Youth Climate Action in SMC: Amplifying and Supporting the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders

Thursday, April 22, 2021, 3:30 PM, Zoom Recording & Slides

MEETING RECAP

On Thursday, May 20, Thrive convened 7 local youth climate action organizations to share their current projects and future goals. With over 40 in attendance, it was truly inspirational to learn about all of the advocacy and education efforts that the next generation is leading and the passion that drives their work.

Citizen's Climate Lobby San Mateo Youth Chapter shared their goal to empower students to utilize government for action. This exemplary youth advocacy lobbied Jackie Speier in 2020 and will be hosting her at their demonstration on August 7, 2021. If you have questions or would like to get involved please email Roisin McElarney.

Next, we learned about the Energize Colleges program. Their mission is to build leaders to drive sustainability solutions through their various internships. Their 75-hour internship programs are offered through various partnerships with colleges in the area. Please reach out to Katherine Chen if you would like to learn more.

The Bay Area Youth Climate Action Team (BAYCATS) demonstrated their dedication to combat climate change by educating all generations about key environmental issues and taking action against them. Their current work includes a mentorship program, single-use plastic food ware ban, a Healthy Planet Webinar, and environmental education. To get involved sign up here! If you have questions please reach out to Vanessa Teo.

We then heard from Kendall Post about the Acterra: You(th) Be the Change Program including its in-school partnerships and summer programs for middle schoolers. It also offers a virtual format for the program! If you would like to learn more please email ybtc@acterra.org.

Woodside High School has a great program for environment and sustainability coursework called Green Academy. The 3-year program operates within the school and starts in 10th grade for students interested. They partner with many community organizations for fieldwork and projects ranging from water, plant & soil science, to environmental engineering. To learn more or to collaborate contact Alton Lee.

The SMC Office of Education Environmental Youth Leadership Network team described how they bring together youth leaders across the county and build partnerships. Each year they convene youth summits to collaborate on key environmental issues. Sign up for their newsletter or contact elsi@smcoe.org for more information.

The SMC Office of Sustainability Youth Climate Ambassadors Leadership program strives to increase knowledge, skills, and capacity at the individual level and regional level in environmental action across the county. The ambassadors have spearheaded 27 community impact projects so far and they continue to grow. Applications for the 2022 YCA program will open in October 2021, apply here. Contact youthclimateambassadors@smcgov.org to learn more.

Speakers and Organizations:

Acterra You(th) Be the Change Program- Kendall Post
Bay Area Youth Climate Action Teams- Vanessa Teo
Citizens' Climate Lobby San Mateo Youth Chapter Aragon High School- Josh Wing, Kelly Chan, Roisin McElarney
SMC Community College District Energize Colleges Program- Katherine Chen & Landon Smith
SMC Office of Education Environmental Youth Leadership Network Program- Sonia Schendel
SMC Office of Sustainability Youth Climate Ambassadors Program- Zoe Van Duivenbode
Woodside High School Green Academy Program- Alton Lee