Students, administrators and board members came together on April 8th for an Intergenerational School Climate Policy Workshop, in which they shared success stories and best practices for advancing climate policy in schools. All agreed that this work is critically important as a way to empower youth, combat disinformation, and make a meaningful difference on climate. Strong policy in schools has a ripple effect, as students carry what they learn back to their families and communities, and ultimately into their futures.
Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) staff and It’s Our Future (IOF) youth were instrumental in the creation and implementation of a comprehensive climate policy at Oak Park River Forest High School (OPRF). The policy has led to many great initiatives, including the installation of a geothermal system, and they even have student interns working with the installers!
The OPRF policy became a road map for other districts, including Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and Evanston Township High School (ETHS), where administrators shared that the passing of the OPRF policy paved the way; the fact that OPRF’s policy had been passed by their board and vetted by their lawyers made it easier to ETHS to quickly pass a similar policy. This model is now moving into other districts, as well.
In addition to a focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy goals, the policies include plans to ensure that every student is empowered with climate education across the curriculum. Zero waste goals are key, including reducing food waste in cafeterias, and streamlining purchasing practices, printing policies and more. OPRF Junior, Lyla Ramos shared many ways that the sustainability club there has helped with implementing the plan, including researching the geothermal installation companies.
OPRF Superintendent, Greg Johnson provided students with some great tips about working with school administrators. He emphasized the fact that administrators are human, encouraging students to do their research and set up a meeting, and to “be as curious as you are demanding.” Acknowledging that this work can take a long time, he told them to persevere and to know that the work will continue after they graduate.
ETHS and IOf alumni, Lily Aaron and Miah Ebels Duggan shared their wisdom with the group emphasizing the importance of school policy and climate education to counter doomism and misinformation. Miah shared their 2 pronged approach of continuing to build grassroots support through educational and community building events, such as their annual Climate Justice Conference, while simultaneously lobbying administrators and board members. John Crawford, the Director of Operations and Sustainability at ETHS emphasized the importance of dedicated sustainability staff, working with students and community members, for swift implementation of climate policies.
Want to advance climate policy in your own school or district? Here is a School Climate Policy Resource Page with links to many great sites and to the D200 and D202 policies. Here’s the Webinar Recording on Seven Generations Ahead’s YouTube Channel.