ROBYN HAMLYN is not the only student who has seen films documenting how bad practices in business and politics have led to water pollution, soaring prices, and very bad health effects, even in her water rich country of Canada. But Robyn has turned her shock into action! She joined a powerful coalition of experts and citizens who have crafted a solution to safeguard water aquifers and rivers and provide abundant clean water for generations to come. Robyn is their youngest speaker asking town councils to become ‘Blue Communities’ by passing legislation that water services stay public, banning bottled water, and making clean water a human right. Hold your seat: Robyn has already made several cities turn Blue! Now she is training kids and teens like you to protect their water for the future. Hi5! YL Article: http://bit.ly/18iwJY2 Video: http://bit.ly/18iDOYo Web: http://bit.ly/18iwYSZ
Our Interviews for Change or Interviews With A Purpose take you deeper into the changemaker's journey, to feel into their skin, learn about amazing moments, see how change unfolds and also how to bring about change – from the spirit of changemakers, what gives them strength to keep going – to key steps in implementing this particular model solution. Before you read these interviews, you should have read their story and watched their videos. Then, you are ready to dig deeper and find answers to your questions – how does it work in detail, how did they make this happen? By the end of these interviews, you will really know how this works, how it feels – and what steps to take to implement this solution in your sphere of influence. WHY ELSE would you want to read an interview in these intense times? We believe that media serve the upliftment of society, just like every meaningful communication between sane humans does. And in times of crisis – it means conveying the spirit, knowledge, solutions, tools and support networks for overcoming the crisis. Indeed, we may be re-defining the true meaning of media – and it's just about time. YL is not for edutainment. Everything YL serves to advance the great quest of our era: creating an awesome civilisation of Abundance for All! And making you a hero bringing it about, and evolving toweards qualifying as an inhabitant of a global, peaceful, just, sustainable and thriving civilisation of awesome. In one word: Paradise.
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The YL Take Action Pack with this story, video, interview, teaching tips, poster, eventually more (cardgame, comic) and action tips gives you an abundance of tools for making it real. Meeting the Changemakers 'live' If you have put your mind to it, there is a chance for a personal meeting with our YL Speakers via email, webcast, or even at your school or event. A global community of passionate youth, educators and mindful citizens On top of all this - there's the growing global network of YL Clans and Tribes that offers supportive network, a constant stream of activities, … there's so much we can do together, with personal, idealist and professional benefits that we say: JOIN IN!
ROBYN HAMLYN – Saving our Water with Blue Communities – Interview For Change YL’s Eric Schneider in a conversation with Robyn Hamlyn Eric, YL: Robyn, I am thrilled to meet you. I cannot even say how impressed I am from what I have learned about you, what you are moving, and also by the Blue Communities initiative per se, since it offers an unprecedented blueprint for citizens and cities around the globe to establish water policies that safeguard local water for good ... and with the resources provided by the BC initiative, it can be done - so easily. So, I am really talking to one of the most important people on the planet here :-) Robyn: Well, that's your words, but I agree on the prominence of the issue - that's for sure.
YL: Okay, - so, with unbridled curiosity, I'll start my questions right away. Robyn: Go for it!
How it Started. Documentaries about Water Issues YL: Is Blue Gold still the must see film on the water issue? Are there also others that you recommend to form an understanding on what experts call much more precious than gold : Water – the basis of all our life and food? Robyn: I have seen lots of documentaries regarding water, but I think out of all of them I
favour Blue Gold. Maybe it’s because it was what inspired me to begin with or maybe because it’s the only movie I’ve seen about our water crisis. Either way it is one hard hitting documentary that I recommend to anyone. Other documentaries I’ve seen about water are mostly short films or clips, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth seeing. “The Story of Bottled Water” is an amazing film that gets the point across about the impact of bottled water on us and our environment. It’s a great film to explain to people what the problem is with bottled water. There was also the short film called “Water Changes Everything.” This video is focused more about how so many people don’t have access to clean water, but with the help of others, the water problem is solvable.
like not having enough money to buy a new top, were nothing compared to what this film had just shown me. We are on the verge of a world water war.
