ROCKLAND — The Camden Conference and Rockland Public Library present Voices of the Future: Youth Perspectives on the State of Global Democracy, featuring students from Oceanside High School's Student Government and Academy program. This dynamic panel discussion will be moderated by Jennifer Cross, a dedicated Oceanside teacher who has long championed global studies through her participation in the Camden Conference in the Classroom program. 

Hosted by the Rockland Public Library, this hybrid event takes place on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., and is free and open to all. For the Zoom link, please contact elewis@rocklandmaine.gov. 

These emerging leaders will address crucial questions facing democracy today, including:

·         -Key issues driving youth political engagement

·         -Social media's impact on democratic discourse

·         -Youth visions for democracy's future

·         -Students' role in strengthening democratic institutions 

"By bringing student voices into our community discussions, we're not just talking about democracy's future—we're actively engaging with it," says Jennifer Cross, in a Camden Conference news release.

Cross' experience connecting students with complex global issues has enhanced global education in Maine, according to Camden Conference.

The Camden Conference in the Classroom program thrives through partnerships with dedicated teachers who integrate global affairs into their curricula. These educators, working largely on their own time, create transformative learning experiences by connecting their students with the Conference's rich content and global perspectives. 

This presentation is hosted by the Rockport Public Library and offered as a free community event in anticipation of the 38th Annual Camden Conference – Democracy Under Threat: A Global Perspective, February 21-23, 2025, live at the Camden Opera House and live-streamed to the Strand Theatre in Rockland, Lunt Auditorium in Falmouth, and to homes and classrooms worldwide.

For more information about the Camden Conference and upcoming events, visit www.camdenconference.org.