Launching 'Climate Champions' program - APPLY NOW

[Abby Fenton]

(Please forward widely)

LAUNCHING CLIMATE CHAMPIONS PROGRAM - APPLY NOW

Will Steger Foundation is launching the 'Climate Champions' program
this fall in partnership with the British Council, a not for profit
organization based in UK fostering international cultural relations
and educational opportunities (www.britishcouncil.org). We are
currently seeking outstanding students/young alumni across the Midwest
between the ages of 15 and 25 who have demonstrated strong leadership
on the environment in their communities to serve as Climate Champions
from the 2010-2011 school year.

While the commitment is relatively minimal, the opportunity for access
is significant, including travel and accommodations to high profile
summits, conferences and trainings (international climate
negotiations, Powershift summits, youth trainings, etc). We welcome
youth input on related opportunities of interest.

British Council has partnered with the Will Steger Foundation with the
goal of growing effective youth leadership on climate solutions
through experience and access and building a stronger national and
international youth network across the globe.

Feel free to forward this email on your networks and contact me with
any questions. Our deadline is Friday, August 6th.

Thanks!
Abby

***

Seeking Minnesota/Midwest Youth Ages 15-25 to join the British
Council's International Climate Champions Program!

About the British Council Climate Champions

The California and Midwest Climate Champions program is sponsored by
the California Air Resources Board, Will Steger Foundation, and the
British Council. The Climate Champions program is an international
network of young people solving the global climate crisis by taking
local action. The goal of the program is to create a network of young
people across the US, starting in in California and the Midwest, who
are committed to undertaking projects in their communities that both
raise awareness of climate change and actually reduce the pollution
that causes climate change.

Will Steger Foundation is currently seeking nominations for strong
youth leaders with a demonstrated commitment to environmental
leadership, interested in joining an international community of peers.
The Climate Champions programs honors youth leadership on climate
change solutions, provides opportunities for further learning and
growth, provides access to high profile summits, conferences and
trainings, and fosters an international community of young leaders
working together across the globe to solve the climate crisis.

Examples of ‘Environmental Leadership’ include:
*Leading a recycling campaign on campus
*Facilitating a peer education event related to climate change
awareness/action
*Planning a lobby day, rally, or campaign in support of climate
legislation
*Launching a community project that exemplifies climate change
solutions
*Organizing peers for climate activism

Benefits
*Participate in publicity and media events
*Participate in high profile events
*Opportunity to attend national and international conferences, summits
and trainings
*Access to national and international network of Climate Champions
(currently 2,000 internationally across the globe)
*Once you're a Champion, you always have access to Climate Champion
opportunities - it doesn't expire!

Expectations/Commitment

For Climate Champions from 2010-2011:

*Serve as youth advisors for the program: Provide input and feedback
about the program structure (does it make sense from a youth
perspective, is it engaging enough, etc). Assist with the development
of the 2011-12 Climate Champions program, and help in the selection of
a new round of Climate Champions in spring 2011.
Represent the program in school community: present to classrooms and
teachers (or if post-HS age, present at local High Schools)
*Represent the program at local/regional/national climate events (i.e.
Governors Global Climate Summit, and other local, national, and
international opportunities)
*Assist with the review committee for MN school mini-grants in Spring
2011.
*Participate in quarterly calls with U.S. Climate Champions
*Submit a blog post or facebook post quarterly (more often would be
great) on what you've been up to, write about projects, or events
you've attended.

Application - To be eligible you must:
*Be between the ages of 15-25 and currently reside in one of the
Midwestern states (ND, SD, MN, IA, KS, NE, IA, WI, MI, IL, IN, MO, OH)
*Completed a climate action project in you school or community; Have
demonstrated project development and management experience
*Passionate about climate change solutions
*Willingness to mentor future Climate Champions
*Time commitment will be minimal to start, but more involved in 2011.
(average 2-3 hours/month, more during spring 2011)

Please submit a summary about yourself (minimum one page), including
past climate project experience and why you would like to be
considered a Climate Champion to ab...@willstegerfoundation.org.
Include 'Climate Champions' in email subject line.
-----

Abby Fenton
Will Steger Foundation Youth Programs Director
RE-AMP Youth Climate Coordinator
(612) 278-7149
ab...@willstegerfoundation.org
www.willstegerfoundation.org