GREEN Leaders Program and Virtual Student Summit (UTRCA weekly, June 24, 2021)
Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) Community Partnerships and Education staff launched a virtual version of the UTRCA’s GREEN Leaders Program in January. This June, more than 400 grade 7 and 8 students, along with the grade 10 H3ELP class (Head, Heart, Hands Environmental Leaders’ Project), completed this program and had the opportunity to become youth environmental leaders and implement sustainable solutions to local environmental issues. The program was offered to students in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB), thanks to generous funding provided by the school board and Start.ca.
The participating classes met virtually with UTRCA staff biweekly and completed a process that took them from identifying local environmental issues to taking civic action in their community. The issues selected by the classes included deforestation, litter, algal blooms, destruction of animal habitats, invasive species, misuse of storm drains, and water pollution. Students could engage directly with local stakeholders as they researched their issues and developed Action Projects, which included creating education and awareness campaigns and engaging community members. Students also participated in media engagement and led on-the-ground actions including litter clean ups, fundraisers, cleaning up a wetland buffer zone, implementing waste reduction challenges, and adding boxes in their community where people can safely recycle single-use masks. Some classes asked for change directly from policy-based stakeholders.
In early June, UTRCA staff coordinated a virtual Student Summit where the classes shared their Action Projects and celebrated their successes. Students used an interactive platform to watch videos created by the other classes and record their own video feedback, enhancing their engagement and enabling them to connect directly to other GREEN Leaders. The classes also connected virtually with stakeholders from local municipalities or environmental organizations to get professional feedback on their Action Projects.
Video presentations featured representatives from the TVDSB, Start.ca, and an environmental organization. The program featured a special interview with a Youth Environmental Leader and provided resources prepared by the H3ELP class outlining how they could engage in environmental leadership when they enter secondary school and beyond. The Summit was a very successful day of shared learning, connecting and celebrating, which is especially meaningful during these times of remote learning.