A TOOLKIT FOR EDUCATORS - "GREEN SCHOOLS, NOT FOSSIL FUELS!"
Why This Moment?
What does the environment have to do with our jobs and our schools?
Educators and Youth Are Pissed Off
Students can’t learn and teachers can’t teach amidst budget cuts, little support, crumbling and unhealthy school buildings, and climate disasters.
There is a Big Opportunity to Do Something About It
Publicly funded, healthy, green investments can start to alleviate all of these crises at the same time - covering upfront costs for healthy renovations, renewable energy, and energy efficiency - swelling budgets to avoid cuts to critical resources and staff.
Demands for Green, Healthy Schools & an End to Fossil Fuels
American Federation of Teachers (AFT) resolution calls for funding green schools and ending fossil fuels!
Last October 2023, the AFT passed a historic resolution for climate justice. The resolution did two major things:
(1) Demanded that President Biden declare a national climate emergency.
(2) Called on the union to mobilize its members to organize for federally funded green, healthy schools projects.
The AFT resolution was groundbreaking for the U.S. labor movement and shows how the labor, youth, and climate justice movements share a common goal where everyone can make a living, with healthy working conditions, and on a living planet!
On Earth Day - Youth, Educators, and Social Movements are Taking Action
Use our Quick Links to start these important conversations at your school - to stop cuts and fight for health and safety at the same time!
Click here for a fuller list of Action Ideas and Resources.