By: Gabriella Cavallini, New York Organizer
2024 has been a whirlwind year for Our Climate’s New York team. We’ve been on the front lines of climate action, policy advocacy, and grassroots organizing since January, and we’re thrilled to share everything we’ve accomplished so far!
The NY team hit the ground running in January, rallying around the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package. This package is a game-changer for New York, holding big corporations accountable for the damage they’ve done to our planet, while also paving the way for green union jobs and pushing the state to transition away from fossil fuels.
January was all about getting the hang of how to track a bill and understanding the nitty-gritty of what the Climate, Jobs, and Justice Package is all about. Plus, we practiced what it’s like to meet with elected officials—face-to-face! We got the conversation rolling with call relays and written testimonies, making it clear to our elected representatives that their constituents want them to sponsor this bill package. We even teamed up with Grow NYC to start planning our epic Earth Month events, focusing on what New York could look like in 50 years.
February kicked off with a flurry of activity as we prepared for two major advocacy days in March. The countdown was on, and we used this month to get the word out with social media blasts, youth outreach, and attending planning committee meetings. We had some of our team members training to be lobby day leads— some serious youth leadership in action! To keep the momentum going, we visited three classrooms, encouraging students to get involved by writing to their legislators and joining us for the upcoming advocacy days.
Meanwhile, our Earth Month planning kept moving forward. We started locking in venues, panelists, and food services for what was shaping up to be an event focused on sustainability and climate action, designed to engage a wide audience.
March was wild, in the best way possible. Our biggest moment of the year (so far) came with two major advocacy days.
First up was March 20th, where we saw over 500 people from all across New York State rallying at the capital. Thanks to NY Renews, it was an electrifying day—there were press conferences, rallies, and speeches from elected officials who spoke passionately about the need to vote for climate policy. There was so much energy, that you could practically feel the buzz in the air.
Then, on March 27th, it was time for the Youth Day of Action, hosted by NY Renews and Treeage. And wow, did the young people show up! Over 400 youth from across the state descended on Albany. They met with legislative offices, shared their personal stories about why climate policy matters to them and got loud with chants around the capital. We even participated in two storytelling events that added another layer of depth to the day. The youth proved they are a powerful force for change this day!
And, to top it all off, we kept on working behind the scenes—participating in three call relays that targeted key decision-makers like the Assembly Speaker, Governor, and Senate Majority Leader.
April brought a fun twist as we partnered with Reclypt for their Circular Fashion Playground event on April 13th. It was a day full of curated thrifting, upcycled food, DIY workshops, and even repair cafes. Our role was to manage check-ins and make sure everything went smoothly for the 300+ attendees. The event was a great way to introduce people to eco-friendly fashion practices while connecting sustainability to everyday life. We loved seeing so many community members and changemakers in one place!
May was all about reflecting on Earth Month and taking a moment to celebrate how far we’ve come. We kicked off our two-part event series with Grow NYC on May 9th at the Sixth Street Community Center. The first event was a panel discussion where experts and youth activists joined forces to talk about renewable energy, climate justice, and what New York could look like if we take climate action now. Around 20 youth attended, and the conversation was nothing short of inspiring. It reminded us all why we do what we do.
The second part of our Earth Month celebration took place on May 25th at the Teaching Garden on Governor’s Island. It was all about finding joy and community in the climate movement. We toured the garden, meditated on resilience (because climate action is a marathon, not a sprint), and ended with a creative art build. Attendees collaborated on a collective collage, capturing the energy of working together toward a better future. It was the perfect way to wrap up a busy few months.
The New York team has been crushing it this year—mobilizing, advocating, and building partnerships that push for real, sustainable change. The work continues as we plan for more events, lobby days, and grassroots efforts in the months to come. Stay tuned for what’s next because we’re just getting started. Until then, we will keep fighting the good fight, and keep pushing for a future where climate justice is at the forefront <3
Gabriella Cavallini (she/her), originally from a frontline community in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was raised with a deep appreciation for nature and a commitment to sustainability. With a mother indigenous to the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, Gabriella and her siblings were raised with sustainable living as a core value. This passion led her to an Environmental Science and Everglades Restoration High School and continued through her academic pursuits. In 2018, Gabriella earned a BS in Environmental Science from Florida State University and later graduated from Columbia University Climate School in 2022 with a Master’s in Climate and Society. Her research has focused on wildlife and biodiversity conservation in tropical regions, including a two-month research expedition to Tanzania in 2018, where she studied climate change impacts on vulnerable communities and ecosystems. Gabriella’s journey combines science and policy, driven by a commitment to a more sustainable and equitable world. Over the past three years, she has worked with youth to advocate for a more equitable and sustainable future, believing that young people are the next generation of climate warriors poised to drive significant and just climate action.