Cohort 4: Important Resources, Dates, and Elements

Orientation and Retreats

Purpose and Overview: Students will participate in a virtual orientation and a two-day virtual retreat that focuses on foundational knowledge and skill building related to environmental and climate issues and action. The orientation will be an opportunity for students to meet one another and familiarize themselves with the program. Intended outcomes of the retreat include the following: 

• Develop a shared understanding of the environmental and climate crisis and process emotional reaction in a safe and supportive community

• Dive deep into the definitions, principles, frameworks, and strategies for environmental and climate action in schools

• Explore foundational concepts related to policy and coalition building to establish a strong foundation for a student-led advocacy campaign

• Networking and building community with peers who share similar interests and passion in your region and across the state

• Reflect on yourself as a leader, and start your personal leadership plan journey

Workshops

Purpose and Overview: Students attend monthly virtual skill-building workshops that supplement and enhance their plans for a climate-literacy/action-policy-related advocacy campaign at their school community. Workshops will take place on the following dates:  

Thursday, August 27th: 7–9 p.m. 

• Topic: Field Research and Coalition Building

Thursday, September 17th: 7–9 p.m. 

• Topic: Coalition Building and Introduction to Policy Actions

Thursday, October 15th: 7–9 p.m. 

• Topic: Presenting to School Boards and Campaign Metrics

Thursday, November 19th: 7–9 p.m.

• Topic: Presentation Preparation, Policy Peer Review, and Support for Board Presentations

Thursday, December 10th: 7–9 p.m. 

• Topic: Campaign Follow-up and Case Study Preparation

Intended Outcomes:

• Building skills for the development and implementation of an advocacy policy campaign

• Further networking and community building

• Continued knowledge building related to the broader climate action movement

Climate Policy Campaign

Purpose and Overview: Students will develop and implement an advocacy campaign to pass a climate policy at their district (or school if private) that supports climate literacy and action. The intended outcome of the project is for students to gain experience in project development, implementation, and evaluation. 

Case Study & Capstone Graduation

Purpose and Overview: At the end of the program, students complete a written case study and oral presentation that captures their overall experience in the program, including reflection on knowledge building, reflections on skill development, challenges and successes with their climate policy campaign, and overall understanding about what it means to be a youth climate leader. Case studies are made public after completion of the program. 

Coaching Sessions 

Throughout the program, students participate in coaching calls with adult mentors from the Sierra Club who provide guidance on different phases of the project and also provide support for students individually on their personal leadership journey.

Program Evaluation & Feedback

In order to track program outcomes, youth leaders will participate in program evaluation efforts, including the following: 

• Pre-program and post-program survey gathering metrics on knowledge, skills, and mindset towards climate leadership

• Exit tickets for workshops and retreats to check effectiveness of content and facilitation

• Demographic surveys focused on equity metrics