Special Interest Section

The Student Action Committee is led by Chairs Anushka Durai and Sophie Sun and consists of approximately 35 high school students from across New Jersey, including Nidhi Shivani Giri Rajesh, Sandro Boujaoude, Aidehn Suh, and many others committed to environmental advocacy and community action.

In the past, the committee has led and supported a wide range of impactful initiatives. These include highlighting the impacts of drought on NJ farmers, speaking in the New Jersey Sierra Club's webinar on data centers and their environmental impacts, proposing a municipal composting program to Monroe Township, advocating for the West Windsor-Plainsboro School District to adopt electric school buses, and organizing community outreach events such as educational tables and thrift store fundraisers at local farmers' markets in support of endorsed gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill.

In addition to community organizing, committee members actively engage in environmental policy and advocacy. They draft letters and emails to legislators on issues such as the Green Amendment and artificial turf, publish articles on topics including plastic pollution, and participate in phone banking and other grassroots campaigns to advance environmental legislation.

The Student Action Committee is always seeking new ideas, partnerships, and opportunities to strengthen youth engagement in environmental policy and create lasting, generational change for a more sustainable future.

If you're a high school or college student interested in making a difference, we'd love to have you join us! Feel free to reach out to our Chairs, Anushka Durai or Sophie Sun, or our Director of Recruitment, Nidhi Shivani Giri Rajesh, at njsierrayouth@newjersey.sierraclub.org with any questions or to learn more about getting involved. You can also follow us on Instagram @sierraclubstudentaction to stay up to date on our initiatives, events, and opportunities.

Our motto is “No Child Left Inside.” NJ ICO is dedicated to providing safe and fun wilderness trips for children and teens who otherwise would have limited access to the outdoors. Volunteer leaders collaborate with community partners to facilitate, lead and promote events that will educate and foster a love of nature and the outdoors for these young people. Our program works to reduce barriers by providing gear, transportation and trip fees. Our leaders create opportunities to explore, enjoy, and advocate for nature. 

Promoting environmental activism and gender equity. We offer hikes, cleanups and meetings.

Offering hikes, cleanups and social gatherings and other opportunities to meet like-minded environmentalists.

Offering a regular calendar of activities and events, including hikes, clean ups, social gatherings, dinners and other functions intended for members over 50.