I attended the 8th Annual Green & Healthy Schools Conference, where attendees connect with like-minded people, hear inspiring stories, and discuss environmental justice work in Milwaukee.
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I spoke with two young participants who told me how Wednesday’s event supports their passion for the environment. I also asked a youth workforce development advocate at True Skool and the event organizer about their hopes for the day.
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“Restoration and preservation are things I’m very passionate about,” says Given Her, a student attending the conference. Given and Jathaniel Bass are both teenagers who are fully committed to the conference and appreciate the sense of community and shared mission to make a difference.
Watch: Young people stand up for the environment at the Green and Healthy Schools Conference
Milwaukee youth advocate for environmental justice at the Green and Healthy Schools Conference
“If we don’t do something now, the situation will continue to worsen,” says Bass.
The conference includes presentations, working groups and an exhibition area, but the best part is being with others who care about the environment, the young people say.
“It gives me a lot of hope when young people come together,” noted Jathaniel. Given echoed that sentiment, saying, “We have a sense of community and we also have a chance to make the world a better place.”
The event offers a unique opportunity to network and explore career paths within the environmental industry.
Shalina Ali, a youth worker activist and director of the youth organization True Skool, highlighted the diverse roles available in environmental work, from hands-on restoration to policy-making and public engagement.
“It is invaluable for them to walk around and find out what attracts them, to see themselves as part of the solution,” says Ali
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Justin Hagerty, the event organizer, emphasized the importance of recognizing environmental careers as viable, well-paying local opportunities.
Workshops at the conference encourage participants to take action, educate the community and empower local youth. “I think the most important thing is to make connections and break down the fear of having conversations,” says Ali. Hagerty concluded, “Our intention is to continue to support the community of people who want greener and healthier schools.”
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Student Given Her left us with a hopeful message: “We can learn from the past, correct many of the mistakes made, and move forward as a community.”
Jathaniel Bass echoed this optimism, saying, “This really makes me hopeful for the future.”
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