By Oliver Owens
In recent weeks, the nation has awoken to young people’s ability to organize for political change. But for those of us who work with the Sierra Student Coalition, this isn’t news. We are reminded of high school students’ immense capacities on a daily basis, both here in Georgia and across the country.
Our Climate Justice League program is wrapping up its second iteration this month. This semester-long introduction to organizing brings together high school and college students from across the country via weekly webinars, building a national community and empowering participants to harness their passions in the service of environmental justice. At this point in the semester, they have recruited their peers into organizing “circles” and facilitated those circles’ meetings. Now, they’re in planning mode as they design and implement actions on their campuses and in their communities. Along the way, they’ve not only bolstered their organizing capabilities, but they’ve developed leadership skills and sharpened their political analysis.
Olivia Williams is one such student. An undergraduate engineering major at Kennesaw State University, Olivia is dedicated to devising 21st-century transportation solutions that improve both quality of air and quality of life. For Olivia, that mission starts at home in Cobb County where she is the youngest member of the Centennial Group’s Executive Committee. Through her participation in the Climate Justice League program this semester, Olivia has acquired the organizing skills to match her technical expertise and is now developing a clean-transit campaign on her campus. That starts with educating her fellow students about the potential MARTA expansion into Cobb County. She says, “Many citizens are unaware of the power they hold in their local government. This project intends to help citizens fully realize that power."
For those who are ready to take the next step, the Sierra Student Coalition offers Sprog, a weeklong organizing intensive for youth, ages 14 to 28. Sprogs are held regionally, so they’re also an opportunity to build local networks of young organizers. This summer, I’m co-directing a Southeast Sprog in Brandon, Mississippi. We have trainers from across the Southeast and across the country who will be hard at work over the next few months to bring our vision to life in July.
If you or someone you know may be interested in Sprog, now is the time to register! Find out more at ssc.org/sprog. If you’re interested in donating to make Sprog more affordable and accessible, please click here >>
Please direct any questions about Sprog or the work of the Sierra Student Coalition in general to Oliver Owens at oliver.owens@sierraclub.org.