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.
Roz
High school student, Orono
"Instead of leaving climate education and climate action as a burden for an individual student to navigate, the network [will] offer a multitude of pathways for engagement with environmental education, leadership development, and climate-career explorations." - from Roz’ testimony
Photo: Roz outside on a sunny day
What excites you about the Green Schools Network? Why does it matter?
​Mainers grow up to be wildly independent and incredibly resilient, but that doesn't mean that they don't need to be supported in their problem solving; in fact, it only accentuates the need for a community to uplift their efforts. The Greens School Network is a chance for just that: a community of students, educators, and partners sharing brilliant ideas and resources. Mainers know how to get it done, and I can't wait to see how we use this network to energize our climate efforts for youth.
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What was your "why" for joining the youth campaign?
Equitable and sustainable solutions for community issues start with those in the community, so it was essential that students drive this campaign. The opportunity to bring youth voices to the forefront of the conversations with key decision makers meant that we were heard, and when we are heard, we are empowered.
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What are you hoping the Green Schools Network looks like?
The spread of geography and experiences across Maine is a unique challenge to building collective change, and I'm hoping that the Green Schools Network will provide the long-needed connection across those distances and experiences so that young students can feel equipped and inspired.
Photo: Maya in the daisies
Maya
High school student, Yarmouth
"I am a leader of the Environmental Action Club at my high school, and something that our club has tried to do is to bring back reusable utensils in the cafeteria. When I talked to my administrators about doing this, they first wanted to know what other schools in Maine were doing and what worked and didn’t work for them, so we wouldn’t have to “reinvent the wheel." At the time, I didn’t have a lot of connections and none of us knew where to look. If a Green Schools Network had existed, we could have easily found the resources we needed to learn from other schools and collaborate."
— from Maya's testimony​
What excites you about the Green Schools Network? Why does it matter?
What most excites me about the Green Schools Network is how it will expand connections between schools and environmental organizations in Maine. As someone who is part of Maine's environmental spaces, it is often difficult to reach schools. Administrators, teahers, and students alike often have a limited understanding of what opportunities are available to build more sustainable systems and expand outdoor, hands-on learning at school because of a lack of resources. The Green Schools Network will connect all the missing pieces so students can be better supported in their learning and better prepared for a changing world.
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What was your "why" for joining the youth campaign?
I felt that as a high schooler, I was in a unique position to provide my opinion, because this legislation affects students specifically. I was also really excited to be working with people my age, since I'm often working with people older than me in climate action spaces. I've also felt frustrated by my experience trying to start "green" projects in high school and feeling like I didn't have the resources, knowledge, or power to make those projects long-term. A Green Schools Network will empower students and connect administrators so that obstacles could be tackled together and solutions are more long-lasting. ​
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What are you hoping the Green Schools Network looks like?
AIn the Green Schools Network, I would love to see an active place for students to collaborate on projects across schools. It's difficult to connect the various climate action clubs at different high schools, but I think there can be a place within the network for students to bring their ideas forth, and teachers and administrators can help bring them to life. Sharing resources across schools shouldn't be limited to just teachers' curriculum- it should include the question: how can students be involved in the transition from a traditional school to one that prioritizes sustainability and outdoor education? From my experience, I have reason to believe that students won't just be involved, they will be at the forefront.
Phoebe
High school student, Freeport
"The beauty of our state is changing before our eyes. Lobsters are moving north. Winters are shorter, and the snowfall is too inconsistent for skiing. The coastline is eroding. I was still young when I learned this, and I wanted to do whatever’s possible to be a part of protect[ing] the state. …I learned that not only does climate change impact Maine’s environment, but also its economy and culture. The climate education that I’ve been privileged to be a part of has taught me more than just scientific principles. It has taught me economic lessons, cultural awareness, critical thinking, and has created a web of like-minded community members.”
— from Phoebe's testimony​
Photo: Phoebe in flowers
What excites you about the Green Schools Network? Why does it matter?
The Green Schools Network excites me because it combines two of my biggest passions: climate justice and education. It is so important for our youth to have the tools, technology, and support they need to be empowered to enact change in the world.
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What was your "why" for joining the youth campaign?
I joined the youth campaign because I wanted to be a part of real and actionable local climate justice. The Green Schools Bill lays out the resources for students across the state to participate in education that will not only help the earth, but their own futures andthe Maine economy. It is a winning situation for all Mainers. ​
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What are you hoping the Green Schools Network looks like?
To me, the Green Schools Network will be a database of students from around to state to communicate, help each other, and stay connected to stay empowered.