Transforming Crisis into Positive Action YL: How did you transform the shock into a positive action? Robyn: It didn’t take me long to realize that something had to be done. All that fear of running out of water just fuelled me to try and fix it. Yes it’s a huge problem but that doesn’t mean I was just going to sit back and watch it happen.
YL: Many people respond with apathy, even denial. Why do you believe this is so?
“Back the Tap! Go Bottled Water Free” was a video that I was asked to be in. This You Tube video shows how people take action. That people are becoming aware of our water crisis and want change to happen.
Robyn: I think the people that are in denial don’t know all of the facts or if they are faced with the facts, they want it to be wrong because it is very overwhelming and they refuse to believe it to protect themselves.
YL: That's a powerful viewing list you mention here - readers, start googling! Okay, Blue Gold tThe film left you deeply shocked. What thoughts, what feelings reigned your day(s)?
YL: What role do suffering and outrage play, towards... awakening, rising and starting to take charge of creating the world that You wish to see.
Robyn: I was scared. I kept thinking, “How am I just finding out about this now? We could be on the verge of a world water war, yet nobody seems to be doing anything.” I realized how all the little things that I thought were a big deal,
Robyn: Unfortunately, sometimes people have to see or experience suffering in order for them to make a change. It was the fear of running out of water, and anger that it was us who caused
this problem in the first place that caused me to open up my eyes and make a difference.
YL: Is it too much to take for some people? You were twelve at the time. Would some people claim it's too much for young people your age? Robyn: No, I think that the movie did overwhelm me and it did upset me, but if it hadn’t scared me I would never have wanted to do something.
YL: You work with the Blue Communities initiative. After the film, how did you get to know of them and what role does the network play for the post-film experience. Robyn: After watching the movie I sent out a letter to my Mayor, Mayor Gerretsen, telling him about this movie and about my concerns for our fresh water. I was really surprised when he got back to me asking if I would like to come and meet with him. I was extremely excited to meet with him but I realized that there was a possibility he would pat me on the head and tell me that Kingston’s water was just fine and there was nothing to worry about. That’s not what I wanted. I knew that our community was fine for now. I wanted to help prevent a water crisis from happening everywhere. So I contacted the director of the movie Sam Bozzo, telling him my problem and asking him what I should do. He connected me with Maude Barlow who told me if I wanted to do something, I should ask my mayor to make
Kingston a Blue Community. Blue Community is an initiative that was made by the Council of Canadians. I am constantly reminded by the water crisis wherever I go and that keeps me motivated.
Connecting to Blue Communities, Encountering Changemakers YL: Blue Communities is headed by Maude Barlow, a highly renowned woman, very outspoken about citizen rights, recipient of the Alternative Nobel Prize, and with leading roles in distinguished environments like the Council of Canadians, the World Future Council and Food and Water Watch, from Canada to Germany and beyond. Have you been in touch with Maude, personally? Robyn: I have kept Maude up to date with my successes and losses through e-mail and she has been very supportive. I finally had the chance to meet with her face to face when I was invited to speak with her when she came to Kingston. The Council of Canadians had the “Great Lakes need Great Friends” speaking tour. Maude came to speak at Queens University here in Kingston. She asked me to speak about my story as well. She was just amazing and I felt that I really connected with her.
YL: So, have you made the experience that she is a person easy to approach, meeting you as fellow human, with no hierarchy or distance, despite her importance?
Robyn: Maude is an important person who everyone looks up to. When I met with her she made me feel special. She has such a big heart and treats you with such kindness almost like you have a bond that’s been formed over many years. She made me feel like I was important and I probably gave her a thousand hugs when I saw her.
YL: What difference has this encounter made for you? Did it create a different view about adults? About yourself? Robyn: This encounter made me realize that there are other people out there that care about our water too. That we are stronger when we're together. If anything Maude showed me what you can accomplish when you put your mind to something.
