This is a post by Daisy Pistey-Lyhne, ACE’s Policy Liaison and Regional Managing Educator in Washington, D.C.  

Hey graduating seniors! Congratulations on finishing up your high school career. We’re sure you have a bright future ahead of you, and we look forward to hearing the stories of how you continue to connect your next steps into the growing movement for climate solutions!

As you graduate from high school, you’re also moving on from ACE – so we want to make sure you can stay easily connected to the climate movement wherever you’re going and no matter what you’re doing!

I want to give you the scoop on some of our greatest national partners – these are organizations that can keep you in the loop about climate change issues and connect you with the growing movement of green jobs, climate advocates, campus sustainability networks, and local organizing groups. So whether you’re staying close to home, or heading out for new territory, there’s something for everyone. Check ’em out:

Energy Action Coalition

A coalition of 50 youth-led organizations that work with hundreds of campuses in every state of country. Join them to work on campus sustainability, organize clean energy actions or attend a future Power Shift summit. This fall they’ll be organizing Power Vote, a national campaign to demonstrate that young voters demand clean energy and climate solutions!

http://energyactioncoalition.org/fall

The Sierra Student Coalition (SSC)

A broad network of high school and college-aged youth, with 250+ chapters across the country. The youth-led chapter of the Sierra Club, works “to train, empower, and organize youth to run effective campaigns that result in environmental victories and develop leaders.” http://ssc.sierraclub.org/get-involved/index.html

Student PIRGs:

Student Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has interns and volunteers on 100+ campuses across the country. Interns run campaigns to stop global warming by: video petitions to pass strong global warming laws; competitions to increase energy conservation; ‘light bulb swaps’ in local communities. As an intern you’ll have an impact and learn valuable skills. Sign up today: http://www.studentpirgs.org/action/get-involved

1Sky

1Sky is working with all ages in all 50 states of the nation. Join the Climate Movement in your community. As a Climate Precinct Captain (CPC) you will receive weekly updates, host local events, and join the 1Sky rapid response team. Let’s tell our leaders: we need a strong clean energy future today!  Sign up to join: http://www.1sky.org/local

Green For All

Dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through a clean energy economy.  We collaborate with business, government, labor, and grassroots communities to increase quality jobs and opportunities in the green sector – all while holding the most vulnerable people at the center of our agenda.  We are committed to helping create an inclusive green economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty! To see a list of “green jobs” resources and training opportunities.

I hope one (or more!) of these organizations sounds like something you might like to explore.

With much pomp and circumstance,

Daisy Pistey-Lyhne

DC Senior Educator & Policy Liaison