It's Our Future
It’s Our Future (IOF) empowers youth to advocate for climate solutions and their futures in their schools, communities, and around the world. From monthly meetings to special events to a chance to travel to the annual UN Climate Summit, IOF is supporting the next generation of climate and sustainability advocates. Any Chicago area high school students are invited to join IOF.
Empowering Students to Advocate for Their Futures
IOF supports high school students who are passionate about climate advocacy and sustainability through a youth-adult partnership model, providing mentorship while giving them a space to connect, learn, and advocate. With a focus on skill-building and career development, IOF supports youth climate leaders to make an impact in their communities and beyond.
IOF is proud to host the first Chicago Youth Climate Justice Summit, bringing Chicagoland high school students together for a day of connection, education, and advocacy. And the IOF Resource Guide, created by IOF students for students, gives youth a step-by-step way to develop climate expertise and get involved in their schools and communities. Be sure to follow It’s Our Future on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!
Connect
Climate Advocacy is Better With Friends
For young people getting involved in climate and sustainability work, it’s important to build community. By hosting monthly meetings, mixers, and events, IOF creates opportunities for high school students to meet and learn from each other, and pursue their passion for environmental advocacy together.
Educate
Climate Education Leads to Action
Students in IOF work within their schools and at the state level to advocate for climate education in K-12 classrooms. Students have also had an opportunity to advocate for climate education on the global stage at the UN Climate Summit. IOF students are also empowered to develop and host their own educational programming with guest speakers, including elected officials and sustainability professionals.
Advocate
Collective Action Makes an Impact
IOF students get real-world experience in advocating for climate and sustainability solutions. Students have spoken at school board meetings and successfully advocated for policy changes in their schools, worked with school administrators to develop sustainability policies, and worked with state lawmakers to pass climate bills. On the global stage, IOF students have presented on panels and interviewed world leaders at the annual UN Climate Summit. The student-led, adult-youth partnership model equips students with the skills and knowledge to fight for a greener future.
Partnering to Empower Youth
SGA partners with schools and nonprofits to create more opportunities for IOF students to connect with climate activists and engage in advocacy.
