Activist Academy is a leadership program for individuals who want to learn about the climate justice movement and who are seeking to gain the skills to take action in combating climate change and fighting for environmental and social justice. Participants gain fundamental campaign planning, community organizing skills, relationship building, and connection to peers and leaders with a shared interest.
Over 3 months, participants gained hands-on organizing experience by working to advance one of our ongoing Angeles Chapter campaigns goals. Those campaigns included: Clean Transportation, Building Electrification / Clean Heat, and 30x30 Conservation and Access. Three Activist Academy Campaign Action Teams (CAT) tackled unique campaign issues, engaging hundreds of Angelenos across their actions! From building campaign plans to removing invasive plants, Activist research and actions lead to momentous impacts in each campaign. Explore and join their actions below!
Clean Transportation Petitioning LA Metro to Electrify the Vermont Bus Corridor
CAT: Crystal Gomez, Alessandra Gonzales, Jesse Luu, John Romero, Cameron Roper, and Johnny Tepoz
The Clean Transportation Activist Academy Team set off a momentous campaign for the Angeles Chapter to Electrify the Vermont Bus Corridor! The team explored the disproportionate pollution burden that communities in South Central already face along the busy transit corridor. Targeting the upgraded Vermont Transit Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Line, the campaign looks to leverage upcoming changes and LA28 initiatives, with 2017 LA Metro Board commitments to Electrify their entire fleet. Electrifying our public transit infrastructure will help lower the pollution burden on local communities and transit riders.
You can read more about the teams research here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/9c5d92e69d4e4c7694a6251c46d6e6d4/print
The Activist Team culminated their work by canvasing at the Adams and Vermont Farmers Market in July, gathering over 75 signatures in person! They continued their campaign online, their campaign has sent nearly 250 messages the LA Metro Board.
To drive action and comment to the LA Metro Board, the Activist Team made a Petition calling on Metro to Protect Our Communities and Electrify the Vermont Bus Corridor!
Send your message to LA Metro Board Here: https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/National?actionId=AR0623397&id=70131000001Lp1FAAS
Building Electrification Team’s Heat Pump and Reach Code Education Campaign
CAT: Jomo, Nikki Catangay, Angela Hong, Christine Rodriguez, Jessica Vazquez, and Raine Zulueta
The team of six, with a collective background in community, environmental and tenant organizing set out to educate as many home owners and renters on the health, cost, and environmental benefits of Heat Pumps. Partnering with the LA County Department of Parks and Rec and Friends of the LA River, the Activist tables at Ladera Park and Los Angeles State Historic Park during busy events like LA River Fest. Through these outreach efforts the team spoke to over 250 people on how and when they could benefit from upgrading their heating and cooling system to Heat Pumps. They include information about rebates, upgrade cost and trusted resources.
You can keep the Activist Team’s momentum going by Urge Your City to Adopt a Heat Pump Air Conditioner Policy!
Lear more about Heat Pump Technology from Elephant Energy to upgrade you AC/Heating System.
Connected by Conservation, 30x30 Campaign Action Team
CAT: Briana Lopez, Amanda Luansing, Celeste Morales, Amy Quintanilla, and Bryan Rosas
30x30 Activist collaborated with the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust to host two dozen participants from across the county at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve(BWER) in July. Activists and participants were led on an interpretive walk of BWER Area A, discussing access, biodiversity, and community stewardship. Inspired by the patches of native plants and species interconnectedness at the wetlands, participants moved into land stewardship with the Land Trust and CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife(CDFW).
Hosted during the CDFW’s Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Land Management Plan Survey period, Activist encouraged participants to provide their input to the plan. While the survey is now closed, you can stay up to date on this process with the CDFW Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve Website.
You can continue supporting 30x30 work at the Ballona Wetlands by joining the Ballona Wetlands Land Trust Stewardship Days every Second and Fourth Saturday each month, from 9 am - 11 am in Area A. The most up to date information can be found on Instagram @ballonalandtrust
Keep an eye out for for 30x30 Committee Event on the Chapter Activities Calendar or joining our committee!