You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Find out everything you wanted to know about IOF. Still not sure about something? Feel free to email IOF Program Manager, Rachel Rosner, at [email protected].
It’s Our Future FAQ
Do I need to have experience with climate to join IOF?
Not at all! If you want to learn more about climate, we hope you will join us, even if you don’t know much about it right now. You will learn more from other students and from discussions with experts. Soon, you’ll be answering questions and sharing your unique perspective on climate. You will even learn how to take action!
When are the meetings?
Check out our events page to see what’s on the calendar. All our regular meetings happen after school or evenings, and last about an hour.
We have a large meeting every other month. This is a meeting with the whole group, where we chat about our goals, progress, and experiences.
Our online programming happens once a month at 7pm and includes time to connect with each other, ask questions and share ideas.
We also have committee/team meetings monthly. In these meetings, we work together on a specific project. Joining one of these is a great way to take a more active role in IOF and climate advocacy in general.
What is the time commitment?
You can spend as much (or as little) time with IOF as you choose! We know first hand how busy high school students are!! Some of us have lots of other activities and for some of us this is our big focus. Do whatever works for you.
0 hrs/month: Join our mailing list! You can be on our mailing list and get information about our program and successes without coming to meetings, although we would always be happy to see you there.
1 hrs/month: Come to our group meetings! They are a great way to meet other people who care about climate change, climate justice, and climate advocacy. OR…
2+ hrs/month: Join a team/committee! You can work on a project and get more deeply involved with climate advocacy. You can make a big impact through your participation. Plus, it’s nice to have on your resume.
Come to one of our in person events! They are a lot of fun and we love meeting new people there. We have good food and interesting activities.
How do I join a committee or event?
Once you fill out the join form on our website, you’ll be on our mailing list and get invited to events and meetings. We’ll reach out to you with more details and another form where you can sign up to join a committee.
Where can I talk to more students before I decide?
We have orientation meetings for new folks on an as needed basis. Once you sign up you’ll be invited to those too. And we’ll connect you with youth leaders who can answer your questions.
How can I get help to change policy in my school or town?
Email [email protected] and we can schedule a meeting to help you strategize!
What kinds of in person events do you have?
We gather in person a few times a year for fun and to get things done!
- Youth Climate Mixers where we connect, learn and plan with youth from across the area
- Pizza parties, film screenings, beach clean ups and other fun outings
- Public speaking and story telling workshops
- Your idea here!
What kinds of online events do you have?
We gather online once a month to learn from each other and from experts. These include conversations with:
- Environmental Justice Professionals
- Elected officials and other decision makers
- Youth activists sharing of success stories
- Your idea here!
What are the committees?
Climate Education for Illinois Youth Advisory Board (CE4IL YAB)
- Climate education is the key to addressing the climate crisis! We helped to pass a statewide Climate Education bill and to create the Illinois Climate Education Hub and now we’re working to make sure climate is actually taught in our classrooms!
School Policy Team
- Changing school policy can make a huge impact! This team is doing just that. We’ve helped pass policies in 4 school districts and counting and we are promoting IOF’s Resource Guide to help you do the same.
Youth Climate Justice Summit Team
- Last year’s summit was a huge hit and you can help with the next one! YCJS is a youth-led gathering of Chicago area high-schoolers that empowers students to take action and advocate for just climate action and policy in their school communities. We had 100 students from 22 schools come together and learn about everything from Advocacy Skills to Zero Waste Schools and then create Climate Action Plans to take back to their schools!
Communications Team
- Help get the word out about our important work and get more students involved via social media, websites, our newsletter and opinion pieces for local papers!
Is there a cost?
No, we are a volunteer organization!
What's in it for me?
- Making a difference
- Community Service Hours
- Fun outings
- Caring community
- Leadership skills
- Resume support
- Possibly attending conferences here and around the world
- $tipend possible (see committee form)
- Letters of Recommendation
Tell me more about traveling to conferences.
For the past several years a handful IOF students have had the opportunity to attend local and global climate conferences.
- The United Nations Climate Conference (also known as COP) is attended by leaders and youth activists from around the world. IOFers come home feeling empowered and ready to take action.
- The Local Conference of Youth (LCOY) is a meeting of young people from across the country who work together on a National Youth Statement that ultimately is used to shape policy, locally, and globally.