How can we make sure everyone has access to healthy food and help the planet at the same time? Find out in this interactive session where we’ll discuss community food systems, agroecology/agroforestry, indigenous foodways (regenerative agriculture), sustainable nutrition, food apartheid, and food sovereignty.

Then, find out how you can get involved with food justice activism as well as how to engage in local community food projects at schools and community gardens including gardens in your own school and community, maintained by students and community members.

"Story of Self " helps us to become better leaders in impacting change. We will begin to craft our stories and discuss how to use this storytelling to develop stronger testimonies, speeches, and comments to decision makers or the public to drive change. Also,learn about 2 state bills and how you can help move them forward. 

This conversational session will start off with a primer on the health impacts of climate change--focused on Illinois and the Midwest. We will talk about extreme weather like heat waves and the heavier rainfall that makes flooding more common. We will also discuss who is most vulnerable and the most common disease impacts like asthma, allergies and vector-borne conditions (like lyme disease). We will cover one real-life solution and then have a discussion about participants' lived-experience and actions they can take. 

Chicago’s air isn’t the same for everyone. In this hands on workshop, we’ll explore how air pollution affects different neighborhoods and why. Learn to connect the dots between environmental racism, health impacts, and climate justice. You'll walk away with skills to track local air quality and strategies to push for cleaner, healthier air in your community.

Have you ever wondered how climate change affects other parts of the world or what world leaders are doing about it? Those who are causing the climate crisis (big polluters like the US and Europe) are not the ones who are suffering the worst of its impacts (the global South). Hear stories of climate impacts and solutions from youth panelists about their experiences in India, Mexico, and El Salvador, and Iraq. Then hear from youth activists who are doing this work on a global scale about what world leaders are (and aren’t) doing to address this crisis and what you can do to make a difference!

Water is life...it’s also at the frontlines of climate change. From Lake Michigan’s shoreline to lakes across the world, water connects us to questions of justice, equity, and survival. In this interactive session, you’ll dive into stories, film, and hands-on activities that show how youth can transform local challenges into climate action. Using the AquaVox Story Sprint framework, you’ll learn creative ways to advocate, lead, and build solutions. Together, we’ll connect local and global movements to spark action in your schools and communities.

Trees play a significant role in climate change mitigation through benefits like water retention, temperature regulation, and habitat creation in urban areas. At the same time, trees also provide numerous health and wellbeing benefits to people. One overlooked benefit is food production! In the Chicago region, there are many edible and harvestable tree species. Learn how trees can serve many functions all at once to help create holistic solutions for climate change in urban areas.

What does climate justice look like—and how can we shape it together?

In this interactive workshop, we’ll use drawing, coloring, and other hands-on art forms to imagine and design a community-centered Climate Justice Action Plan. Through creative collaboration, participants will explore how art can express collective values, inspire action, and help shape a more just and sustainable Chicago. No artistic experience needed—just your voice, your vision, and your willingness to create for change

Did you know that the energy used to power buildings and they ways we get around are the top two sources green house gas emissions in our area? This 2-part  session will begin with an overview of how the Chicago area is tackling climate change along with a deep dive in how transportation impacts our emissions. Then, you'll step into the driver’s seat (or the bike saddle!): What’s stopping students from your school from walking, biking or riding cleaner, greener buses? Together, we’ll brainstorm creative solutions that could make sustainable transportation the easy (and cool) choice for your community. 

Then, you'll hear success stories about local schools that have found ways to use less energy and to transition to renewable energy such as geothermal and solar. 

Did you know that at least 80% of waste in a school cafeteria can be diverted from the landfill? Did you know that preventing food waste is a top climate solution? Join Zero Waste Ambassadors from Solorio Academy in Chicago to hear their story and learn what they are doing to reduce the almost 500 pounds of waste their school cafeteria generates every day. Zero Waste Schools professionals will also be on hand to share strategies and answer your burning zero waste questions. We’ll conclude the session by breaking out into small groups and brainstorming ways to address cafeteria waste through our individual Climate Action Plans.

Hear from students, teachers, and community organizers about the Healthy Green Schools Campaign, learn about recent campaign victories in CPS, and practice how to plan your own green schools campaign at your school!

Teaching for Climate Resilience: Resources for Midwest Classrooms: This interactive workshop is designed for educators and students who want to bring relevant, accessible climate education into their classrooms. Participants will explore free, scientist vetted teaching resources from SubjectToClimate, including lesson plans, student-friendly articles, activities, videos, and more, highlighting SubjectToClimate’s Illinois hub, which features curated, place-based materials that connect climate science to issues in local communities.  

• Reflect on the challenges and opportunities for teaching and learning about climate change.

• Explore the site to find credible and engaging resources.

• Learn about the site as a tool of empowerment for teachers and students.

Then we'll learn about one great local resource from the team at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum!

Classroom to Community Climate Actions

We will be touching on how teachers have used the micro grants from our C3 program to promote projects in their classroom and how teachers/others can help educate students and/or get involved with community science projects that can help shape policy and conservation efforts.