What is REaDY Summit?
The Richmond Earth Day Youth (REaDY) Summit began in 2012 and has evolved into an annual youth-led, youth-oriented event that promotes sustainability and action through inspirational speakers, interactive workshops, exhibits, and mentorship opportunities. Since its inception, REaDY has attracted over 2,000 participants, drawing in audiences with timely thought-provoking topics that are explored from a youth perspective. Through the unique partnership of the City of Richmond, the Richmond School District, and the David Suzuki Foundation, REaDY helps build capacity for environmental education amongst Richmond high school and elementary students, positioning them as change agents in their school and community.
The REaDY Summit has a strong legacy as a “by youth and for youth” event. High school students in the City of Richmond’s Green Ambassador program are supported and mentored by the Partners to plan and deliver the annual REaDY Summit. In return, Green Ambassador learn valuable leadership, event planning, community convening, and technical skills. These same keen youth are also connected with many community activities throughout the year including waste diversion, pollinator-friendly gardening, and other environmental stewardship programs.
REaDY Summit is an Award-Winning Event!
In 2016, the REaDY Summit was honored to be the first place recipient of the 2016 Our Canada Project award, from Learning for A Sustainable Future in partnership with RBC (www.ourcanadaproject.ca)! A big thanks to all the student volunteers and organizers, and the City of Richmond, Richmond School District, and David Suzuki Foundation for making this special award possible!
See below to read about past years’ REaDY speakers!
REaDY Summit 2017 – David Issac, Abhayjeet Singh Sachal
For the 3rd year in a row, 2017 keynotes were inspirational youth, in keeping with the REaDY Summit ‘by-youth and for-youth’ legacy! David Isaac and Abhayjeet Singh Sachal, two youth environmental leaders, discussed their inspiring experiences in local environmental stewardship and leadership.
REaDY Summit 2016 – Kate Hodgson and Jay Matsushiba
Another year of outstanding youth environmental leaders and keynotes at REaDY Summit!
REaDY Summit 2015 – Tesicca Truong, Veronika Bylicki, Alice Xu
Meet our three 2015 keynote speakers – the first ever youth keynotes for REaDY Summit!
REaDY Summit 2014 – Dr. David Suzuki
The third REaDY Summit was hosted at R.A. McMath Secondary School.
We featured a welcoming ceremony by the Musqueam Nation and also had numerous workshops such as ‘Keep Cool!, A Live Musical Comedy Show on Climate Change’ by DreamRider Theatre and ‘Sense of Story, Sense of Place’ by Dr. Scott Sampson.
REaDY Summit 2013 – Sarika Cullis-Suzuki
The second REaDY Summit was hosted at Steveston-London Secondary School.
We were proud to have Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, the youngest daughter of David Suzuki and Tara Cullis, as our keynote speaker.
REaDY Summit 2012 – Peter Robinson
The first ever REaDY Summit was hosted at Steveston-London Secondary School.
We were proud to have Peter Robinson, CEO of the David Suzuki Foundation, as our keynote speaker.
Photo Credit: Barry Brady