By IOF Program Manager, Rachel Rosner

ACTIVATION. This is the reason that Seven Generations Ahead has brought high school students to the United Nations Climate Summit for the past 5 years. The experience invariably affirms and builds on the students’ identities as climate advocates and activists. We know this because we keep in touch with alumni and hear about the phenomenal work they are doing in college and beyond. We hope and believe that those who watch the Live From COP events (111 registrants including at least 6 classes and clubs!) or read the youth dispatches and news interviews, and who follow It’s Our Future on social media (@iofyouth on Instagram, @itsourfutureyouth on Facebook and @It’s Our Future on LinkedIn) are also motivated to take action, or increased action, for climate justice. 

Here’s some wonderful feedback from Laura Stamp, an 8th grade science teacher who attended the Youth Voices from COP29 livestream with her students in the Brooks Environmental Action Team (BEAT):

“I have never felt as terrible about the world as I do right now. But some of my BEAT students really wanted to watch the livestream of the youth presentation from COP29, so we tuned in. IT. WAS. AMAZING. My students loved it and it was so thrilling to hear what these kids are doing and learning and the fact that one of them is a former BEAT kid made it even more special!  Thanks to Seven Generations Ahead and It’s Our Future…for bringing a little spark back to my hope.”

Former Vice President Al Gore told us emphatically that as we all reckon with the future of our country and the world, we do not have the luxury of succumbing to despair. Teenagers, whose very futures are at stake, are still in the game. People often say that young people are “inspiring.”  We hope that means they are inspiring you to act! 

It is my great privilege to work with these young people every day.  It has been phenomenal to facilitate and witness their growth as they educated themselves and each other in preparation for COP.  They lifted each other up at every opportunity, celebrating wins, encouraging each other, and just having fun. This kind of supportive community that inspires collective action is just what the world needs right now.