Youth Climate Advocacy Committee
We're Currently Seeking Partnerships!
Phipps is looking for institutions for our Youth Climate Advocacy Committee to partner with this fall! If your institution has a youth-led group that is passionate about climate change and environmental justice, we would like to connect, share resources and ultimately work together to make a difference. If you're interested, contact Jennifer Torrance at jtorrance@phipps.conservatory.org.
Would you like to start a youth-led climate advocacy program at your institution? Let us help you! The Wild Center's Climate Action Plan Facilitator Guide provides a trove of resources for creating a youth-driven climate action project.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is pleased to offer a youth-led climate advocacy program for highly motivated high school and college-age youth who are passionate about climate change and environmental justice. Youth on the committee develop and implement environment-related projects of their choice within the Pittsburgh community. Committee members also meet and work with other passionate youth, build leadership and project planning skills, learn about environmental and climate justice, and delve deeper into their favorite environmental topics. The program also offers opportunities to learn from experts in the diverse fields of sustainability, environmental and climate sciences.
Youth Climate Advocacy Committee
The Youth Climate Advocacy Committee is comprised of two leaders and 15 – 20 youth climate advocates. The committee meets on Monday evenings during the school year from October to April and ends with a final showcase of advocacy projects in mid to late April. Committee members commit to the full program duration, including meetings and tasks averaging 2 – 4 hours per week. Committee members are compensated with quarterly stipends.
2022-2023 Committee Projects and Events
YCAC Art and Literary Magazine
YCAC team lead Marley McFarland is creating an online magazine where young people can share their stories with climate change through writing or art—and we need your help! Submissions are due April 10 by 11:59pm. If you are a young person interested in contributing, please fill out the interest form below:
Sustainable Fashion Workshops
Interested youth are invited to participate in our sustainable fashion workshops, led by sewing and sustainable fashion aficionado Lucy Dabat of the YCAC. Young designers can come together to learn sewing tips, work on garments and more. Three different sessions of the workshops will be held between the months of March and April. These workshops are free, but registration is required. Register for a workshop by clicking the links below:
Civic Engagement Workshops on Climate Policy
Pittsburghers of any age with an interest in the environment, Pittsburgh history and policy are invited to attend workshops hosted by the YCAC's climate policy engagement working group. These workshops will introduce attendees to positive and solution-able frameworks to help solve climate issues within their lives. Come learn about the longstanding climate policy history in our city and nation, network with other Pittsburghers, and discuss pollution-related legislation and climate policy. Ultimately, the speakers hope to uplift attendees and advocate for climate policy to improve the Pittsburgh region. These workshops will be led by YCAC members Grace Reynolds, Anuj Shah, Madison Conn, Alyssa-Maya Turlapati, Shaan Turlapati, and Ethan Yeaman.
Sat., March 25 at 1pm - registration is now closed
Phipps Youth Eco-Action Showcase
Mon., April 17 | 6 – 8 p.m.
Join us as our Youth Climate Advocacy Committee (YCAC) presents their Youth Eco-Action Showcase! Hosted in the Special Events Hall, this free event will host a variety of activities for youth and families, plant-forward appetizers, sustainable vendors, information and education tables, and a youth sustainable fashion show! Educators and students can also learn about YCAC and how they can join this amazing team. This event is free, but registration is required.
Youth Sustainable Fashion Show
Phipps YCAC is seeking youth ages 12 to 24 to design and model sustainable outfits for our Youth Sustainable Fashion Show on Mon., April 17. Outfits can be made from anything from upcycled textiles to literal trash! We welcome elaborate, creative, bizarre and bold fashion choices. Let your eco-fashion shine! Please note that fashion show designers/models must be able to attend rehearsal on Tues., April 11 from 6-8pm and the entire showcase event on Mon., April 17 from 6-8pm.
Past Committee Projects:
The 2021-2022 Committee developed projects on environmental education, food systems and sustainable fashion. The environmental education project focuses on bringing knowledge about environmental issues to middle school students, highlighting the importance of being informed from a young age. The food systems project looks at how we can make a positive climate impact with our diets while also eating delicious and budget-friendly meals. The sustainable fashion project aims to bring attention to the immense impact that fast fashion has on climate change and promote stylish looks that are better for the planet.
How to Apply for the Committee
Applications for the 2022–2023 committee are now closed! Applications for the 2023-2024 committee will be released in August 2023.
We are looking for a diverse group with a wide range of skills and interests, especially in the areas of the arts, science, technology, sustainability, education, and community outreach. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the application deadline to apply. Applicants should be high school or college-aged and do not have to be currently enrolled in school to apply.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, you may wish to contact the YCAC Coordinator Jennifer Torrance at jtorrance@phipps.conservatory.org.
