Alex Smart are you voice advocate, and number of the youth Council recently testified at the Vermont State House. She was there speaking in favor of a bill introduced by Representative Lanpher, that would establish a youth Council for the state of Vermont. This council would be an important step forward when it comes to youth rights in Vermont. It would allow for young people across the state to have a voice in the decisions made at the state level that affect us.Youth may not vote, we are a valuable part of society, and are the ones who live with the consequences of the laws passed now.
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On Sunday, November 17 almost 200 youth elementary through graduate school gathered at the capital to address the climate crisis. As the temperature continues to gradually rise youth are rising far faster. We aren’t just demanding change from those older and more powerful, we are actively engaging in our world and our government to create the change that is necessary to ensure our generations future. And the Youth Climate Congress was exactly that, youth driving change. I was lucky enough to attend the Congress, I could say it was honestly empowering and an amazing portrait of what government can be. The day started with everyone gathering in the house chamber with the day being called to order by the Congress’s co-chairs Lili Platt and Evelyn Siedner, both of whom are high school seniors. It is also important to mention the land recognition given before breaking up into committees serving as a reminder the issues of climate chassis are inseparably linked to those of social justice, and that this land we now call Vermont belongs to the Abernaki people. As the day progressed delegates broke out into committees in order to lay out a plan for legislator to follow in the January session when addressing climate change. Issues included agriculture, climate justice, transportation, and a just transition. I was in the just transition group with students ranging from seventh grade to juniors in college. Everyone of my fellow students in that group spoke with a level of intelligence, passion, and commitment to others and the planet that can serve well to legislators as a reminder of what their job is. This is not to say that legislators aren’t doing important work, many of them were there lending helpful advice, it is however to illustrate the competency of youth in this state and the importance of partnering with youth especially when it comes to issues of this magnitude. The day ended and the state house steps after a faulty sprinkler caused an evacuation. There in the freezing cold youth unanimously passed our climate declaration; the declaration was a collaborative effort, and something I eagerly await lawmakers using in the 2020 session. While the climate movement may be the most visible you said but I meant there is today, use across Vermont are speaking out on a wide array of issues that directly affect our lives. The Voices for Vermont’s Children Youth Council is also working to make youth driven change in Vermont. 1From left, students Una Fonte(Author), Jared Thatcher and Andrew Sterm Photo by Grace Elletson/VTDigger |
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