YL: So, given this experience, meeting at eye level with Maude about what IS TO BE DONE, would you say that the idea that kids and teens were not wise or knowledgeable enough to form a sound opinion on the big thing: Sustainability – is a MYTH? Robyn: I believe that you are never too young to make a difference. Believe it or not, adults want to hear from kids and teens! After all our water is not just for their generation, it’s for ours as well. It’s because people want to listen to kids that it’s so much easier for kids to make a difference in
our world. I am trying to get kids and teens of all ages to stand up and make a difference.
YL: So – “How Do You Do that? How do you make city councils change their water policies?” Robyn: I know it sounds simple but it’s really not that hard. I first request to present to council by sending the city clerk an email explaining who I am, what I do and what I want to happen (for them to become a Blue Community). They then decide if I can come and if yes I go and present to council. I tell them my story and urge them to make a change in their community; because, after all, in order to make a difference we must work together. They then take a vote on each of the resolutions. Some communities pass some of the resolutions but in order to become a Blue Community all three resolutions must be passed. However, even if they don’t pass all three resolutions it doesn’t mean that it’s not a success. Each resolution is so important on their own, that if only one or two are passed, I still consider it to be a success.
cameras set up on either side. My hands were shaking and my palms were sweating, but there was no way I was going to back down, because I knew that this is what needed to happen.
YL: So, reactions are unstandably mixed, - from puzzlement to very positive support? Robyn: A lot of people are shocked. Shocked to see someone so young, wanting to save something so badly. Almost everyone is proud of what I am doing, and yes there will always be some who just don’t agree with what I am trying to get done.
YL: Maybe you made the day of some – to appear as a young person? Isn't it some politicians' and teachers' dream come true? Robyn: I hope so. I want to inspire people, to create a wave of change.
Then there are the upsetting revelations. There is a representative from a water bottle company following me around from meeting to meeting. He has the right to present his views to council just as much as I do. He writes letters to the editor in newspapers of cities that I have been to defending his company. This upsets me because it just means that there is a battle going on between me trying to protect our water so that we have some left to drink years from now and him trying to protect his company’s profits. I spoke at the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Initiatives annual conference in June, 2012. I was in a room full of mayors from cities in Canada and the United States that surround our Great Lakes. I asked them to not think of money when they are making decisions involving our water. I told them that money is not going to mean anything to anyone when we are thirsty and there is no water left to go around. I wish bottled water companies would realize this.
YL: Have there been unexpected revelations? Making it Happen: Stepping up to Speak to City Councils YL: Tell me. First time stepping up to talk to city councils. Wow, what a moment. Nervous? Shivering? Politicians raising eyebrows what that girl wants? Robyn: I was extremely nervous stepping up and talking to our city council. Kingston’s City Council chamber was so big and there were tv
Robyn: I have learned more and more about our water crisis. The facts continue to surprise me. There was an article in the Toronto Sun that said as many 65 million empty plastic water bottles per year end up as garbage in a landfill waste site. And that’s just Toronto! Also the positive energy from others I continue to receive is mind blowing. I just can’t believe how many people want to change.
The Experience YL: Wow, massive. You are entering some intense experience environments. Are there most memorable moments you remember? Robyn: Of course! Just recently I went and presented to St. Angela’s Elementary School in Toronto. I was extremely nervous, but the atmosphere in the school was so positive and energetic that I felt right at home. Even after I
spoke at their assembly, kids were coming up asking if they could have a hug and telling me that I had inspired them. It was a moment that brings a smile to my face every time I think about it. Another one was meeting Maude Barlow. I’ll never forget the feeling I got when I got to speak on the same stage as her. Every time I saw her, she had a smile on her face. When I was nervous she squeezed my knee and gave me a reassuring smile and told me I’d do great. A small gesture but it meant the world to me.
YL: What have been tough bites and how did you – overcome them? Robyn: Sometimes I run into people and communities that give me all sorts of excuses why this can’t be done or why that can’t be done. It’s frustrating when people get hung up on the small details and don’t see the bigger, scarier picture. But I try and remember that as long as I’m getting the word out to people that didn’t know about the problem beforehand, I am making a difference.
