Want to Change the World? This Institute Is for You!

Applications for the 2021 Global Issues & Youth Action online summer Immersion are now open! Click the “2021 info” button below to learn more and apply today.

Apply Today Summer 2021 Info

“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

From critical issues impacting Vermont towns, to pressing U.S. national political and social issues, to exciting and complex global issues, we’ll cover it all.

We’ll also give you the leadership, activism, communication and organizing skills to get involved and create real change on any issue! You’ll join young people from other countries to explore the problems and daily challenges impacting young people everywhere, and learn how to turn your ideas into action.

At This Institute You Will

Learn about current events, global issues, leadership, activism, politics & social change.
Meet with Vermont’s political leaders, activists, issue experts and a dynamic staff team.
Dialogue, debate and examine all sides of the issues and the political perspectives.
Make great friends and build community with young leaders from around Vermont & other countries.
Develop your leadership and activism skills, and learn how to make a difference in your community.
Have the time of your life, and an incredible amount of fun in just 10 days!

A Typical Day Includes

Intensive Issue Groups on Politics, Social Justice, Global Issues, Leadership & Climate Change.
Honest, Direct Discussions with Politicians, Activists, Issue Experts & Today’s Change-Makers.
Mock Congress, United Nations and Local Democracy Simulations and Role Plays.
Team building Challenges, Leadership & Activism Skills Workshops, and Arts Activities.
Fun Evening Activities: Drumming, a Barn Dance, Campfires, Sports, Open Mic Night & 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

Global Issues Faculty

Dr. John Ungerleider is a professor of Conflict Resolution and Transformation. He founded and has run the Vermont Governor’s Institute on Current Issues and Youth Activism for 25 years. John also founded and directs the Child Labor Education and Action (CLEA) project for young Vermonters to work against oppressive child labor, and the SIT Youth Peacebuilding and Leadership Programs for young people from communities in conflict around the world, such as recent groups from Iraq, Burma, Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Cyprus, Liberia, Yemen, East Timor, Mexico and Bangladesh. As a Fulbright Senior Scholar he facilitated conflict resolution activities in Cyprus. John wrote and performs a musical “co-opera” about global warming: Secret of the Seasons. One of John Ungerleider’s deepest passions is the intersection of activism and the arts.

Additional Information

LOCATION:

GIYA has moved! The Institute will now be held at Landmark College in scenic Putney, Vermont. Have no fear, though: Institute traditions will still be included! Students will partake in a celebration BBQ, hike, visit local community organizations & have a Farmer’s Market lunch!

Curious about what to bring? Take a look at our Packing List!

For information regarding tuition, please click here.

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 John Ungerleider at [email protected] to find out how to apply if you are an international student.