Overall, the student summit does more than allow students the space to share their ideas – it amplifies them.

by Author

The morning of our middle and high school student summit has finally arrived! As student groups fill the lobby, we usher them to their tables. No one really knowing all that's in store yet – including me.

We begin the summit with an interactive game of BINGO where students are encouraged to mix and mingle around the room while light refreshments are offered. Each student is welcomed in with sustainable gifts of reusable sandwich bags, straws, and other small items. There is also a Clark County Public Works table for students to explore ways to get involved with the community and careers after high school.

The morning is filled with thought-provoking questions facilitated by our partners at EarthGen. The conversations begin light, but it doesn't take long until it is led right into what's harboring in the hearts of these fiery young leaders by midafternoon. Thoughtful discussions and respectful sharing of competing ideas take place. One student speaks about their experience of taking small steps forward to make change because climate change can feel overwhelming. Another student responds with a message of courage saying we need to not be afraid of being uncomfortable in making drastic changes because the reality is we are running out of time. Duality in all areas of life can and does exist. At the very same time, every small act matters, and yet drastic change needs to happen to combat climate change. Overall, the student summit does more than allow students the space to share their ideas – it amplifies them.

We break for a fabulous lunch catered by Foode, and the teachers are brought into a separate breakout session to discuss ways to make green programs more accessible to students. The teachers are gifted with educational handouts, resources, and sustainable gifts like reusable coffee mugs and tote bags.
Towards the end of the day, students gather around tables with colored markers making plans of action on butcher paper and collaborating with other schools. Everyone left smiling and energized with direction on projects they could begin as soon as they got back to school, like starting a green team, conducting a waste audit, fixing up a school garden, and making sculptures of recycled material to raise awareness around climate change.

The real meaning of a green team emerged from this summit. The weight of this crisis clearly shows the power and inspiration in collaboration. We need each other. Green teams and student summits are ways to share this burden collectively. It is not all up to one person but together we can make change, together we will make change.

About Green Schools

Clark County Green Schools provides support for students and teachers with accessibility to grants, educational resources, lessons, and materials, to help start up a green team and make green changes around schools. Learn more about Green School resources on oureducator toolkit page.