This past Sunday, I came home after spending a week at this year’s Midwest “Sprog” (Summer Grassroots Organizing Training) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before Sprog, I had the desire to create change, but was unsure on how to really do it. In the past, I focused on a multitude of environmental projects at the same time, all focused on different issues. However, Sprog was an empowering moment because I learned the skills to begin designing my own campaign.
At Sprog, I learned more about the Sierra Student Coalition’s (SSC) Seize the Grid Campaign, the growing nationwide movement to transition college campuses’ energy sources from old and dirty fossil fuels to 100% renewables by 2030. From going to Sprog this year I realized that I can start a Seize the Grid Campaign at my school, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.).
The environmental and social justice student-movement has been continuously growing at U. of I. and I believe clean energy is the next step my community should take on! U. of I. already has strong Divestment and Beyond Coal Campaigns, that together with Seize the Grid, can call out the negative impacts of the fossil fuel industry, demand purchasing of 100% clean energy for campus and an investment in renewable energy solutions for campus.
Last week, I met other young and inspiring leaders from Duke, Michigan State, and Ohio State who are also working on strategies to transition our campuses nationwide to 100% clean energy. Discussing campus-specific energy issues and solutions were some of the most important and insightful sessions for me. Working closely with other students on Seize the Grid showed me the impact I can have at my University. And working with peers also new to the campaign provided a comforting sense that I am not alone. Beyond Sprog, we will support each other in our shared goal of transitioning our universities to clean renewable energy.
The reassurance and empowerment I gained at Sprog inspired me to create a clean energy movement on my campus. My first step for Seize the Grid will be planning U. of I.’s kick-off event on September 22nd, when Seize the Grid campaigners throughout the country will deliver letters to their campus administrations demanding clean energy. I will deliver a letter at U of I.’s annual Environmental Expo, where students, faculty, administration, and community members are present. This will also be an opportunity for students and community members to get more involved in Seize the Grid and partner for the solutions we want to see.
Before Sprog, I had never seen myself as a campaign organizer. I viewed it as foreign and daunting to challenge my institution, but I learned all great leaders started in a place of uncertainty and we cannot afford wait around for the changes we want to see.
I invite you to launch Seize the Grid at your school this fall! https://www.addup.org/campaigns/seize-the-grid-for-100-clean-energy-by-2030.
Join University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and other campuses in hosting your first big event on September 22nd!