The Orcas Island Youth Delegation (OIYD) is a group of students from Orcas Island High School who traveled to the United Nations for the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) in May.

We joined youth from around the world in promoting youth’s voice, and learned about this year’s key issues: land, drought and desertification, agriculture, and Africa. This trip benefited us by enhancing our understanding of the decision-making processes involved with these subjects, provided us with an opportunity to study these crucial subjects in depth, and allowed us a chance to represent the youth of America. As Orcas Islanders we promote a small rural community that is striving to create a sustainable lifestyle.

The five delegates, are: Makala Forster, Iris Parker Pavitt, Leah Cardinell, Serena Sanders, and Jacqlynn Zier. We hope to fundraise for all of our costs for going to New York City. As of June 2, we still need to fundraise approximately $2,600 in order to recoup the costs of the trip. These funds will go directly towards repaying parents who generously covered the cost for our housing at a Manhattan youth hostel. We tried to find housing with friends and family, but were not successful.

To raise these funds, we will be hosting a fundraiser spaghetti dinner at the Senior Center on Friday, June 6 from 6:00-8:00. We will also be speaking about our experience, answering any questions the community may have, and presenting a short documentary about our trip.

If any donation can be made to our cause, no matter how small, it would be of great assistance. If you are aware of someone else who could possibly donate, please let us know. We hope that as community members, neighbors, friends, and family, you will join us in supporting local youth.