Cohort will deepen community engagement through the San Antonio Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
San Antonio, Texas (November 7, 2024) — San Antonio’s youth are demonstrating exceptional ingenuity and passion in addressing our city’s climate issues. The Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for Climate Initiatives (MYECCI) was created to help connect youth leaders to knowledge, skills, and resources to bring their ideas to life. Entering its fifth year, the Youth Engagement Council is excited to welcome 31 local youth representing each City Council district and 21 different public, private, and charter schools.
“As a Youth Engagement Council member, I hope to learn how to effectively advocate for issues that matter to young people and develop skills in leadership and teamwork,” said Jocelyn, a newly appointed member who is a junior at Judson Early College Academy. “I want to understand how local government works and how decisions are made. Additionally, I’m excited to gain experience in creating and implementing projects that can positively impact our community.”
The MYECCI was established in 2020 to include youth voices in the implementation of the City of San Antonio’s first Climate Action and Adaption Plan (CAAP). The last four cohorts have worked alongside community organizations, engaged in climate action using their City’s climate plan as a guide, and developed projects or suggested policy improvements that improve their communities’ health and well-being.
“Young San Antonio residents are eager to participate in local and global climate conversations to advocate for climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I am proud of the Youth Engagement Council and their influence on our City’s sustainability efforts.”
The MYECCI is facilitated by the nonprofit EcoRise and is supported by a grant from the Hollomon Price Foundation. Its mission is to activate San Antonio’s next generation of climate champions to engage in community issues around climate change, environmental policy, and environmental justice.
“The perspective and the innovative ideas youth bring to the table have tangible impacts in our communities,” said Brittany Jayroe, EcoRise Senior Director, Youth Programs. “The Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council provides an important platform for youth to bring their ideas to life, participate in intergenerational dialogue, and learn from and support the work frontline community organizations are already championing.”
For information about EcoRise and last year’s Youth Engagement Council, visit EcoRise’s website. Community organizations and sustainability professionals in San Antonio can contact YouthPrograms@EcoRise.org to get involved in mentoring this year’s council members.
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City of San Antonio – Vibrant & Thriving
San Antonio is a vibrant city with a thriving economy, deep cultural heritage and communities that are compassionate, inclusive and proudly diverse. It is the seventh largest city in the United States and one of the strongest fiscally managed cities in the country, nurturing entrepreneurship, encouraging investment and funding infrastructure. The City fosters partnership and growth opportunities in aerospace, bioscience, cybersecurity, green technologies, healthcare, and information technology. San Antonio’s famed River Walk and The Alamo are the top tourist attractions in Texas, and its historic missions are a designated World Heritage Site – the first and only in Texas. Proudly called Military City, USA®, San Antonio is home to one of the largest populations of active-duty military and veterans, as well as mission-critical commands, including military medicine, cybersecurity, pilot training and basic training. For more information, visit SA.gov and follow @COSAGov on social.
EcoRise
EcoRise mobilizes a new generation of leaders to design healthy, just, and thriving communities for all. The national non-profit organization elevates student voices and advances student-led solutions to real-world challenges with programs focused on K–12 environmental literacy, climate justice, and equitable access to green career pathways. EcoRise supports more than 3,500 teachers and 174,000 students through a range of curricula, programs, and classroom grants. EcoRise has been activating students as sustainability leaders since 2008 in Texas and across the U.S. To learn more about EcoRise, visit EcoRise.org.
Media Contacts
Laura Fuller, EcoRise
Laura@ecorise.org
Bruce Davidson, Mayor’s Office – (210) 207-8998
Bruce.Davidson@sanantonio.gov
