You don’t need me to tell you how hard it is to get involved in the fight for climate justice. As our political leaders question the basic science of rising temperatures and the headlines forecasting apocalyptic, climate change-induced doom only seem to mount. Meanwhile, those communities most impacted by climate disruption and environmental pollution—the poor, the young, and people of color—are already busy fighting for their basic rights to education, health care, and safe communities.

When everything we hold dear feels under attack, it can be hard get out of bed in the morning, let alone organize to make the world a better place. But the complexity and scale of the challenges young people face—from climate change to systemic racism—require us to work together to transform our communities so they reflect the world in which we want to live.

Some of the most promising transformations are taking place on high school and college campuses. This is hardly surprising when you consider that youth activists have long stood at the forefront of social movements, from the effort to end the Vietnam War to Black Lives Matter. The Resistance, so far, is no different. Whether organizing for clean energy on campus, standing in solidarity with Standing Rock’s water protectors, or advocating for sanctuary campuses and cities, young people are at the helm. Now more than ever, history demands this work of us—we, after all, are the ones in a position to articulate that a different world is possible, and to take courageous action to make that world a reality.

Young people are particularly instrumental in the movement for climate and environmental justice. Not only do we have to reckon hardest with the changing world our parents and grandparents are leaving to us, but our leadership could inspire an intergenerational movement to sustain a safe and livable planet for all of us—especially those that have been most impacted by the extractive economy that got us to this place in time.

The good news is that there are many ways to get started—ways that don’t necessarily require you to be an expert in the issues you care about. Here’s a quick rundown of actions you can take right now:

• Write a letter to the editor of your campus or city newspaper calling for citizen and governmental action toward climate justice and a transition toward clean energy.
• Host a dorm or house party during which you and your guests share stories about what climate justice and clean energy in your community mean to you. Capture those stories in the forms of drawings, letters, or short videos, and share them on social media. (Pro tip: Tag your principal or college president!)
• Ask your student government to pass a resolution in support of clean energy on campus.  
• Ask your principal or college president to commit to transitioning your school to 100 percent clean energy, and/or to divest from all fossil fuel holdings. You could make this ask in a meeting, by hand-delivering a letter, or by organizing a public community action (such as a protest or demonstration) on campus.
• Ask your school district or college campus to transition the bus fleet to electric buses.
• Organize friends, teachers, professors, and parents to move their money from big banks that fund fossil fuels (e.g. Wells Fargo) to local credit unions (here’s a handy credit union locator). Pro tip: Tell the bank why you are switching, and ask your campus leaders to join you as you move your money! (Be sure to tip off your local newspapers when you spark action like this!)

Now more than ever, local leadership is crucial to moving forward on environmental issues. It’s important that we each do our part to influence the places where we learn, shop, work, and worship to become leaders in the transition to a just, equitable, clean-energy future. Choosing one or two of the above actions is a great start on the path to making a difference.
 
If you’re yearning to take the lead on actions like these but wishing you had more support, and/or if you’re feeling stuck in the work you’re already doing, read on.

At the Sierra Student Coalition (SSC), we know that taking action against issues as huge and complex as climate change can be daunting. That’s why this fall, the SSC is launching the Climate Justice League—a new, 10-week program for high school and college students seeking to deepen their understanding of, and take action to improve, climate and environmental justice issues.

Climate Justice League participants will learn more about:
• Climate change—both the science, and its impacts on our communities;
• How political power works, and the ways you can use it to transform your school, campus, or community;
• How to compel your friends and family to take action to solve the biggest crises of our time;
• How to stay hopeful when so much feels stacked against us.

Participants will also experience:
• The community support of fellow young people who care about climate justice;
• Professional coaching support around taking action with friends in your community;
• The joys of working to mobilize community action around the issues you care about.

This program can be completed from anywhere. Those selected as Organizing Fellows will complete remote trainings with the SSC as well as self-guided dialogue, and will ultimately work with local groups. As they plan and take their actions, participants will receive support from SSC coaches.

It’s a program we’re really excited to share. If you or any young people in your life want to get more involved in these issues, we hope you’ll consider applying, and that you’ll spread the word, too.

Click here for more information about the Climate Justice League, and to access the application form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the final date to submit is September 1.

Hope to see you this fall!