Power Shift 2009 is over. The tidal wave of 12,000 youth converging for clean energy, climate justice, and green jobs has now settled back across the country. Left in its wake are hundreds of inspired, passionate, and organized young people right here in Washington, D.C ready to kick some serious climate ass.
This will be the year of DCYEA, the year that young people come together and bring the clean energy revolution to Washington. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, so let’s get to it!
In early April, DCYEA will convene a major organizing summit of local youth. We’ll be setting policy priorities, discussing strategy, and launching the largest environmental youth movement in the city’s history.
In the mean time, our movement will take an exciting step forward on March 14th at the DCYEA Youth Summit, which will bring together over 100 high school students from across the District for a day of speakers, workshops, and discussions that will give birth to the first environment high school student-led network in the city’s history. With speakers ranging from World Wildlife Fund CEO Carter Roberts to Green DMV CEO Philip O’Neil – and workshops offered by the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Earth Day Network, Sierra Student Coalition, Campus Progress, GreeNewIt, local farmers and students, and more – students will be given the tools they need to make their schools and communities green. If you’re a high school student or know anyone who would like to participate, simply register at http://dcyea.org/dcyeahigh-school. It’s free!
DC youth meeting with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton.
DCYEA will also continue to develop our Political Action Corps (PAC), which will work to organize a constant presence of local youth and students on the Hill and in the City Council. With eight major universities and a growing number of high schools involved, DCYEA has incredible power and ability to influence decision makers on crucial climate, energy, and environmental issues at the city and federal levels.
But all this and more is impossible without you. Whether you’re looking to help set up meetings or organize full campaigns, DCYEA has a place for you! Get involved today by contacting me at jeff.gustafson@mac.com.
Jeff Gustafson is the director of the D.C. Youth Environmental Alliance.
