by Osama Alkhlaifat
I am Osama Alkhlaifat from Jordan, a country at the heart of the Middle East, where I work in the field of civil society and nonprofit organizations. I co-founded a nonprofit organization called “AFLAMI” that aims to use films as a tool for expression and raising awareness, and I have contributed to managing and coordinating many projects within this organization. With my background in geology and my ongoing interest in climate change and water resource management, I have always been passionate about working in this vital field.
Recently, I had a remarkable opportunity to participate in a cultural exchange program supported by the U.S. Embassy in Jordan and implemented by IREX. This program aims to provide young leaders in Jordan with fellowships in their fields of expertise in the United States. I chose to join the renowned Sierra Club in Utah, given its long-standing legacy in environmental work and climate campaigns.

A Rich Fellowship Experience in Utah
During my fellowship with Sierra Club in Utah, I gained invaluable knowledge and lived experiences that will stay with me for a long time. I worked with an outstanding team characterized by high professionalism and dedication, which helped me build strong relationships and foster productive collaboration. I had the honor of visiting the Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, a lake suffering from the impacts of extraction, water mismanagement, and climate change. Through this visit, I became aware of the environmental challenges the area faces and Sierra Club’s efforts to address these challenges.
I participated in a youth-led rally to demand protections for the Great Salt Lake, at which participants held a mock Olympic Opening Ceremony to foreshadow the consequences of inaction, including a 2034 Olympics plagued by haze, toxic dust events, low snowpack levels, devastated communities, and a dry Great Salt Lake. I am inspired by the leadership of youth and their dedication to a healthy future.
Moreover, I participated in several activities with the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation in Idaho, where I had the opportunity to work closely with the Native American community and engage in an effort to ecologically and culturally restore the Bear River Massacre site, where around 500 Shoshone people were killed by the U.S. military in 1863. This experience was profound and inspiring, allowing me to witness the human and cultural aspects that connect people to their land and resources. It also gave me insight into how history and heritage influence today’s efforts to protect the environment.

Looking Forward to Bringing the Experience to Jordan
Upon my return to Jordan, I look forward to utilizing my experiences with Sierra Club and bringing this unique experience to my country. I found many similarities between my work in Jordan and the efforts of Sierra Club in Utah, as we share the same passion for raising environmental awareness and launching impactful campaigns. I learned a lot through this experience, and I realized there is always room for learning and exchanging expertise. I plan to put the ideas I gained into practice in Jordan, whether by strengthening climate awareness programs or building campaigns similar to what I observed at Sierra Club. I aspire to build a bridge of collaboration between us and Sierra Club to launch joint initiatives that contribute to achieving environmental goals that serve local communities.
Gratitude to the Sierra Club Team
I am immensely grateful to the Sierra Club and its exceptional team in Utah. My heartfelt thanks go to Maria, Franque, Luis, Rebekah, Lindsay, and everyone who was part of my experience here. Thank you for this enriching fellowship, for all the support you provided me, and for making my time here so impactful.
