See the photo of Jamie Henn above and one would guess being youth activism is daunting, nerve-wracking and frustrating. And though it can be all those things, Henn, co-founder of the international climate organization 350.org and current director of Fossil Free Media, assures, “People look at activists and think it’s so depressing. In fact, it is sad and depressing and super hard. You get to have these incredible experiences.”
Another upside Henn lauds, “I think that’s one of the most uncelebrated parts of activism – getting to actually connect with and make so many friends in wild places, people from around the world.”
Henn joins Our Future Now co-hosts Natalie Mebane and Jonah Gottlieb to give listeners insider access to life behind the scenes for youth activists.
Amongst the stories relayed include everything from their beginnings in climate activism and Gottlieb’s nap in Bernie Sanders’ office, to the trio bringing together thousands of youth to Washington, DC for the Global Climate Strike in 2019.
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The Our Future Now Collaboration
Our Future Now, a National Children’s Campaign Podcast is co-hosted by Jonah Gottlieb and Natalie Mebane. Gottlieb and Mebane are also co-founders of NCC. Gottlieb, a high school senior from Petaluma, California, is also the captain of One Planet Living and the co-founder and president of Global Awareness. Mebane is the Associate Director of US Policy for 350, an international movement looking to end the use of fossil fuels while promoting renewable energy.
Our Future Now is a collaboration between Parentology, the National Children’s Campaign and Goal 17 Media.
The National Children’s Campaign (NCC) is a national nonprofit organization that amplifies the voices of America’s 74 million children and youth, making sure our nation’s political leaders prioritize issues –health, education, climate and environment, child welfare, gun violence, child immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and youth civic engagement — that matter to those who are too young to vote. You can read more about today’s episode on the NCC blog here.
Goal 17 Media is a media network producing podcasts, videos and documentaries that inspire individuals and contribute to the common good.
Youth Activists: Sources
350.org
Fossil Free Media
Vote4ourfuture.org
National Children’s Campaign
Goal 17 Media