YOUTH VOICES
Youth-Led Activism in the DMV
BY MICHELLE ALONSO, WITH LOCAL CONTRIBUTORS
In August 2023, a state judge in Montana ruled in favor of 16 young plaintiffs — climate advocates who range in age from 5 to 22 — in a landmark case and huge victory for climate activists everywhere. In Held v. State of Montana , District Court Judge Kathy Seeley ruled that the rights of the plaintiffs have been violated by the Montana En - vironmental Policy Act because the law has prevented the state from assessing the climate impacts of mining projects. In the nation’s first ruling on a constitutional, youth-led lawsuit regarding the climate, Seeley said fossil fuel emissions, including Montana’s, “have been proven to be a substantial factor” in heating the planet and causing pollution. Because the Montana Constitution guarantees residents a “clean and healthful environment,” the state’s environmental policy law violates the document, said Seeley. This latest climate win sets important legal precedence with poten- tial consequential effects on the hundreds of lawsuits that have been filed in the U.S. arguing against the continued extraction of fossil fu - els. And it is just the latest example of how youth activists are stepping up, taking charge, and organizing to protest — or protect — the many pressing issues that matter to them and will directly impact their, and future, generations. From sit-ins to walkouts, mutual aid groups to legal action, street protests to social media campaigns… youth-led activism has a long history in this country. We’ve seen a resurgence of momentum and high profile coverage, especially in the last decade. Gun violence, the climate crisis, racial injustice, LGBTQIA+rights, and threats to our democracy are just some of the issues fueling the fervor of our young people, who are leading movements to make change happen. They harness technology to break down barriers, rally forces, communicate messages, and stay connected. Young people need to be given agency to help shape the course of their future on this planet. When they are engaged with their peers and in their own voices, they can channel their collective energy to- ward positive action and hopefully make a difference in the world they are going to inherit. And the adults in their lives must encourage and support them to think globally, act locally. Youth activism in the DMV is no exception. Area youth are living in the shadow of Washington, DC, arguably one of the most powerful cities in the world, where they are steeped daily, if not directly affected by the nation’s most pressing challenges. We reached out to several youth-led activist groups to see what they are doing locally to address these concerns; and to give them an opportunity to share their mis- sions in order to help support them. We received a few direct respons- es from area organizations, who range from advocating for commu - nity public safety to spotlighting issues through student films, and to coalition-building in order to shape public policy. We also highlight a few additional groups who are active in our region. This is by no means exhaustive, just one small way to start. Better Planet 4 Kids: Youth Advocates for Safety BY RAJ AWASTHI Better Planet 4 Kids (BP4K) is a non-profit organization found - ed by myself, a rising Freshman (headed to Montgomery Blair High School’s STEM Magnet Program), and my sister, Parnika Awasthi, a rising 5th grader (heading to Lakewood Elementary School). The or - ganization raises awareness regarding problems faced by the youth of
Raj & Parnika in front of proposed road improvements
today, and leads projects that bring kids from different communities together to address these issues. Around six months ago, our organization launched a campaign, “Safer Roads 4 Kids”. The campaign addressed the primary safety con - cern for “T intersection blind spots on roads near elementary schools and children’s parks in Rockville (Wootton Parkway neighborhood)”. For kids in the neighborhood heading to school or the park, it’s diffi - cult to be sure that no vehicles are approaching as they cross the road. Speaking with other children and parents further revealed the prob- lem, as there are few to no signs (speed limit, yield, etc.) present to slow the vehicles near residential areas. As part of the initiative, we partnered with the City of Rockville and the Mayor’s Council — especially with Councilmember Mark Pierzcha - la and Councilmember Beryl Feinberg — as well as with the Rockville Pedestrian Advocacy Committee to discuss the issue at length. Due to our efforts, the City of Rockville has conducted several Pedestri - an Safety Studies of key intersections to improve the traffic situa - tion. During the month of June 2023, city staff went into the field to measure the pedestrian island, and made the outlines of the improve- ments. Shortly after the plans and specifications for the construction are complete (finding value design options, cost-saving strategies, fea - sibility, etc.), the County will begin the construction process! For next steps, our team will be meeting with Lakewood Elementa- ry School principal Dr. Ebony-Nicole Kelly to discuss potential envi - ronmental opportunities in the school during the coming school year. Join Us! Along with our ongoing efforts, we are also looking to expand our organization and looking for new projects to focus on! For any ques - tions or interest in joining, please contact us at: betterplanet4kids@ gmail.com.
Website: www.betterplanet4kids.org/ Twitter: @btrplanet4kids Youtube: www.youtube.com/@BetterPlanet4Kids
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PATHWAYS—Fall 23—13
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