THE DAWN OF YOUTH
(IN AN AGE OF CLIMATE CRISIS)

by Johannes Kronenberg
The heartbeat of society seems to undergo a rapid change, one that is by now touching everybody and acts under the name of climate crisis. Pressure is rising, words of fear, accusation but also hope and empowerment are reaching many. Finding both an individual and collective attitude – out of freedom and responsibility – seems to be more and more urgent. How do you, and how do we, relate and respond to the stories that reach us? How do we move from the ‘story of separation, reductionism and profit’ to a new story that unites the individual’s strength with a collective force to renew?
In the midst of this storm the dawn of a new youth movement is rising. One that speaks from the heart and acts out of courage. Some of them fill the streets – both analog and digitally – and stand straight. It is not the first time that youth ‘wander’. Over hundred years ago, the Wandervogelbewegung expressed resistance against the industrial revolution and mechanization of society already. Today, in the general debate most attention is focused on the question of climate crisis, CO2 emissions and pressuring policy makers. Therefore, technology tries to save the world in a green way but if possible, still lets profits rise. The internet is taking over huge amounts of energy consumption and all parameters of production, and consumption and degradation are still rising. A story, a new horizon is urgently needed.

Image credits: Above, the Wandervogel movement (Wikipedia) and right, February Days 2020 poster (Youth Section Goetheanum)

As Youth Section at the Goetheanum and as participants of this new dawn of youth we want to think, understand and reflect on the deeper layers of what is going on, what we can do and exchange about the possibilities of creation of new horizons, ways of living and encounter out of freedom, responsibility and commitment. We want to embrace the climate crisis debate and challenge; reaching the sources of its origin. Polarisations affect the possibilities of being young and also what it means to be human in the complexity of a living world, relaying in a yet unknown cosmos. This is something we cannot do alone - we invite all who feel connected to join in.

This winter we organise the youth conference "February Days 2020: Bound to Earth – Freedom, Responsibility and Destiny in times of Climate Crises" from 30th January to 2nd February 2020. We will try to deepen the understanding of the human being placed within the given ecosystems and created social dimensions. The perspective of the Amazon workers, scientists and active change makers will fill the room in dialogue and interaction. The German-Brazilian singer Bê Ignacios will give a benefit concert on Friday 31st of January at 20:00.
BOUND TO EARTH:
FREEDOM, RESPONSIBILITY & DESTINY
IN TIMES OF CLIMATE CRISES

30th January - 2nd February
Goetheanum, Dornach

Ticket price: 45CHF - 165CHF
Registration: www.goetheanum.ch