Slow Food Nation inspires and empowers Americans to build a food system that is good, clean and fair. The inaugural edition of Slow Food Nation takes place in San Francisco this Labor Day weekend, August 29 to September 1, 2008. Over 60,000 people will come together to cultivate a Victory Garden, support a sustainable marketplace, share meals and participate in tastings, workshops, forums, films, talks, a music festival and more. The event will be an inclusive platform to allow those working in the fields of social justice, environmentalism, education and food access to engage participants, create momentum and show what “Slow Food” means in action and on the plate.

Slow Food Nation is calling for leaders in the youth food movement to contribute to and participate in a Youth Program during the event. It will be an opportunity for universitylevel students and young farmers, producers, cooks and activists to learn from mentors and peers, exchange ideas and build networks. The Youth Program will feature:

• Panels and forums to address issues in and galvanize the youth food movement;
• Workshops and networking sessions for all participants to connect in the spirit of mentorship/apprenticeship;
• A volunteer program to integrate young people into the event, e.g., cooking meals or leading school groups on tours of the Victory Garden;
• Youth-specific dinners, social events and more.

Most of Slow Food Nation is free of charge and open to the public. Plan to come. Tell your friends. If you work or are engaged in food and farming and would like to represent your organization, farm, business or project as a Slow Food Nation “Youth Delegate,” please submit an application before May 16 by filling out our online form:

www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2bRA5exxHPxJJam3wDHX_2fgA_3d_3d

If you have any questions, please direct them to Gordon Jenkins at gordon@slowfoodnation.org or 415-369-9950.