YL: What are post-apperance emotions? How do you process the experience? Robyn: I experience different emotions after different events. Usually after I present to anyone (council, school, meeting or event) I tend to replay the situation over in my head, good parts and bad, trying to figure out how the overall presentation went. Factors like how my
presentation was received and did I mess up on answering any of the questions or reading my speech correctly all have to do with how I feel afterwards. Most of the time I come out feeling proud of myself just for having the guts to stand up and talk to people. When kids and adults come up afterwards congratulating me or giving me hugs or asking for an interview I can’t help but beam. I do run into people that enjoy listening to me speak and want to talk to me afterwards people care about the issue and want to help!!
YL: And this makes you stronger? Robyn: Of course! Its one thing to go out and attempt to make a change in our world and it’s another to know that there are people out there that feel and think the same way. When councils shoot down my ideas or people ignore my pleas to save our water, it makes me stronger, because what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I learn from past experiences, making me better at what I do.
YL: What have you learned to go for the next step? Robyn: I have learned what different types of people want to hear and what they don’t want to hear. This helps me when I am preparing my speeches. When councillors ask me different questions I make sure I write them down later and come up with answers for it just in case it’s brought up somewhere else.
YL: How does it feel for you? Is it a battle? A song? A dance? Sowing seeds. Meeting friends? Robyn: It all feels so real and exciting. It’s a journey for me that is definitely requiring me to put all of my effort into. There are battles throughout but I am also meeting new people, friends and allies. It is a journey that I plan to make the most out of.
YL: A brief mention of media. Just like the majority, few journalists have a sound understanding of water and making holistic changes for a sustainable society. What is your counsel for young activists working on water policy issues? Robyn: My advice for young activists is that no dream is ever too big. If this is really something that you want to do and if you work really hard, you will move mountains. Make sure you widen your circle, just like I did. Instead of talking to just councils I took a deep breath and started talking to schools and events as well. Remember and believe in the power of one.
YL: It has been a huge journey, speaking to so many councils and seeing these impacts! How has activism added to your life? It looks to me like a local bird going up high in the air to amazing perspectives, - way beyond the teen world told on tv. Robyn: Activism has really made me see the world in a new light. Everything I see and do
seems to connect with water. I have new respect for public speakers, and have dedicated lots of my hours to working on Blue Community. Most of all I feel like I have found out why I was put on this earth, what I was meant to do. So whenever I get down about fights with friends or other social aspects of my life I look to Blue Community and realize that this is what I should be focusing on and this is where I really make a difference. I feel like I am needed and that makes it all the worth while.
Connecting with Youth & Schools YL: You are breaking new ground in many ways. You are strongly working on informing your generation. How do kids react? Robyn: A lot of kids just can’t believe what I’ve done. There amazed at how much I’ve accomplished and I’m not going to lie, it’s a pretty awesome feeling to know that kids look up to you.
YL: So they care? They get it? Does it take the film to convey the issue? Robyn: Kids only really understand what’s happening when I explain it. They’ll see me in the media but depending on their age they don’t really get what I’m doing. That’s why I’m trying to get the word out, so kids know what’s happening and know that we need to do something. Watching the film gives you all the information and really inspires you, but I try
and use my voice for that when speaking to people and kids. YL: In case people are shocked – how can we help them … with the transition? Robyn: By telling them that yes it is upsetting but the water problem is solvable. It’s not the end if we stand up and do something about it! Make a change in your home, your school and your community. We can do this!
