Meet the youth organizers
behind the Green Schools Network Campaign
Photo: Akouvi in a field of grass.
Akouvi
High school student, Orono​
"Throughout my high school career, I have invested a lot of time in organizing climate strikes, leading the Environmental Club, and initiating a composting program. However, these efforts are often limited by a lack of resources and limited support. The Green Schools Network would address these gaps by creating a structured approach to environmental education and sustainable practices across Maine schools."
— from Akouvi's testimony​
What excites you about the Green Schools Network? Why does it matter?
To me, the Green Schools network is the beginning of an education infrastructure in the state of Maine that makes it clear that we as a state not only value the environment, but we also value the youth of Maine's right to advocate and learn about the future of climate change. I am so excited that Maine high schools will have the ability to be a part of something so powerful and meaningful, and I am even more excited and grateful that students in Maine high schools, like myself, will have access to a new network of resources to help them on their journey to climate literacy, advocacy, and understanding.
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What was your "why" for joining the youth campaign?
One of the major things about the youth campaign that really inspired me to join was the focus on youth voices. I feel like a lot of the time, particularly in the realm of climate action, there is a strong focus on policymakers and legislators -- which is valid as these are the people who drive action -- but I also think it's important to realize how impactful youth voices are. When Will and Kaya reached out to me to ask me to be a part of the Green Schools campaign, I felt a sense of responsibility to take advantage of an opportunity that not many youth in this country are given. And truly, I think just the focus on youth experience and testimony throughout this campaign is very telling of how much value the Green Schools network places on youth voices. This principle was one that was a driving factor in my decision to join the youth campaign.​
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What are you hoping the Green Schools Network looks like?
I hope that the Green Schools Network is the foundation for a generation of changemakers. I see not just potential but also so much passion in my peers and me. I truly believe that if given an outlet, this passion will drive change. I hope that the Green Schools Network gives students an outlet to learn more about how they can apply their passion for the environment in different ways to make change.​​
Photo: Laura in the woods with young outdoor learners.
Laura
High school student, Belmont​
"I believe that public education can be visionary, empowering, and place–based, and the Green Schools Network is a step in that direction. Learning about climate (change) has to start with students going outside. If this learning does not start with a connection to place, students will have no context for what they learn, let alone for the changes and catastrophes they will stumble on in the world."
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— from Laura's testimony​​
What excites you about the Green Schools Network? Why does it matter?
I think we have an amazing opportunity here in Maine to offer an accessible public education that empowers students to be advocates for the future by giving students the spaces to develop a sense of belonging in the more-than-human world just beyond their school doors. I have talked to many people - educators, students, parents - who also dream of this and are working toward it through their circles or organizations.
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What was your "why" for joining the youth campaign?
I have had the privilege to experience just how powerful and humanizing a place-based education can be, and I want that to be available for all students. I was also searching for a way to help bridge the gap between all of the individual efforts toward "green" education, and I saw the Green Schools Network as a commitment to working together toward this collective vision.​
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What are you hoping the Green Schools Network looks like?
I hope the Green Schools Network is a resource for connectivity between students, teachers, local, and state-wide organizations and opportunities. Maybe it will include work towards some policy change, but I also hope that it builds relationships: people talking and sharing resources, ideas, reflections; building connections and pathways toward collaboration. I hope it will guide students and teachers to resources and support (much of which is already out there somewhere) so we don't keep trying to implement outdoor classrooms, greenhouses, or other projects all on our own.
Photo: Carmella sitting outside on a sunny day.
Carmella
High school student, Indian Island/Penobscot Nation​
"The future of our planet is something that brings many young people anxiety as they are the ones who will feel the brunt of poor climate choices, and will have to take the reins to navigate what will best protect and preserve our environment. That is why the passage of this bill is so important. LD. 1543 would provide students all over Maine with a head start on climate awareness and education. The prioritization of teaching ways to reduce and conserve would demonstrate how much of a difference a student can make on their own."
— from Carmella's testimony​
What excites you about the Green Schools Network? Why does it matter?
The Green Schools Network provides students with a chance to work towards a more sustainable future on their own. As a youth who experiences anxiety surrounding the state of our climate, I know I would have benefited greatly from these programs in grade school. This bill will create helpful opportunities and learning experiences me and many others did not have
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What was your "why" for joining the youth campaign?
I am planning on going into political science and law. I also care deeply for our planet and severely worry over its future. This youth campaign was not only a way for me to gain experience but also a chance for me to fight for something I believe in. Change starts with policy and being able to be a part of that was something I could not miss out on.​
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What are you hoping the Green Schools Network looks like?
An aspect of the Green Schools Network I’m incredibly excited for is the Wabanaki education aspect. The state of Maine has neglected their obligation to educate about their Indigenous population and failed to pick up the most recent Wabanaki Studies bill, so the Green Schools bill could help alleviate some of the negative consequences of that deficiency. With the inclusion of traditional ecological teachings from Wabanaki educators, this bill creates a space for Indigenous people in Maine to assist in the protection of our land while also being its original caretakers.