How Can I Participate in Meeting the Summit Of the Americas' Goals?

Exercise your democratic rights. The success of the 34 democratic countries represented at the Summit directly depends on their citizens’ involvement. How can you contribute? Volunteer to help register voters and assist with elections, always cast your ballot, and make sure elected officials know your concerns.

Conserve energy. One goal of this Summit is to secure access for all citizens to clean, dependable energy. Young people can take a lead in generating ideas — from collecting used vegetable oil and transforming it into auto fuel, to taking part in cutting-edge research at universities throughout the Americas. Even if you’re not involved in developing green technologies, you can still pitch in by conserving energy in small but appreciable ways. At home, use fluorescent light bulbs, unplug chargers and appliances when not in use, and don’t overcool or overheat rooms. When you’re out and about, avoid driving when possible and take mass transit instead.

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Another Summit theme is environmental sustainability. In addition to taking measures to protect our precious biodiversity and addressing the challenge of climate change, Summit leaders support initiatives to protect citizens’ health. While the richest among us consume the most resources and generate the most solid waste, it is the poor who suffer the results of environmental degradation disproportionately, often lacking access to clean water and proper sewage. Do your part by reducing, recycling, and properly disposing of your waste.

Help your neighbors. Get involved with an organization that betters the lives of those around you, such as programs targeting youth, indigenous or minority populations, or the physically challenged. Your work can even influence the Summit’s agenda! Summit leaders reach out to hear from civil society organizations at special meetings like the Civil Society Hemispheric Forum held in Miami in 2008, which gathered together 120 representatives from 30 countries in the Americas. The Forum’s recommendations will be presented at the Fifth Summit.

Join the conversation! We want your opinion on Summit priorities and how we can achieve them. Visit townhall.america.gov to share your thoughts, ask questions, and hear more from your neighbors across the Americas.