UPDATE: In August 2023, RE Sources hosted Whatcom County’s first Youth Climate Summit to Whatcom County! We were thrilled to partner with local high school youth activists in our YEP! program and WWU Climate Leadership students to plan a two-day climate solutions event for youth, by youth. Thank you to everyone who attended, presented and helped made the summit a success. We are looking at ways to improve on this pilot year and hold another youth climate summit in 2024. Check back here for details.
Questions? Comments? Ideas for next year? send us an email at: youthclimatesummit@re-sources.org.
The Youth Climate Summit gives students leadership skills in participating in the climate movement and connects you with what’s going on in the community. You’ll have a chance to network with professionals and other students who share similar concern and passion for change. Students will leave with tangible ways to plug into the movement and take climate action.
2023 Summit Details
| Day of Service: | Friday, August 4th, 10:00am to 3:00pm at Larrabee State Park, hosted in partnership with Whatcom Million Trees Project. Learn more |
| Climate Summit: | Saturday, August 5th, 9:45am to 4:00pm at Western Washington University Environmental Studies Building |
| Program: | Theme: Local Climate Solutions View the full Summit Program Schedule here |
At the Youth Climate Summit, you will:
- Connect with peers to cultivate a sense of belonging and hope
- Build skills that help you advocate for the things you care most about, especially climate change and social justice
- Deepen understanding of issues that affect your future
- Explore solutions with support from other youth activists and local leaders active in our community
- Discover tools, resources, and local organizations to help you affect positive change
- Build action plans that help bring to fruition their hopes for a climate-resilient and more equitable future
- Continue your activism journey by forming or joining clubs at their schools
2023 Day of service at Larrabee State Park
Join us outside for a day of hands-on service and fun organized in partnership with our friends at Whatcom Million Trees Project. You can expect to get your hands dirty either removing Invasive English Ivy from trees or clearing the beach of litter. There will be time for lunch and socializing. After taking action, we’ll enjoy some time exploring the park, swimming, and connecting with the group! We will provide all tools necessary and light snacks.
2023 Climate Summit Workshop requirements and Call for Proposals
Workshops requirements:
- 40 minutes long
- Can accommodate 5-15 students
- Solutions-focused
Workshops will be selected by a Youth Advisory Committee. They will prioritize choosing workshops that are:
- Hands on and interactive (rather than lecture-based)
- Given by someone comfortable/experienced working with youth
- Given by youth (under 25) or BIPOC individuals
- About a local climate solution
- Connected to social and climate justice
Questions? Contact us at youthclimatesummit@re-sources.org.
What to help plan the Summit? Join our Youth Advisory Council!
We’re seeking members to join our Youth Advisory Council. The YAC is a group of young people who provide support to the Youth Climate Summit — and a great opportunity to gain leadership experience. Apply to be on the YAC. Application closed May 21, 2023.
Thanks to the sponsors of the Youth Climate Summit:
