By Maureen Ellenberger, Santa Barbara-Ventura Chair
The morning air was crisp as I drove from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach, my car filled with the infectious energy of young environmental activists heading to a crucial Coastal Commission hearing.
What started as an early pickup at student housing turned into an adventure that reminded me why our movement's future burns so brightly.
These remarkable students bounced into my car with bright red coalition t-shirts, protest signs, and something even more powerful—an unwavering belief in the importance of speaking up for our planet's future. They had registered for public comment and came prepared, armed with facts, figures, and passion that could move mountains.
Voices That Command Attention
One by one, these young leaders stood before the Coastal Commission with clear, passionate voices. They spoke about protecting our coastal waters and shores, representing not just students and young people, but the coastal birds and mammals who have no voice of their own.
They challenged big oil companies with compelling arguments about current and future oil consumption needs, demonstrating a grasp of environmental issues that were both impressive and inspiring.
`The Commissioners listened attentively to each speaker. During the break, staff members followed us into the hall to thank us for our continuing efforts to stop the old, corroded pipeline from restarting—and shared encouraging news about concurrent legal battles.
After snapping a group photo, we grabbed breakfast sandwiches and coffee, making it back to UCSB just in time for 1pm classes, with one student even completing a pre-lab assignment in the backseat while we sang her mother's favorite songs.
The Challenge Ahead
This joyful experience stood in stark contrast to a recent all-day Sierra Club meeting I attended: "California in the Cross Hairs, United We Stand."
Members from 13 California chapters gathered—some in conference rooms in San Diego and Oakland, others on Zoom—to address the very real threats facing California's environmental progress.
While the agenda was packed with presentations on critical threats and strategies for pushing back, one thing struck me immediately: the average age of participants was probably around 70. As we discussed the future and how to protect our hard-won environmental gains, I realized we were missing a crucial element for the battles ahead—young people.
Building for Tomorrow
How can we build the grassroots power needed to combat these threats without the voices and energy of those who will live with the consequences of today's decisions? This represents one of the major challenges facing the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations.
For those who weren't present when we mourned the Santa Barbara Channel oil spill in 1969 or celebrated the first Earth Day in 1970, what motivates joining our fight for clean air, water, and environmental rights? How do we address whether it's too late to tackle the existential question of the Climate Emergency?
Most importantly, how do we reimagine a 130-year-old environmental organization to attract and support younger generations in continuing this vital work?
Finding Slivers of Joy
My car ride to the Coastal Commission hearing represents just the first step. These students—leaders on their Environmental Action Board—are actively seeking more opportunities to engage fellow students in environmental activism and justice issues. Their enthusiasm brought me tremendous energy and joy, and I know I witnessed future leaders of organizations like the Sierra Club learning how to make a real difference.
As I look for slivers of joy each day in these challenging times, this experience provided an enormous lift. It reminded me that while we face existential threats, we also have reason for hope in the passionate young voices ready to carry our movement forward.
A Call to Action
What else can we share as we begin to hand the reins to coming generations? I invite you to think about the actions you might take and the simple slivers of joy you'll find along the way. Whether it's mentoring young activists, supporting student environmental groups, or simply listening to their perspectives, each of us has a role in building bridges between generations.
Learn more and get involved at: https://www.sierraclub.org/santa-barbara-ventura