is what. That's a question all of us need to be asking ourselves, our elected officials, administration at the university. That's the challenge of this generation. It's not something that one person can wave a magic wand.”
- Connie Falk, Professor, New Mexico State University
"I'm counting on students, like the people in this room, and all over the country, to change perception in this country, and I think it's happened."
- Steve Cohen, Executive Director, The Earth Institute, Columbia University
"We need leadership. Leadership is only going to come when people care enough about the issues to choose leaders who care about change."
- Whitney Larsen, student, Cornell University
"There is only one thing we can do pretty immediately to help with global warming" and that is to vote."
- Kerry Cook, Climatologist, Cornell University
"Here at Fordham we have already begun to do our part. The larger part of the work lies with you...to educate, inspire and move public and policy officials to act always for the common good."
- Joseph McShane, President, Fordham University
"If we do this right, kids are going to love it, the community is going to be enthralled and the world will be given just one more example of what an exceptional place Hobart and William Smith Colleges are."
- Tim Robbins, student, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
"I felt a good amount of momentum being generated, and the focus on solutions was a good change. Students definitely appreciated the positive focus on what we can do rather than just the scary possibilities."
- E. Christa Farmer, Hofstra University
"Excellent initiative. We have to make sure action is taken by political leaders now. Follow up on what they are doing and going to is critical."
- Jon Rosales, Professor, St. Lawrence University
"This was an extraordinary group effort that engaged staff from all over campus as well as faculty and students. A watershed moment at our school."
- Rachel May, Syracuse University
"The climate crisis is my generation's greatest challenge, but solving it will be our greatest opportunity. Who will join us? Who will join us to focus the nation?"
- Jesse Jenkins, Climate Activist, Oregon
"The U.S. is such an influential country. I think it's only fair and right that we lead the way in changing the way we live our lives."
- Katie Elze, student, University of Portland
"The symposium itself saw outstanding attendance, and was met with interactive and enthusiastic audiences. Followingeach panel session, faces and comments of participants and audience members alike showed an energy suggestive of inspiration, and hope. This was an indication of the extent to which discussion of solutions makes people recognize that despondence is irrelevant, and that human behavior is the ultimate antidote."
- Natalie Sashkin, student, Willamette University
"This is definitely a step in the right direction. We are trying to bridge the gap between students and real world problems. It's an important issue, and I feel like people are learning, which is what we hoped for. We want students to get involved on a personal level, as small actions add up."
- Tyler Polich, student, University of Oregon
"It shows students' awareness that they are the future To unite schools like this and educate people, it's a great."
- Kelly Zillman, University of Oregon Recycling Center
"Global warming is the moral issue of our times. It must be dealt with collectively and immediately. Our Focus the nation events at Pacific are designed to bring global warming into high relief, demonstrating its far-reaching implications, but also its real-world solutions."
- Jules Boykoff, Professor of Politics and Government, Pacific University
"I organize at a community college and so it wasn't simple to bring students out and get them involved, but the level of commitment on both the part of faculty and students ended up surprising me. Its the time to be pushing for events like this."
- Joe Marino, Lane Community College
"This is a great opportunity for students and community members from all disciplines and levels of understanding to become involved in the national dialogue on climate change. The path to U.S. cooperation with the international community begins at the state and local level. There are not many times in life that we have the opportunity to make such an impact on the future of the world."
- Thomas Eatmon, Visiting Scholar of Environmental Science, Allegheney College
"If current educational and political leaders fail to address the causes of global climate instability seriously and promptly, history will rightly judge us as the most selfish and short-sighted generation in history. We have the knowledge and means to limit the damaging effects of global climate change, and now we need to muster the wisdom, courage and will t preserve an earth worth inhabiting by coming generations. We will not be forgiven for standing by as if we are helpless.
- Richard Cook, President, Allegheney College
"II would really like to get involved in more political activism and get Wilkes University signatures and emails to try and guide Governor Rendell towards his environmental plan that has been sitting on the back burner for about two years."
- Neil Kresge, student, Wilkes University
"I've been here 17 years and I've never seen this campus so engaged as it was on January 31st!"
- Anonymous Professor, Shippensburg University
"Great event! Thanks for the leadership. Let's do it again."
- Carolyn Dodson, Chattanooga State Technical College
"We were not surprised to find low interest levels among our students leading up to the teach-in, but a few hundred students became much more interested as a result of the teach-in and corollary academic assignments. I was proud to be associated with such a dedicated group."
- Dr. Ollie Lee, Professor, Lee University
"People are still grinning and FTN 2009 is before us.
- Bea Bailey, Professor, Clemson University
"Across the country discussions will be taking place about how to stabilize global warming pollution and invest in clean energy solutions. The decisions made on these issues will have a profound impact not only on our lives and the lives of our children, but indeed for every human being who will ever walk the face of the planet from now until the end of time."
- Dr. Chip Green, Professor of Geology, University of South Carolina – Upstate
"During each semester, since I started teaching, I always inform and discuss with my students the latest statistics regarding the damage we are causing to our mother earth. As educators we should be concerned and continuously share that concern with our young generation and teach them how to conserve and to believe that our natural resources are finite. Global warming is one of many serious problems all living creatures are facing today. One hour a year is not enough. The issue should be introduced as often as we can in all disciplines. There is one earth in our solar system and if we destroy it, then where and how will our kids and grandkids live and enjoy life?"
- Dr. Garnal Elnagar, Professor of Mathematics, University of South Carolina – Upstate
"I like the overwhelming response of the professors on this event. Many congratulated me on the initiative of organizing, and it was really easy to do."
-Dr. Sandra Cruz-Pol, Professor, University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez
"The teach-in provided the kind of intellectual connection that gives our campus a wonderful, vital synergy. We might not have easy answers or quick-fix solutions after today's teach-in, but it gave us another opportunity to join together, ask questions, and share our knowledge."
- Theresa Earenfight, Associate Professor of History, Seattle University
"Youth participation and empowerment! Youth from all 4 college/university campuses addressed their local and state representatives with their burning questions on stage in front of over 500 audience members. Very powerful!"
- Chelsie Papiez, student, Evergreen State College
"Focus the Nation did an amazing job of bringing new constituencies together to discuss and build the climate change movement. The momentum we created in bringing together faculty, students, teachers and community leaders of all ages to discuss how to accomplish this goal was in itself an incredible step in the right direction, and I expect it will only grow as the effort moves forward."
- Jeremy Osborn, alumnus, Middlebury College
"It's not a Republican or Democratic planet, it's not a liberal or conservative planet. It doesn't matter who addresses it as long as we get serious about the problem."
- Ray Bailey, Norther Virginia Community College
"Trying to solve global warming won't be done with one solution. This issue will take everybody at the top working with cooperation from everyone to make it work."
- Denny Cochrane, Sustainability, Virginia Tech – Capitol Region
"I thought it was great to know our leaders have strong opinions on climate change, that they know we support Focus the Nation and hopefully they'll act even more."
- Sharon Leopardi, alumna, University of Utah
