Washington Teens Make Their Voices Heard for the Environment

Where: Olympia, Washington

Who: 29 teen activists from the Seattle metro area

What: Students visited three legislators to discuss key elements of Washington state’s upcoming oil transport bill, specifically focusing on transparency, accountability, and dedicating funds for emergency response. The students also thanked supporters for passing a forage-fish bill and urged the legislature to demand more climate accountability from Washington state government.

Highlight: A surprise visit from Washington State governor Jay Inslee, who declared one of the students “Washingtonian of the Day” and praised her for her role in fighting what he described as the “existential threat of our time.”

In Their Own Words:
"I learned that I have more power to change things than I had previously thought. I now know that I can approach my representatives and they do care and will listen!"—Liz A., Washingtonian of the Day for April 14, 2015

"The most important thing I can do to reduce the threat of climate change is inform my family and friends about it. If I know 10 people and each know 10 others, that would already be 100 people. And that's exactly what we want."—Sahayra B.

Organizers: Mikhaila Gonzales and Jen Syrowitz of Audubon Washington

Program and Goals:
Teen Climate Leaders

• Nurturing the next generation of climate leaders
• Show teens pathways to conservation jobs
• Arm teens with real-life skills such as video editing and interviewing, media training, and visiting with legislators.