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The Global Issues & Youth Action Institute

Want to change the world? Take action on the causes you care about! Join us June 25th - July 4th, 2023 @ Landmark College in Putney, VT

“GIV gave me the hope and optimism that I needed to try and work on issues that I thought could not be fixed. Thank you for making me feel that I can make a difference in our state, country, and world.”

About the Global Issues & Youth Action Institute

Ready to make a difference in the world?

This summer, take on political, environmental, and social justice issues at the GIV Global Issues & Youth Action Institute! You’ll join a community of motivated young Vermonters as you learn how to battle for whatever you care about, whether it be the climate crises, racism, sexism, inequality, or justice in all forms. Together, we can mobilize our collective energy with activists from around the world, leading movements for real change and deepening our hope with action!

June 25th – July 4th, 2023 @ Landmark College in Putney, VT

For information regarding tuition, please click here.

At This Institute You Will

  • Learn about current events, leadership, activism, politics, and social change.
  • Meet and work with Vermont’s political leaders and avid activists.
  • Examine all sides of political issues and perspectives, and learn tools for productive dialogue and debate.
  • Make friends and build community with young leaders from around the globe.
  • Develop your leadership and activism skills.
  • Learn how to make a difference in your community.
  • Have the time of your life!

We cover many topics and activities in our Institute, including...

  • Intensive issue groups on politics, social justice, global issues, leadership, climate change, and more.
  • Honest, direct, and outcome-driven discussions with politicians, activists, issue experts, and change-makers.
  • Mock Congress, United Nations, and Local Democracy simulations, role plays, and debate activities.
  • Team-building challenges, leadership and activism workshops, and artistic activities.
  • Fun all around, including drumming, campfires, sports, open mic night, and a banquet!

Topics We Discuss

Poverty
Child Labor
Terrorism
Youth Movements
HIV/AIDS
Iraq & Afghanistan
Immigration
Human Trafficking
Climate Change
Food Security
School Quality
Landmines
Radical / Social Justice
Religion
Democracy
Bullying
Energy
Refugees
The Environment
Economics

So how does it all work?

Every day is a unique experience filled with expert-led instruction, hands-on investigation, field trips, and immersive learning. We work to build a community around our experiences and share in our passion for everything we explore.

**The schedule is slightly different each year and announced when you arrive!

GIV’s supportive Institute structure is endlessly enriching, empowering, and engaging.

An Example of a Day at the Global Issues and Youth Action Institute

7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:30 AM: Dialogue Groups
9:00 AM: Student-Selected Issue Groups
11:00 AM: Guest Speakers
12:00 PM: Lunch & Free Time
2:00 PM: Afternoon Workshops
4:30 PM: Arts Activism!
5:30 PM: Dinner & Free Time
7:30 PM: Nightly Activities and Social Events
10:00 PM: End of Day

Check out the vibe from Global Issues & Youth Action 2022!

Global Issues Faculty

Emily Kornheiser

Emilie Kornheiser comes to her work with a passion for supporting and amplifying community voices– asking communities to own and tell their own stories in order to facilitate shared visions and outcomes. For the last decade, she has focused on improving the functioning and accountability of community development and support systems in Vermont state government as a state legislator and as a nonprofit consultant and employee. She has worked with young parents at her local Parent Child Center, with teens as workforce development director at Youth Services, and as a full time consultant with Youth Collaboratory, a national organization that places youth at the center of decision making.  Before transitioning to local service, she worked internationally as a consultant brokering and evaluating partnerships between corporations and national governments to meet community development goals.

Ms. Kornheiser received her BA in Sociology from Marlboro College and attended the MS program in Community Development and Applied Economics at the University of Vermont. She has served overseas promoting democracy and supporting small business and civil society development, and she has held numerous positions at community-based organizations throughout Vermont. She also started her own small business in downtown Brattleboro. Emilie continues to work with organizations both public and private that put connection at the center of skills building, accountability, and economic justice.

For Students Outside Vermont...

This Institute accepts out-of-state and international students. If you are an out-of-state student interested in applying, please fill out our online application.

Contact us at [email protected] to find out how to apply if you are an out-of-state or international student.

Ready to Learn How to be Seen, be Heard, and Make a Difference? This Is the Institute For You!