Tranquil green behind Watergate Complex, Washington DC

After 8 years of active political suppression and denial, the plans and goals of hundreds of organizations and individuals erupted to the forefront with the Good Jobs/Green Jobs Conference held in Washington, DC February 4-6, 2009 held in Washington, DC February 4-6, 2009.  Employers, labor representatives, community activists, non-profit organizations, and staff of state and federal agencies converged on the Nation’s Capitol to, according to the conference website, accomplish four objectives:

• Focus the country on the specific combination of policy changes, public investments, and funding mechanisms that are necessary to accelerate the growth of the green economy;
• Quantify and illustrate the job growth potential of global warming solutions and green chemistry;
• Demonstrate the breadth of the coalition that supports the transition to a clean, renewable energy economy; and
• Highlight the potential of the green economy to forge a new social agenda that lifts Americans out of poverty, improves public health, and strengthens our middle class.

In addition, there was a one‑day, free and open to the public, Green Jobs Expo with over 85 booths representing academic institutions, manufacturers, non-profit agencies, corporations and governmental agencies focusing on the many pathways to green jobs and careers.  Attendees included students from high schools, colleges, universities and trade schools, as well as many of the newly unemployed.  A series of informational presentations were offered throughout the day in the Green Jobs Theater located inside the Green Jobs Expo.  Follow the link to learn about the many presentations.

Participation in both the conference and expo far exceeded the expectations of the conference planners.  Participants in the conference were enthusiastic and looking forward to the challenges ahead.  Hopefully, there will be a conference report available in the near future.

©Caryn McLaine