Climate Change in the Capital!
Teens in the AYEA program rocked the capital last week during the 6th annual Civics and Conservation Summit March 19-22. This year's theme was climate change and renewable energy, and we were lucky enough to have bills moving through the legislature that addressed these issues. During the event, AYEA members hosted a community dinner to which 80 people (including 12 legislators) attended, and senior Tim Treuer (Anchorage) gave a stunning presentation on climate change. Two days later, legislators referenced the climate change information in a bill discussion on the House Floor about extending the Alaska fire season!After learning about the bills, teens hit the capital and met with legislators to discuss alternative energy funding and the creation of an Alaska Climate Change Commission. AYEA teens lobbied to create a "youth seat" on the Climate Change Commission, noting that their generation is the one that will be most impacted by this issue. Breaking news: As of Monday, March 28th, the climate change resolution had been changed to include a youth seat on the commission--and it passed out of House Resources!
Later, the group also met with U.S. Senator Ted Stevens after his annual joint address to the legislature. AYEA member Thorey Munro (Homer) helped present a large THANK YOU CARD to Senator Stevens along with other AYEA members from Nondalton and Nanwalek in response to his opposition on Pebble Mine. Many AYEA members are from fishing families and the teens were happy that Senator Stevens addressed the importance of salmon resources and the fishing industry in considering the mine project.
In an effort to address social justice issues, teen participants also met with Senator Bettye Davis (Anchorage-see photo). Senator Davis discussed the "hate crimes" legislation she and co-sponsor Sen. Lincoln had introduced a few years ago, and asked for the teens' help in educating the public about hate crimes. AYEA members and other youth groups in Juneau look forward to working together to move this issue into the public eye and promote the legislation during the 2007 session!
The Civics Summit was a great example of how youth voice can have an impact on the decisions that affect our environment and community.
Stay tuned for upcoming blogs on the AYEA Global Warming Trip to D.C.!
posted by Alaska Youth for Environmental Action at 5:35 PM
5 Comments:
Sweet Picture with Senator Ted Stevens! *i was right by him! haha 15 minutes of fame. definitely right there* that trip was so much fun and I loved that our headquarters were RIGHT next to the capitol...it was great to just walk over there! go AYEA :)
--jaimee
I learned more about the political process and civics in this one week than i did in college. Should AYEA some day turn this into a college-credit or high school credit-class? who agrees?
at any rate, it was great to meet y'all and i hope we've inspired some participants to come back as trainers next year...
You know, Kim, I definitely agree about getting credit for the Civics Summit. I learned a ton more than I could have in a semester or yearlong class. There's just nothing like being somewhere and actually experiencing the process (I definitely had the same thoughts in Iceland).
I have to run (more coming later), but I just wanted to say that it was such an awesome mix of people that we had. I think it was the best size and had the best diversity of any Environmental function that I've attended. Go AYEA!
Hey guys, we are going to look into credit for the CC Summit--I think a college credit would apply for the density and level of material covered. We've been waiting to finalize the curriculum/structure of the event, and now we finally have that. Thanks to all of you! pc
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