---
title: Obama Thanks Youth Oct 24th Organizer
date: 2010-04-26T22:39:33Z
modified: 2010-04-27T15:23:17Z
permalink: "https://350.org/obama-thanks-youth-oct-24th-organizer/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: ""
wpid: 17595
---

![](https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4555802972_866cfcd6c5.jpg)
A few weeks ago, I was browsing the latest comments on the [350 Global Facebook Wall](https://facebook.com/350.org) and found a most inspiring note. It was from Gene of Minnesota (a midwestern state of the US) who organized his fellow high school students at Cross Winds Arts & Science School for a creative letter writing campaign to President Obama. Check out a photo of the all the letters & a few participating students above.

Gene's action was one of over 5,200 events which took place on Oct 24th 2009 – a round-the-clock day of climate actions all over the world. Their collective letter ended with these powerful words: “we write for change.”

Then, over five months later, Gene got a surprise. Read Gene's original Facebook comment for the full story:
![](https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3197/4555791406_ede730f0a1_o.png)
While the change we seek is still on the horizon, Gene's story has really stuck with me and energized my work.

There's something more going on here than getting a letter from a head of state (which must feel great). **Gene and his friends shot for the stars, pulled off the biggest action they could, and sound a lot like they're ready to re-enlist.** That's what moving stories are made of — and we can't wait to hear about Gene's [plans for 2010](https://350.org/2010)!