My experience fighting for climate justice through local government

Each new day is full of possibility, and developing the courage and initiative to take chances as they come is an important practice. One chance I am glad I took this past year was joining my town's newly formed Climate Action Committee. Last January, when I heard that the Committee had been created and that it needed volunteers from the town, I was eager to learn more. It looked like a great opportunity to get involved and give back to my community, as well as a chance to take real action for a cause I care deeply about: environmental protection. However, I was a high school freshman at the time, and had no idea what the position would entail. But I took a chance by putting myself out there, and now, one year later, I am so glad I did.

The past year on the Corte Madera Climate Action Committee has been challenging but rewarding. At each monthly meeting, the ten Committee members, along with our town’s mayor and vice mayor, come together to discuss climate action items for the town to enact. We then recommend priority action items to the Town Council, which decides whether to adopt our recommended actions. Though the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed our progress and made our meetings virtual, the Climate Action Committee has still managed to accomplish several significant goals, including recommending the adoption of both a Climate Action Plan and a Climate Emergency Resolution for our town. As a Committee, we continue to work toward greater climate action, with a focus on energy, transportation, waste, water, and nature as areas for improvement.

Climate Action Committee 12/22/20

If there is one lesson I have learned from my experience this past year, it is that taking chances to pursue interesting opportunities today can open amazing new doors tomorrow.

It has been a meaningful experience to be involved in local government as a young person, and I have gained valuable experience by taking this chance one year ago. I encourage my fellow youth to find ways to be involved in their communities, especially in local government, and take action for causes they believe in. Having the courage to put oneself out there is difficult but rewarding. If there is one lesson I have learned from my experience this past year, it is that taking chances to pursue interesting opportunities today can open amazing new doors tomorrow.