Fixing Problems You Created

Green Schools Coalition with Student Leadership Ratifies Constitution During Third Meeting

by Luna S. ’20, Oak Grove Times, June 2020

In recent years, a greater global understanding of both environmental concerns and the measures necessary to prevent them has occurred, and requires student leadership. Seeing teenage activists such as Greta Thunberg, Vic Barrett, and Xiuhtezcatl Martinez fighting passionately for climate justice has inspired teenagers around the globe to also take a stand, including here in Ojai.

One such group is the Ojai Valley Green Schools Coalition, GSC, a group of concerned students from across the valley raising concerns over the necessity of climate action. Throughout the school year, the GSC has hosted many meetings, volunteer events, protests, and actions. The student organization has made modifications to adapt to changing circumstances and collaborate virtually, working on their website, social media, and a zine.

With representatives from Oak Grove School, The Thacher School, Ojai Valley School, Nordhoff High School, Besant Hill School, Villanova Preparatory School, and Rock Tree Sky, the group has connected students across the valley to move towards climate action. After adult introductions, students quickly took the initiative to lead the organization, scheduling meetings and writing a constitution on their own.

Students ratified a constitution at their third meeting, which includes codes for management and administration, as well as the mission statement of the group: mobilizing youth to educate, empower, and connect to effect change within the Ojai Valley and move towards climate resilience and sustainability.
“It’s about creating a community around climate action but more specifically for the youth,” said Skye Neulight. “Our generation is told by many adults, ‘you have to fix the problems we created.’ And when adults express so much pity it can seem really daunting, so having a committee that organizes action really helps to make doing the right thing for the world digestible.”

The GSC is a student-led group, with all initiative and student leadership taken by a small number of elected students. In addition, the GSC has a faculty advisor from each school, meant as a resource when students can get no further on their own. The GSC consists of a core group, including elected President Luna Hohner-Shields, Vice Presidents Will Harding and Adam Pepper-Macias, Secretary Annelies Tollenaar, Public Relations Chair Skye Neulight, and Secretary Nayeli Tirado, as well as two additional representatives from each school. The GSC also consists of the public group, which meets on a monthly basis and is open to all students and faculty advisors. While in-person meetings are no longer possible, students have adapted by meeting over Zoom and increasing virtual conversation, doing their best to not let a global pandemic stop them.