Member in Action: Bryce Timm (Ketchikan)

Bryce served as a Peer Leader for AYEA's annual training for two years. H has been on the SWAG for almost two years and presented at the Bioneers Alaska conference in 2006. He hopes to start a Ketchikan AYEA chapter in the near future.

You have been involved with AYEA since the 8th grade. Why?
I have remained involved because of my continued desire to take action on issues that concern me and my community.

You have been a participant and a trainer at the Civics & Conservation Summit for 4 years. What do you like about it?
The Summit is a great time to meet new people and discuss environmental issues with our legislators. I love this event because teens and adults really get to know each other and bond during the event. After three days of "hard core" training youth get to visit their respective legislators and discuss issues they've researched. It is so awesome to see that look of accomplishment and satisfaction on teens' faces after they've met with their legislators.

You recently traveled to Newhalen with fellow AYEA member Wiley Cason to educate 120 Alaskan peers about global warming. What is important about peer-to-peer education on environmental issues?
I was able to experience rural Alaska first hand and I loved it. Teens are always being lectured by teachers at school and it becomes very boring. Bringing the youth voice brings more perspective and liveliness that may not be offered by adults. It is also awesome for teens to see each other taking action. Youth get to understand that they do not need loads of experience to take action on something they care about.

You serve on AYEA's Statewide Advisory Group (SWAG). What are the benefits of being on SWAG?
I am able to influence major decisions concerning AYEA. It is a great benefit to serve on SWAG because I am a member without a chapter and I feel that this is a good way to stay connected to AYEA.