John,

My name is Ally, and I work on the WCV field team as a Spring intern. I graduated from the University of Washington a few weeks ago with a degree in Conservation Biology, which I chose for its intersections between policy and science. As an avid backpacker and tide-pooler, I had always been passionate about the natural world and wanted to find out how to protect it. But despite my optimism, I soon learned that the passage of environmental policies is much more complicated than simply listening to climate scientists.

One of my greatest realizations in college was that organization, tactical planning, and good storytelling are key to creating change. I became involved in grassroots organizing and began to see how the voice of the people impacts policy. I’m honored to work as an intern on the field team for WCV, where our job is to connect with folks like you across the state and let you know how much your voice really matters.   

Please join us in partnership with youth climate activists in Washington state on the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day for a massive three-day digital climate strike.

Day 1, Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day!

• WA Youth Climate Strike is hosting a series of one-hour trainings from 10 am - 4 pm.
• Sunrise Tacoma is hosting three livestreamed Power Hour webinars from 3-6 pm focusing on the ways that the Green New Deal would bring about environmental, social, and economic justice.
• U.S. Climate Strike is hosting Earth Day Live, a three-day livestream (April 22-24) that will include speakers, musical performances, and digital actions.

Day 2, Thursday, April 23: Stop the Money Pipeline Day of Action

• U.S. Climate Strike is hosting a Stop the Money Pipeline Day of Action as part of Earth Day Live.  Led by the Stop the Money Pipeline Coalition, the goal is to reprogram the economy so that it works for people and the planet, not polluters.
• WA Youth Climate Strike is hosting three one-hour webinars from 10 am – 1 pm focused on divestment.

Day 3, Friday, April 24: Day of Political Action and Voter Engagement

• The famous young activist Greta Thunberg has asked Fridays for Future strikers around the world to use #ClimateStrikeOnline during the pandemic.  
• U.S. Climate Strike is hosting a Day of Political Action and Voter Engagement.
• WA Youth Climate Strike is hosting three one-hour webinars from 10 am – 1 pm around political action.

This toolkit contains more detailed information about the events happening during Earth Week and how you can be involved.

Digital actions allow this movement to be more accessible than ever before. We have an opportunity to come together as a state, learn from the experts and youth who have partnered for these events, and find inspiration to build a better future.

The current pandemic has been a challenge, but I am inspired by the resilient online community of youth climate activists. The pandemic has only strengthened their determination to fight for a secure, just future. Middle schoolers and high schoolers are dedicating hours to this movement each week, and their optimism is truly contagious.

Thanks for all you do,

Ally Arnold
Spring 2020 Field Intern