Over the last two months, activists across the region have participated in our Activist Academy leadership program. From community organizing to campaign planning trainings, activists gained skills to organize. They got tools for their toolbox, learned organizing and justice frameworks, and became involved in our chapter campaigns. Campaigns that are important for people and environment, centered in equity, justice and that we have strong relationships with Environmental Justice groups and Coalitions.
When asked what were the biggest takeaways from this leadership program, one of the participants of this years cohort shared:
“ I am new to Los Angeles and I have so many takeaways from this course. Everything I learned was new, but in particular I learned about the variety of different tools to track air emissions in communities, EJ tools, and so much more. I also learned so much about my local representatives which is extremely important. The trainers have an extensive amount of valuable knowledge and I feel extremely grateful to carry this knowledge with me and help educate others.”
The Activist Academy culminations are always filled with many emotions. Love. Joy. Community. There is some sadness that our time in the program is ending, but hopeful for the future with these activists taking leadership in the work that needs to get done. But this isnt the end. In July and August, our 2025 cohort will be hosting actions for the following campaigns:
- Building Electrification
- Ending Neighborhood Oil Drilling
- 30x30 and
- Clean Transportation
Activists are getting hands-on experience putting what they learned in the program into real action. The Activists Campaign Action teams are organizing actions that will help us advance the goals of our chapter campaigns, working with our chapter leaders and committees, as well as community and existing coalition partners.
If you would like to support the Activist Academy, my ask is that:
1. Help us spread the word, as we are going to be hosting our fourth cohort in 2026!
2. Make a contribution to the Sierra Club to continue funding this Climate justice program that benefits activists from across the region, empowers them to be the changemakers for their communities, fighting for climate and environmental social justice.
If you are interested in learning more about the Activist Academy, please visit our website and you can watch this mini doc with interviews from Alumni!
