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Newton’s first law of motion teaches us that “An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless it is acted upon by an unbalanced force.”
Now imagine climate change as this giant boulder that we need to push up a steep cliff. It’s not going to budge with only a few hands on it. But what is so wonderful and hopeful is that there are already millions of hands on this boulder pushing it up that cliff. The boulder is in motion but it’s just not moving fast enough. It needs more force. It needs more hands. It needs you!
It is going to take collective action! There are so many amazing people, organizations, and movements happening right here in Halton that you can get involved with! Scroll down and see how you can join the movement and take action!
HDSB STUDENT CLIMATE DECLARATION
HDSB STUDENT CLIMATE DECLARATION
Did you know that Halton students are already leading the way? The HDSB’s Student Senate expressed grave concern about the climate crisis and their interest in supporting a climate emergency declaration to safeguard the environment while inspiring action to address these threats. We are proud to say that the HDSB is the first school board in Canada to declare a climate emergency. Recognizing the challenges climate change brings to the HDSB, the declaration aims to inspire students, families and staff to take collective action in combating climate change within their communities. You can read more about it HERE.
Get Involved:
Are you passionate about advocating for student voice on board topics? The HDSB Student Senate is looking for students outside of the Student Senate to join their subcommittees! They are searching for 4-6 students from each region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville) from grades 7-12 to join one of their four subcommittees: Equity and Inclusion, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Environmental Leadership, and Learning and Achievement.
Click HERE to learn more and apply. Follow along on Instagram: @hdsbstudentsenate and @greenteam.hdsb
Click on the Student Climate Declaration graphic to view a larger PDF version
MORE HDSB INITIATIVES
MORE HDSB INITIATIVES
Environment SHSM
Environment SHSM
The Environment SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) gives you an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications/certificates, and explore various career pathways within the Environment sector while still in High School. The SHSM Program has a number of required components, designed to help give you a "leg-up" to pursue all post-secondary opportunities including apprenticeship, college, community, university and the workplace. Offered in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, & Georgetown
ECO Studies
ECO Studies
ECO Studies is one of Halton's Environmental SHSM programs that takes place at both Aldershot High School and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Students earn 4 environmentally focused credits which are supported with hands-on opportunities to implement environmental initiatives that give back to the school/community, experience real scientific research, and go on three major overnight adventure trips!
Nature's NEAR
Nature's NEAR
To earn a Specialist High Skills Major students are required to complete a Co-op related to their specific sector. Nature's NEAR offers a supportive and hands-on placement for students in various SHSM programs. While it directly relates and builds upon the Environmental SHSM, it connects to others such as Arts & Culture, Health & Wellness, Business, Horticulture & Landscaping, Non-profit, and more!
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Halton Environmental Network
Halton Environmental Network
Halton Environmental Network (HEN) works closely with The HDSB and strives to propel climate action in Halton by educating and building awareness in our community through numerous programs and initiatives! There are many ways to get involved with HEN to engage, inspire, and build a climate conscious community. Follow them on Instagram @henhere
Halton Climate Collective
Halton Climate Collective
The Halton Climate Collective (HCC) is a Halton Environmental Network Initiative that brings together environmental leaders and engagers from organizations across Halton to respond to the challenge of climate change and work together to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Follow them on Instagram @haltonclimatecollective
Generation Green!
Generation Green!
Take climate action and join Generation Green! Generation Green is an HCC youth led initiative which invites students from Grade 7 - 12 to participate and submit a project to reduce GHG emissions. There are opportunities to attend webinars, gain community involvement hours, and showcase your project and earn prizes!
BurlingtonGreen Youth Network
BurlingtonGreen Youth Network
BurlingtonGreen aims to work together with the community to protect the environment, mitigate climate change, and create a healthier, more environmentally responsible city. Join the BurlingtonGreen Youth Network to connect with other like-minded young people (ages 14 - 24) and learn about local and global eco-issues and news, opportunities to help the planet, hear from guest speakers, and more! BGYN meetings can be anything from how-to workshops or film screenings to planning an environmental awareness campaign. Once a month they also host a Special Guest Speaker to inspire and showcase a variety of careers in the environmental sector. Meetings held in person and virtually. Follow them on Instagram @bgyouthnetwork
Conservation Halton
Conservation Halton
Conservation Halton protects and manages 8 parks across Halton filled with biodiverse forests, meadows, grasslands, cliffs, creeks, lakes, wetlands and more! These parks provide opportunities for people to spend time in nature and learn more about the environment. Get involved by exploring their parks or volunteering at their events/programs. Keep an eye out on their careers page for more opportunities! Follow them on Instagram @conservationhalton
Conservation Halton Green Space
Conservation Halton Green Space
Green Space: Newcomer Youth Climate Forum is a new program for youth aged 15-29 to learn more about climate change and ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their community. Through this program, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to take on leadership roles in their local climate action initiatives through two monthly workshops. Green Space is currently full for 2021-22, if you'd like to be notified when applications open email: celliott@hrca.on.ca
Halton Black Voices
Halton Black Voices
Halton Black Voices provides a safe, healing space for racialized members of our community by offering classes that support wellness, mental health, and community healing. In partnership with Conservation Halton they've developed an outdoor program that works with local Black communities to beautify their neighbourhoods. They also offer camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities/events. Follow them on Instagram @haltonblackvoices
YES Alliance
YES Alliance
YES Alliance (Young Environmental Science Alliance) is a club run by the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) for High School students interested in environmental science, or aspiring to a career in the outdoors. It takes place at The RBG and they meet every second Saturday between October and June. Follow them on Instagram @yesalliance
We hope that learning about the amazing environmental initiatives here in Halton has given you more hope and inspired you to take action! There's no one way to get involved, find what works best for you. Is there an initiative we missed that you'd like to see added here? Please contact us!
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