It’s Getting Hot In Here

As climate change debate moves from the question of “Is it real?” to the “What should we do?,” and our decision makers begin debate on climate legislation, the tactics taken by the youth climate movement are also expanding. Activists are simultaneously engaging in intense policy and value debates, summer training programs, pieing, and tons of stuff I don’t even know about.

We’re also starting to run into what I would unceremoniously call mid-term or mid-scale actions: those actions that lie in between short-term strategies and goals (organizing, communication, the development of a shared system of values and language, recognition of a “movement”) and the long-term vision (a sustainable, just, prosperous, climate positive, clean energy economy and society). To me, mid-term actions highlight the need to challenge and apply our values by taking a direct role in creating and demonstrating the future that we want to see. It’s moving off campus and into the community, starting a business or nonprofit, engaging with traditional environmental orgs across age divides, challenging the power of decision-makers, educating ourselves and others on a mass scale in a new way, collaborating on a local, regional, and national scale, and being creative in our view of the world.

Mid-term actions are process-oriented, experimenting, questioning, and applying our values. They are capacity-building; not only will mid-term actions reduce our carbon footprint and give us experience in reforming institutions, but they will grow our movement, cultivate an ecological consciousness, chip away at the power of the opposition, and scale-up to meet the challenge.

They’re also tough. They require a lot of thought, dedication, conviction and work. Mid-term actions have no clear “victory,” no sweeping legislation that will be passed or clear end of the road.

Nevertheless, mid-term strategies are crucial – and youth have the power and creativity to start them now. And so I offer to you some theory and practice from my own experiences here in Minnesota. These examples shouldn’t be viewed as isolated actions or demonstrations of what works; youth across the country are creating similarly creative projects. We don’t have everything figured out, (by any means!) and are constantly reassessing and challenging our plans. But we’ve got some inspiration, creativity and hope that I’d love to share and discuss. Continue reading ‘The Breadth of Activism’

On Monday, March 3 a group of four hundred concerned students gathered for the Youth Forum on Global Warming Solutions, a collaborative and nonconfrontational conversation with Minnesota’s Governor (and possible vice president candidate) Tim Pawlenty. Organized by the Governor’s office, the Will Steger foundation, the Transcampus Energy Action Movement (TEAM MN), and Youth Environmental Activists (YEA MN), the event sought to present both the Governor’s and student visions for what Minnesota can do to combat climate change. Continue reading ‘Minnesota Students hold Forum with Governor Pawlenty’

As a college activist from a rural town, I’m often unaware of the diverse groups that are involved in the Youth Climate Movement. Amazing action certainly doesn’t have to wait till you get a high school diploma, and YEA Minnesota is proving it.

A couple months ago, a coalition of high school environmental groups formed YEA Minnesota (Young Environmental Activists). My fellow college activists Timothy Denherder-Thomas and Jason Rodney attended this phenomenal YEA MN event just weeks ago, hosted by the Will Steger Foundation. Just listen to what high school student Ethan Buckner and some others have to say.

From my experience, these kids are phenomenal thinkers and activists. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Ethan through TEAM MN, and many more students are engaged and involved. It’s incredibly inspiring to see this organization develop and take action. This is people power at its finest. The Youth Climate Movement should be sure to connect with student organizations at all levels, as all have incredible visions. Do you have any reports of high school action in your area? Let’s make some connections.