Simon's Rock Global Climate Education Initiative

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Bard College at Simon's Rock is joining more than 300 universities, high schools, and other organizations around the world to focus on climate change 
 
On Sunday, March 27 through Thursday, March 31, Simon's Rock will host an open dialogue on the topic of "Climate Solutions and Justice" in Massachusetts. 
 
Members of the public can attend remote events via the links in the brochure.
 
This will be one of many similar events held across the planet in late March, as part of the WorldWide Teach-in on Climate and Justice sponsored by Bard College in New York. Worldwide, from Austria to Alabama, Kyrgyzstan to Kentucky, Colombia to Colorado, and Malawi to Minnesota, students, teachers, and community members will discuss steps that can help move the needle on solving climate change, while creating jobs and income. Members of the public can find events around the world and register here. 
 
"We have ten years to solve climate, and we can get a lot done in this decade. But only if we focus the world on climate solutions and a just transition," said Amanda Landi, lead organizer of the event at Simon's Rock. "We are proud to be a lead college for this global climate education project. Please join us for this important conversation."
 
In Great Barrington, the discussion will feature Simon's Rock faculty, speaking on topics ranging from climate change and indigenous peoples, how artistic disciplines engage with the climate, strategies for local climate action, thermodynamics, mathematical models for understanding climate-based scenarios, and more.
 
"It's energizing to be part of a worldwide event bringing awareness and momentum to the climate justice movement," said Jennifer Browdy, head of the Languages and Literature Division at Simon's Rock. "It's going to take input from all of us, in all the academic disciplines and fields of endeavor, to bring our Earth back into balance. If we work together, we can make it happen!"
 
Eban Goodstein, economist and Director of the Solve Climate project at Bard College urges climate-concerned teachers at the college, university, and high school level to kick off Earth Month by having students attend the Teach-in-- either live or recorded-- and then engage students in this critical dialog. 
 
"You don't have to be an expert on climate to talk with your students," said Goodstein. "Every subject contributes to understanding climate solutions. Whether you are teaching art, literature, business, philosophy, or any other discipline, you can use the Teach-in to #MakeClimateAClass at Simon's Rock." 
 

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Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.
EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.
 
William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 
 
Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.
 
"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.
 
"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."
 
Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.
 
For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series. 
 
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