2023 Earth Conference - Bridging the Divide: Our Collective Role in Reconnecting Relations

Saturday November 4th 9A.M. - 3:30P.M.
MNSU Centennial Union Room 253
620 West, S Rd, Mankato, MN 56001

The climate crisis is multifaceted with myriad issues ecologically, agriculturally, and politically. We need healthy societal connections to work together towards common goals. As the climate crisis continues to escalate, the divisions between people and nature and people and place have continued to widen.

This year's conference will focus on the multifaceted climate crisis, with many ecological, agricultural, and political divides. We need healthy societal connections to work together towards common goals. As the climate crisis escalates, the divisions between people and nature and people and place have widened.

Given the contentious nature of our world today, bridging these divides is a formidable task. There is hope when we look at the progress already made. Forging connections across divides is possible and necessary to create a world where all can thrive. Our conference will feature talks from representatives from local organizations who are doing their part to bridge the divides and provide actionable steps to make progress. In this conference, we will connect participants to the solutions unfolding in their backyards, inspiring them to action.

We do not have to act alone, and we do not have to start from scratch. We are stronger when we work together.

Presenting Speakers

Keynote Speaker: Carolina Ortiz, COPAL
Bridging the divide is a formidable task given the contentious nature of our world today. There is hope and possibility when we look at progress that has already been made. Forging connections across divides is not only possible, it is necessary if we are to create a world where we all can thrive. Carolina will also speak to her work with COPAL, illustrating how the social impact initiatives they lead to improve the quality of life for Latin American Families can be used as a model to create changes that will benefit us all moving forward.

Ecological Resources: Paul Ebbenga, Blue Earth Project
Paul founded Blue Earth Project in 2019 after southern Mn lakes had been deemed "irreversibly unswimmable" by public officials. Not wanting to give up on his home, Paul set out to empower people to engage with local environmental challenges through innovative technology, community engagement, and the advancement of education.

Social Connections: Mohamed Alsadig, Mankato Diversity
Council Mohamed is recognized as a leader, a listener, and a consensus builder. In his new role as Executive Director of the Greater Mankato Diversity Council, he works with other local organizations and businesses to continue community efforts in establishing an inclusive, welcoming environment within the greater Mankato area.

Agricultural Practices: Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin, Tree-Range® Farms
Regi works for food systems change and regenerative impact. This has allowed him to create space for small farmers and large businesses alike to work in alignment with the ecology of the land. Originally from Guatemala, he builds regenerative farming operations through an indigenous framework of thought: “We are part of—not separate from—the land.”

Political Disconnect: Kathryn Lozada, ISAIAH
During her six years with ISAIAH, Kathryn has worked organizing people of faith and shared values towards racial, economic, and climate justice in Minnesota. She is proud of contributing to ISAIAH's significant victories this state legislative session, including 100% Clean Energy by 2040, Paid Family & Medical Leave, $1 Billion for housing, and more

Schedule
8:45 Check-In, Coffee, and Muffins. Zoom meetings will be open for chatting and getting settled .

9:00 Welcome and Opening Reflection

9:15 Keynote Address “Bridging the Divide” by Carolina Ortiz, followed by Q&A and group discussion.

11:15 Connection Talk: Ecological Resources

11:35 Connection Talk: Agricultural Practices

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Connection Talk: Social Connections

1:20 Connection Talk: Political Disconnect

1:40 Small Group/Breakout Discussions

2:15 Networking - Time to visit with local groups already taking action in your community!

2:45 Moderated Panel/Q&A with all five speakers

3:15 Door Prizes and Closing Reflection

Tickets
In-Person (Pre-registration): $50
In-Person (At the Door): $60
Virtual (Zoom) Attendance: $35
Student (in-Person or Virtual): $15
MSU Student Scholarships Available Upon Request

Register via Eventbrite: https://earthconference2023.eventbrite.com