We work with youth at the juncture of climate stewardship and civic leadership. One of our main activities is to inspire Climate Recovery Resolutions at the municipal level. Thus our young people not only study the science of climate change and its solutions, they learn how government works, meeting with elected officials to work on the Resolution so that all parties feel involved. Our youth leaders believe if we don't dramatically confront the impacts of the climate crisis, their future is imperiled. It’s time to work together to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing energy efficiency, local food production and community engagement.
Climate Resolutions Toolkit
Would you like to get started on your own Municipal Climate Resolution? Download the Full Guide to find out how.
Check out our Toolkit Folder to find many resources to assist you on your way, from a sample Resolution to Press Release. Need our help? Contact us!
Our thanks to the team at Well Done Marketing for creating this toolkit!
Gabi, while a high school student in Columbus, had this to say about the toolkit: “The climate resolution toolkit has been one of the most helpful tools in going about writing and passing a resolution. Its step-by-step approach and easy-to-read resolution example have made to process so much smoother for me and my team. Writing a resolution is less daunting and easier to take on thanks to the toolkit.” Gabi went on to study environment and policy at the university level.
We know so many young people who worked to inspire their cities to pass Climate Recovery Resolutions then stayed involved as the city moved to the next step of Climate Action Planning. Here’s an inspiring story about Ahan Bhattacharyya in Terre Haute, courtesy of our Youth Environmental Press Team program.
Thus far, Indiana has TEN CITIES that have passed youth-led climate recovery resolutions. More are on the way!
Terre Haute’s EARTHlings (Environmental Activists for a Resilient Terre Haute), led by Shikha Bhattacharyya, Resiliency Coordinator for TH, testified before the City Council on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021. Their resolution was adopted, 7-1, making Terre Haute Indiana’s tenth city to adopt climate policy led by youth.
Richmond youth pose after their May 3 testimonies to the Richmond City Council in support of their Climate Recovery Resolution. On May 17, 2021, the council voted 7-2 in favor of the resolution, making Richmond our ninth city to pass youth-led climate policy. Congratulations to Resiliency Coordinator Alison Zajdel and her amazing team!
On Monday, April 5, 2021, the Muncie Climate Coalition, led by Jason Donati (right), ECI’s Resiliency Coordinator for Muncie, testified before the City Council in support of Resolution 9-21, to advance climate resiliency in their city. The vote was UNANIMOUS, 9-0!
On Oct. 7, 2019, West Lafayette passed a youth-led climate resolution. It was a packed house in West Lafayette as city councilors UNANIMOUSLY adopted this resolution. This effort was led by ECI Senior Resiliency Coordinator Iris O’Donnell Bellisario, who became involved in Earth Charter Indiana’s Climate Camps seven years ago when she was fifteen. West Lafayette City Council followed up on their Resolution with a Climate Emergency Declaration in February, 2021.
On June 12, 2019, Bloomington passed a youth-led climate resolution. This vote was also UNANIMOUS. The two leaders pictured here are Maddie Clemmer and Jarrett Alexander. Both were in high school when they started the process, and both are now at Indiana University.
On April 22, 2019, South Bend, students, from age 10 to Notre Dame college students, presented to their Common Council about the need for climate action. On April 22, the South Bend Common Council UNANIMOUSLY passed this climate recovery resolution.
Within 24 hours, April 23, 2019, Goshen’s Youth Caucus, a group of high school students who advise the mayor and the city council, delivered a presentation on the challenges of climate change and the need for Goshen to become a sustainable city. This resolution passed UNANIMOUSLY as well!
On Sept. 5, 2017, the city of Lawrence UNANIMOUSLY passed its youth-led Climate Recovery Resolution.
On Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, Indianapolis became the largest city in the country to pass a youth-led climate resolution, with a vote of 20-4. A documentary, Little Warriors, about this Indianapolis effort was made by Sam Miro; the film was featured in several film festivals in 2017-2018, winning numerous awards along the way.
Indiana’s very first Climate Recovery Resolution success in Indiana was the UNANIMOUS passage of the Climate Recovery and Resilience Resolution on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, by the Carmel City Council. Kudos to Leslie Webb (right) as her youth organization The Promise Project lead the way on this historic victory!
Youth Power Indiana taught Iris, “that youth do have a voice and they don’t have to accept what the adults are saying,” she goes on to say, “If there’s something you feel so strongly about, speak up about it!”
Climate Campers prepared a March to City Hall to voice their support for an Indianapolis Climate Action Plan.