{"id":18148,"date":"2019-08-30T12:42:26","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T17:42:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/blog\/uncategorized\/\/"},"modified":"2019-08-30T13:29:26","modified_gmt":"2019-08-30T18:29:26","slug":"a-generation-of-change-at-our-nations-capital-the-6th-annual-greenheart-global-leaders-conference-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenheart.org\/blog\/greenheart-club\/a-generation-of-change-at-our-nations-capital-the-6th-annual-greenheart-global-leaders-conference-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"A Generation of Change at our Nation\u2019s Capital \u2013 The 6th Annual Greenheart Global Leaders Conference 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re closing out the month of August with a recap of our greatest adventure yet \u2013\u00a0our 6th\u00a0annual Greenheart Global Leaders Conference<\/strong> in Washington D.C! This year we celebrate the success of our 2019 conference, bringing\u00a040 global change-makers from 23 different countries directly to our\u00a0nation’s capital.<\/p>\n

This action-oriented community of Greenheart alumni spend an entire week learning how to be advocates for cultural exchange and community development through mission-driven business, social justice, and sustainability workshops culminated in advocacy visits to the U.S. Department of State, Congress, and international embassies.<\/p>\n\"\"\n

As a quick refresher, GGLC is the fourth stop along the 5-tier program of the\u00a0Greenheart\u00a0Odyssey<\/strong><\/a>, our award-winning scholarship program that grants local Chicago and international youth the opportunity to advance in their skills in\u00a0service learning and global leadership. The core programs include Camp Greenheart, Jr. GGLC, Quest, GGLC, and the Alumni Council. These initiatives support and empower every participant to discover their leadership potential and develop a stronger network of change-makers from across the world.<\/p>\n

Our Odyssey initiatives are what set Greenheart apart from any other cultural exchange network and we\u2019re thrilled to share just how impactful our programs are in building the next generation of global leaders.<\/p>\n\"\"\n

So\u00a0let\u2019s hear what our GGLC participants had to say:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What was your biggest takeaway from GGLC?<\/p>\n\n

\u201cLove and acceptance. I feel loved and started to love each participant no matter if they are either Atheist or Christian or Muslim, either they are black or white or brown. I love who they are and accept who they are just as I am loved and accepted.\u201d\u00a0<\/i>–\u00a0Qingqing\u00a0Xie, China, Work & Travel<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\"\"\n

\u201cThis conference empowered me to take further action on current problems in my community and that I should not wait for the perfect moment since that moment will never come, and that I have to contribute now. It taught me that each of our stories matter and that one individual, with enough dedication and will, can make an impact that is strong enough to become a movement for some helpful cause.\u201d\u00a0<\/i>– Luka Pejic, Serbia, High School Programs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\"\"\n\n\n

\u201cThis week lifted my spirits about the current state our world is in. While there may be lots of troubles, hate, pollution, and ignorance, I’m confident in the fact that our world is not a lost cause. Each of my fellow leaders are a positive light in theirhome and host communities. We are the connections that bring the world together. To learn from another. Respect one another. And love each other<\/i>.\u201d\u00a0\u2013 Emmy Scott, USA, Greenheart\u00a0Travel\u00a0<\/i><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\"\"\n

\u201cHope. I saw the young power of the world.\u201d\u00a0<\/i>\u2013\u00a0Qiqi\u00a0Wang, China, Work & Travel<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\"\"\n\n\n

Navigating throughout the U.S. capital alongside leaders from around the world offered a culturally-immersive opportunity for all.\u00a0 We were able to get involved in the community and feel empowered throughout the various site visits and volunteer\/advocacy workshops \u2013 check out our action-packed agenda!<\/p>\n

\u00a0GGLC activities included:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n