Youth Environmental Advocacy (YEA) Program

Green space, park access, and trees

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

This program addresses the lack of opportunity for youth to have agency in improving intersectional environmental issues that affect their daily lives. California’s Blueprint for Environmental Literacy notes K-12 students lack “consistent access to adequately funded, high-quality learning experiences, in and out of the classroom, that build environmental literacy.” Youth are disproportionately affected by climate change. 64% consider it a major priority, 72% say it affects their community, and 80% have experienced climate distress (e.g., grief, stress, anxiety, depression).
Our work prioritizes communities of color that have undergone decades of disinvestment and environmental injustices such as lack of trees/parks, air pollution, extreme heat, poverty, and unemployment. With growing State and federal environmental funding and the racial voter turnout divide increasing, the need for stronger community-centric civic engagement and lobbying for climate justice is more urgent than ever.

The YEA Program builds on foundational work laid by our 2023 LA 2050 grant. It represents a significant evolution for NET to become leaders in environmental advocacy tailored to youth from disinvested and under-served communities in LA. This program will empower and educate ten youth with lived experiences in environmental/social injustice, with the knowledge and tools to effect transformative community change.
The program is structured into three core components: Awareness, Advocacy, and Action.
Awareness Youth will explore environmental injustice and its history in LA, specifically how people of color and low-income areas are most vulnerable to climate change. This stage will strengthen their advocacy knowledge and inspire them to advocate for clean air, water, and green space in their communities. Advocacy
Youth will explore intersectional environmental challenges specific to their communities. They will receive training on assessing community needs, risks, and resources, and will select two focal issues. The program will teach youth advocacy tools they will use in practical settings on their chosen issue such as campaigns, petitions, engaging with officials (including a trip to Sacramento), and fostering awareness and drive change. Action
Youth will lead the planning of four community events addressing/raising awareness about their chosen issues. Youth will participate in the growing and planting over 300 plants and trees, aiming for immediate urban greening benefits.

Increased Civic Engagement for Climate Action: Grassroots environmental advocacy results in a more informed and engaged citizenry and builds community capacity for long-term advocacy. Youth will be more likely to vote, support climate-friendly policies, volunteer, and hold public officials accountable. Youth will co-develop an environmental advocacy toolkit that can be scaled and used in other communities.
More Trees and Green Space for Disinvested Communities: Environmental advocacy takes time, however our communities have urgent urban greening needs. Youth will work with our Nursery team to collect, grow, and plant 300 new trees for their communities.
Development of Climate Leadership Skills: Advocacy fosters the development of leadership skills essential for climate action. Youth will learn skills in public speaking, strategic planning, and negotiation that can effectively lead climate campaigns, organize community projects, and influence policy at local, state, and national levels.

A comprehensive evaluation framework will ensure the YEA Program achieves its goal of graduating ten informed, engaged, and passionate climate leaders. Success will be measured by: participant retention, graduation rates, knowledge acquisition, planting efforts, engagement, practical application, leadership, and advocacy skills. Pre-and-post-program assessments, attendance records, practical evaluations, and community feedback will assess progress in these areas. This approach provides a holistic view of academic and practical achievements, aiming for all ten participants to graduate ready to address climate challenges through advocacy and leadership. The framework will also evaluate their impact on local climate policies, community engagement, and fostering strong collaborative networks. Through continuous monitoring and feedback, we will cultivate ten capable young leaders equipped to drive meaningful environmental and social justice change for a sustainable, equitable future.