The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment!

Hello everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my fundraiser. I have been given an incredible opportunity. As a student at the NC School of Science and Math in Durham and an active environmental activist in my communities (both Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Durham), I have been selected as a Delegate to attend the Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University!!!

Every summer, George Mason University and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute host National Youth Delegates from all over the country to learn about the current state of the climate crisis and the environmental concerns our world faces today. From field work visits to discussions with researchers and scientists to meetings with policymakers, I will learn so much and will make the most of every single moment there! I am extremely passionate about environmental work and very much hope to be able to attend this leadership conference! I believe my attendance at this conference will have an enormous impact on my future career. I am determined to make an impact and do whatever I can to protect our beautiful planet and stop the climate crisis!

So, in the spirit of environmental action AND in an effort to raise funds for the summit, I am going to be working on two projects in the coming months. First I will dedicate time on my weekends to cleaning up trash and other waste present in my community. Second, because I really LOVE growing plants (they're my babies!) I will be attempting to start various vegetables and herbs from seed and nurture them until transfer time! Though these actions are on a smaller scale in comparison to environmental problems as a whole, they are important in that they demonstrate my desire to help and act locally. If your financial condition allows, you can pledge either a certain amount for every pound of trash collected or for every successful seedling transferred, or both! For a little perspective, I've got 21 seedlings just planted and will dedicate a few hours to the weekend cleanups. Please think about giving anywhere from $1-$10 for each success if possible!

If you would instead like to make a contribution directly to my funderaiser for WYSE, that would also be very much appreciated! Everything helps, and I'm so grateful. If you can't donate anything right now, I completely understand. If possible, consider sharing this page with others! The more people who know my story, the more collective effort we can have.

However, I also know that individual sustainability actions, while right, don't nearly reach the extent needed to change the course of the climate crisis and address environmental racism. In fact, the greatest impact possible can be made through environmental policy! That's why I'm asking for support for three new bills introduced into the House which address fair energy distribution in North Carolina.

1. Fair Competition Study Act

2. Fair Procurement and Ownership Reform Act

3. North Carolina Consumer Protection Act

If you want to learn more about how to contact local legislators and offer support for these bills, you can sign up for a training on April 23rd using this form here ! We will also be hosting more training in the future which will be sent through updates for anyone interested.

So overall, I want you all to walk away from this page having done something! If you can, please pledge an amount for every pound of trash collected or every successful plant I grow (I will send updates and pictures of these projects as well!). If you would rather make a direct contribution or share this fundraiser to other people, you can do that as well. Finally, if you want to learn how to support the bills above in North Carolina, sign up for the training or even just spread the word of this Utility Fairness Campaign!

Thank you all for everything!