Overview

Never before in history has humankind witnessed a global deterioration and breakdown of natural systems so alarming as to put in question the very continuum of the cycle of life. At the start of this new millennium, society is experiencing the rising expectations of approximately two billion youth seeking to become productive forces in their respective countries. What hopes do they have of achieving sustainable livelihoods and earning living wages? The challenge is colossal!
Our response is to link young people of the world to sustainable initiatives in earth restoration. One innovative solution to accomplish this broad goal is the Green Room (GR).
At the onset of the Restoration Era the marketplace is by necessity poised to develop a wide range of innovative, productive opportunities for young people that restore rather than lay waste to the planet. The quest for sustainable economic development is prompting enterprising youth to the creation of small and large green businesses and innovative micro-enterprises. Currently, a growing number of progressive corporations are committed to promoting social and environmental ethics. The Green Room is likewise committed to connecting young workers to established firms, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations that are embarking upon “restoration economy” so that united we may all lay the foundation for a global development that is balanced and sustainable.

The Green Room is a traveling pavilion showcasing youth best practices and collaborative projects promoting sustainability. The purpose of the Green Room Project is to provide a 21 st Century "space" where youth can gather together and be exposed to "Restoration Era" job opportunities, support links and youth-run exhibits. The Green Room Project made its extremely successful debut at the EDC-sponsored Youth Employment Summit in Veracruz, Mexico in October 2004 and already numerous invitations have poured in to feature the pavilion at exhibitions worldwide, including the U.S., Bhutan, Rwanda and other parts of Mexico.
The Green Room features the following components:
THE PORTAL: This threshold space features an informational map of the pavilion, tables with brochures and leaflets, and bulletin boards for displaying Green Room activities,and a message board for convention participants.
EXPO: This area of the pavilion is designed for sharing information and showcasing best practices and innovative products. The Expo is also a place for exhibiting projects, books, educational materials, posters, and related materials.
WELCOME HOME: This niche is a casual, contemporary, and comfortable setting intended to promote interpersonal contacts, networking, interactions with mentors, reading, meetings, and information exchanges among youth.
A WORLD OF INITIATIVES: Outfitted with its own database this space is in reality a powerful teaching tool. Equipped with high-tech digital links, directories, and websites, participants are encouraged to make individual contacts or surf the web for networks related to their interests. A keystone of Virtual Initiatives is a CD-ROM library with over 1000 books on alternative technology and sustain- able projects. Participants can attend Power-Point presentations on sustainable careers, trades, and skills required for restoration. This virtual voyage is geared to guiding youth into a realm of Earth-friendly opportunities and innovative entrepreneurial initiatives.
VISUAL HARVEST: To further saturate participants with the concept that restoration employment is the key to future employment, Visual Harvest contains over 100 VHS tapes and DVDs on the subject. Equipped with earphones, monitors, assorted video-display equipment, computer-image projectors, and big screen with state of the art audio-visual programming, participants can listen to information in Spanish or English. Programs range from one-minute clips to hour-long documentaries on a panorama of topics, from micro to macro initiatives.
CULTURAL PAVILION: Artistic expression and music are the lifeblood of contemporary youth. To tantalize youthful participants this space is equipped with sound equipment, including a DJ and CJ (disk and computer image jockeys). With a constant stream of motivational images in the background, this room is available for various cultural presentations and has the capability to expand for conferences. The creative heart of the exhibit, the Cultural Pavilion is an open, interactive, public space for youth, mentors, and visitors.