Artwork by Schools for Climate Action Volunteer Laila Rose, 12, Sonoma County
Collaborating for Climate Action
By Janet Atkinson
Schools for Climate Action started out in 2017, working tirelessly to pass resolutions within small Northern California communities. Since then, people all over the country are hearing about this bold, yet grassroots organization.
At the time of this writing, S4CA has 114 Resolutions for Climate Action from 16 states and DC. How does that happen? Word of mouth, a little help from Twitter, and lots of networking has set this youth-adult campaign for generational justice and equity in motion for its third round of advocacy in thehalls of Congress.
Individuals from the following national organizations have collaborated with with Schools for Climate Action: Alliance for Climate Education, Mothers Out Front, Climate Reality Project, Citizens Climate Education, Moms Clean Airforce, Climate Parents, 350, the Zero Hour, and Girl Scouts.
On local levels, the following groups have stepped up to talk and table for S4CA, bring resolutions for passage in their communities, and/or invite S4CA to participate in their Youth Climate Action Summits: North State Climate Alliance, Oakland Youth Commission, Kalamazoo Central Climate Advocates, Go Green Initiative,.....
At a time when we know that the climate crisis calls for all hands on deck, Schools for Climate Action wishes to express its gratitude to everyone who continues to help us work toward a safe and clean future for current and future generations. Some people say the road to success is paved through sharing.
If you have an opportunity to share about Schools for Climate Action, you can: like us on Twitter (@Schools4Climate) and retweet; follow us on Instagram or Facebook; table for us at climate events; invite us to share at a Climate Summit; share links to our Student Council Toolkit and Outreach Email , and mention us in your speeches about youth climate action.
Meet the Editors: Drew Storino and Freja Niklasson
By Lila Gamble
Drew (16) was interested in the outdoors from an early age. He frequently mountain bikes, rock climbs and backpacks with his family. His interest in climate action was spurred by the pine beetle outbreak in Yosemite, and the effects it had on a place he had loved since childhood. He joined his school Green Team in 7th and 8th grade, which ignited his desire to get involved in climate advocacy. Being a part of the Schools for Climate Action team has made him look at this issue differently because it allows him to get involved in a way that interests him.
Freja (16) has always valued the importance of not being wasteful, and her family has adopted a lifestyle that recognizes the importance of sustainability. She also grew up with a love of the outdoors and enjoys adventuring in nature with her family which first made her aware of the issue of climate change. Like Drew, she joined “Green Teams” and it inspired her to seek out involvement groups. She didn’t know how to get involved, but she knew that she wanted to do something about the issue of climate change. She values the opportunity to be a part of the Schools for Climate Action newsletter because it allows her the opportunity to get involved in an issue that matters to her in a way that she’s passionate about.
Tabling at S4CA Events: Sign Up Here
Please fill out this form if you are interested in tabling for Schools for Climate Action at an event. Tabling is a great way to make connections with youth/adult advocates and to help pass more climate resolutions. Fill out this form with your contact information and we will reach out to you directly.
Representative Barbara Lee Kicks off Northern California Conference with a Focus on Youth
By Janet Atkinson
On January 18, Representative Barbara Lee made a surprise appearance to kick off the Northern California Conference for Citizens’ Climate Lobby. With a focus on youth climate action, Rep. Lee spoke of working with youth to craft a resolution. The youth team she was referring to was with Schools for Climate Action!
CCL's NorCal Conference was held at Oakland Tech High School (which spearheaded its school district Resolution for Climate Education in the Oakland Unified School District). During CCL’s Conference, over 100 students and youth came together to learn how to speak to Members of Congress in a Climate Action Training session. They also shared ideas for climate action in their communities and schools. Most students agreed that passing S4CA resolutions stood out as a great way to participate in civic engagement for climate and generational justice.
Thank you to Citizens’ Climate Lobby for encouraging youth involvement in climate action! Schools for Climate Action agrees that our youth today can make an impact for a better tomorrow! We can work together to bring a message to Congress that the time for climate action is now.
In the News: S4CA in the Running for American Climate Leadership Awards
By Kate Roney, S4CA Co-Director
Thank you, EcoAmerica, for selecting Schools for Climate Action as one of the 34 semifinalists for the American Climate Leadership Awards! "As someone who believes very deeply in our cause and the change we're creating, it feels good to have that reaffirmed by being selected as a semifinalist in the 2020 American Climate Leadership Awards. There is no other campaign I'd rather work for. Schools For Climate Action is one of a kind and I couldn't be prouder of the work we've accomplished in the past few years. I truly believe that S4CA deserves this award, in part because none of us are in it for the awards. We're here to do good and create lasting change, two things we're already becoming successful in. I started out in this movement because I felt I had to do something. I stayed involved because I found my calling with S4CA, and with well over 100 resolutions passed it's obvious that S4CA has stuck out to lots of others all around the country."
Except where specifically stated, opinions expressed in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Schools for Climate Action.
Schools for Climate Justice is a non-partisan, grassroots, youth-adult campaign with a mission to empower schools to speak up for climate action. We advocate for elected officials to to combat the climate crisis in order to protect current and future generations.