YL: Let's talk schools. Environment, global awareness and active citizenship are guiding stars of future-proof schools today. At every school, passionate teachers weave sustainability topics into class activities. Their greatest allies are powerful speakers like you. How do you build relations with schools? Is it complicated? What are good occasions? Robyn: To be honest it took me a while to realize the values of talking and connecting with schools but then schools started asking me to talk to there kids and I realized that this is how I can spread the word. After all, kids are pretty powerful when it comes to making a difference. So I guess it really isn’t that complicated. If schools want me to talk to their students then I am more than willing. Assemblies are probably the best considering I have the opportunity to speak to all grades. However, I’ve only spoken to one school so far,
but there are two more that want to have me in to present. YL: Bottled water is a closely related, and very surreal issue. It always puzzles me how people can choose bottled water over tap water. It makes a difference of $15-30 a month per kid. I have better uses for that money. How does this argumentation go? Are people defensive over their oh so dear daily bottle? Robyn: That’s exactly what I tell people. Even if you ignore the environmental issues (not that you should ever ignore them) why would you pay 200-3000 times what you spend on tap water? Councils sometimes will get defensive and say that they would rather see a kid with a bottle of water instead of a bottle of Coke. I tell them that water is the healthier choice but it’s even healthier when it comes from the tap. Teaching the public the facts about how much better tap water is vs bottle water is the first step. I tell them to proudly promote their municipal tap water while banning bottle water and people will get the message and change their ways. They will bring their reusable water bottles if they know the facts. I tell them that if they still choose to make these unhealthy purchases, well then they can’t be held responsible for it. These are probably the same people that are eating unhealthy foods as well.
YL: Do you also touch the issue of Human Rights and Water? Human Rights issues I first heard of at age 28. Wow, if I think of that... How does it work among your age group?
Robyn: Water is a human right. I explain to people of all ages that this means that we all deserve access to clean fresh water and nobody should go without. Practically everyone I have met has agreed to this. If we want everyone to have access to water we have to conserve it and not take advantage of it, so there is enough to go around.
Taking Action & Joining in! YL: The essential aim is taking action and forming our water future, with clean, healthy, abundant, affordable water for all. Water so cheap and clean we don't even notice – like it used to be. How do you serve your young audience with concrete options, so their new concern and passion fall on fertile ground? Robyn: I tell younger kids the basics. I explain to them that what we learned, that water is a cycle and we can never run out is technically true, but when we pollute and pump water we are no longer able to use it. It’s because of this that we need to do everything we can to protect and conserve our water. We can do this by doing simple things like taking shorter showers, turning off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth, using re-fillable water bottles instead of single-use ones, buying a rain barrel to water your grass and garden and installing low flow toilets and shower heads. You can take it one step further and ask your school to install water fountains equipped with spouts to accommodate water bottles.
You can also do exactly what I’m doing. Ask your mayor to make your community a Blue Community. The most important thing that everyone can do is to talk about our water crisis and solutions to other people. This is how we are going to save our water, by joining hands and working together! Spread the word!
YL: I am sure there are individuals who come up to you with a warrior's determination, stating “I wish to join. How can I help?” How does this go? Robyn: I am overjoyed whenever I find people that want to help out and make a change. I pretty much tell them exactly what I mentioned before. It works very well for young people.
YL: We have good friends in Canada, who will certainly be supportive of the initiative. How can we help? How can passionate student leaders and ecoclubs connect with you? Do you train Blue Community Youth Ambassadors? Robyn: If people have made up their mind to it, absolutely!
YL: Canada is big. And this may trigger global interest. Can youth meet you in online sessions? We are experimenting with a cool talkshow-like online video platform. Robyn: I’ve skyped once before with a council but have never done online sessions. However if
it means connecting with kids across Canada and the planet, I’m definitely open to the idea. In fact I’m working on creating a website so I can connect and spread the word to people everywhere!
YL: Awesome - so we're coming together at the right time! This is --- so exciting. It's a blessing and priviledge to be uplifted by such solutions and the people driving them. So, we'll see you soon among YL Speakers and bundle a YL Take Action Pack about Water and Safeguarding it, forever! Hi 5! Robyn: Hi5!
WE ARE GOING TO ADD PHOTOS, POSTER, VIDEOS, LINKS AND TAKE ACTION PACK TO THIS PUBLICATION. Many of them can already be found on the YL Website.