Over the past several months, Our Climate youth have been a beacon of hope. Whether it’s adjusting to virtual lobby meetings, holding new national webinars, or planning our first voter registration campaign, their passion inspires our team to focus on advancing climate policies and fighting for justice in our communities. Read on to learn more about their exciting work and ways to be part of an action-packed summer.
STATES TAKING ACTION
A Virtual Lobby Week in Massachusetts
Over 80 Massachusetts youth leaders are taking their advocacy online with their first virtual lobby week, in partnership with Boston Climate Strike and the newly formed Massachusetts Youth Climate Coalition. The week includes trainings, networking, and Zoom meetings with elected officials to build support for equitable climate policy. To learn more and get involved moving forward, email Eben at eben@ourclimate.us. And check out this photo from one of our prep sessions!
Evergreen New Deal Survey and Listening Sessions
We know young Washingtonians want bold, comprehensive, equitable climate policy passed now. That is why we are urging our elected officials to pass an “Evergreen New Deal” in early 2021, and we need your help shaping it!
We’re gathering input from community partners and young Washingtonians through listening sessions and a survey to create a list of priorities we expect our legislators to fight for this year. Sign up to attend a listening session or take this short survey so you can have your voice heard!
A Rad Youth Climate Organizing Panel in Florida
In 2020, young people have had ENOUGH—and this year, our votes and our voices will be enough to demand climate action from our leaders. Our Climate’s Florida team hosted a panel of local climate activists to share their experiences, their stories, and activities youth leaders can plug into. In Florida, youth are involved in climate activism all over the spectrum from lobbying, educating, striking, and even suing the state to protect our future. Next up in Florida: a virtual Youth Lobby Day on June 3rd! RSVP here.
FROM COAST TO COAST: OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED
Announcing Our Climate Summer Policy Camp!
Save the date for Our Climate’s Summer Policy Camp from July 23-26. This year, our team will be collaborating on nationwide webinars with state-specific break out groups relevant to your region. Stay tuned for details on policy deep dives, lobbying practice sessions, storytelling workshops, virtual dance parties, self care workshops and more!
Are you a National Youth Leader? Get involved today!
We have been hosting bi-weekly national calls for our youth leaders across the country. These calls have been a space to facilitate student-led planning sessions for national public webinars; through these calls we have been able to plan text-banking events, host educational events, and allow our national youth leaders to build relationships across states. We have developed a National Youth Leaders Slack Channel that allows youth leaders to continue planning conversations between our bi-weekly meetings. If you are a Youth Leader with Our Climate, fill out this form to join our Slack channel!
Register your peers to vote!
Young people are mobilizing to make the climate crisis a priority up and down the 2020 ballot! Throughout the year, we will register our peers to vote and make sure we all have a clear plan to flex our strength. We want to make sure everyone has the tools they need to get registered and vote, even when barriers like COVID-19 are present. The fun starts the first week of June, when young leaders will get together for Our Climate’s Voter Mobilization Campaign Orientation. We would love to have you and your friends there. 2020 is our year to stand up for our future!
Contact Steven at steven@ourclimate.us if you are interested in volunteering or getting involved with the campaign. You can also fill out this short contact form and we will get back to you.
ANNOUNCING OUR POOL PARTY SERIES
It’s been a hard spring. And while we may be physically social distancing, we don’t have to go through this alone. Our Climate is excited to announce our Summer Pool Party Series: a collection of virtual events through the summer to connect, unwind, and share some remote fun with fellow climate advocates.
We’re kicking off the summer with our first ever Climate Action Dance Party on Thursday, June 4th at 6:30 PT / 9:30 ET with music provided by our special guest DJ TayCtrl! All are welcome; so are cheesy dance moves and your best disco attire.
While we recognize the stress of our current situations and know not everyone is in a financial place to give, we do welcome a $5 – $10 donation “at the door” to support the work of our youth leaders. So what do you say — ready to dust off your dancing shoes? RSVP here and tell a friend, because this will not be a night to forget!
OUR CLIMATE STANDS IN SOLIDARITY
His name was George Floyd. We speak his name. We remember his words. We demand #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd and for the Black and Brown communities who have suffered incalculable losses under the burden of systematic racism.
Earlier this week, George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis Police Department following detention for a non-violent charge, pleading “I can’t breathe,” as he fought for his life in a scene reminiscent of the death of Eric Garner. Just a few weeks ago we mourned the loss of Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old Black EMT killed by police who wrongly invaded her home, and Ahmaud Arbery, who was shot in broad daylight while jogging. This senseless violence is unacceptable. Rest in power, Breonna, Ahmad, and George. Black Lives Matter.
We invite our community to call Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey at 612-673-2100 and District Attorney Mike Freeman at 612-348-5550 to advocate for justice and accountability for George Floyd’s passing. The beautiful artwork above was created by Shirien Creates; follow her on Instagram for more movement art.
Our Climate includes a solidarity action in every monthly newsletter. Please write cassidy@ourclimate.us with your suggestions on what we should feature in the future.