Every December, high school environmental clubs from around the region gather at the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for a full day of sharing, collaborating, and exploring creative solutions for climate change and other environmental issues youth face. Twelve students from the Friday Harbor High School Eco Club proudly participated in this year’s Youth Earth Summit (YES) under the guidance of our Community Science and Education Director, Jess Newley, science teacher Sam Garson from Friday Harbor High School, and Katie Fleming from San Juan County’s Department of Environmental Stewardship.
A highlight of this year’s conference was the only student-led session titled “Getting Involved in Local Politics,” designed and facilitated by our very own Friday Harbor High School Eco Club members. The students shared their firsthand experiences visiting Olympia during the state legislative session- what they learned, why civic engagement matters, and how other youth can get involved in shaping environmental policy. The session wrapped up with a postcard-writing activity, where Eco Club members guided participants through finding contact information for their own state representatives and crafting clear, compelling messages to elected officials.
“This was my third YES and as a senior also sadly my last. This year we presented our club’s experience of engaging in local politics. It was a great opportunity to reflect on our Olympia trip and help facilitate political engagement. I also loved connecting with other environmental clubs in Washington. I left the experience with new inspiration and ideas!” – Club President, Flora Vaught
Friends’ education programs empower youth to become confident advocates for the Salish Sea by combining hands-on science with real-world civic engagement. Donations you made to Friends of the San Juans and through SJI Cares campaign support our education programs and make important experiences like this happen for island youth. Thank you!