The Chapter is very proud to announce that for the first time we will sponsor a participant in SPROG (short for “Summer Program”), the Sierra Student Coalition’s cutting-edge training program for youthful grassroots environmental activists
An environmental and social justice leadership training program for young people (ages 14-28) across the country, SPROG is an intensive week-long training program run by young people, for young people. It provides the knowledge and skills needed to succeed as a grassroots organizer and make a substantial difference in the future of the community and the planet, and also connects participants with a supportive network of young activists who fight similar battles and share similar passions. Past SPROG participants have described it as one of the most inspiring and fulfilling weeks of their life.
Four training sessions will be held this summer, including West SPROG near Los Angeles in mid-July -- and the Chapter is making it possible for Cobb resident Jack Shrive take part. About to enter his junior year at Middletown High School and a self-described aspiring politician who says his ultimate goal is the presidency, for several years Jack has engaged in a solo 25-mile kayak trip across Clear Lake to raise awareness for protecting its ecosystem. He’s also an adept public speaker, not only within the context of school activities but in appearances before service clubs and the county Board of Supervisors: most recently he urged the Board to protect the interests of the next generation by rejecting the retrograde “State of Jefferson” proposal. “I want to make large change in my lifetime,” says Jack, and to create “an environmentally conscious community that has the most modern technology such as solar roadways, wind turbines, and an effective public transportation system that produces no greenhouse gas emissions.
We think SPROG might just be able to provide the tools he needs to fulfill those lofty ambitions!