Since our chapter began in 2013, a number of our members have always attended Citizens' Climate Lobby's annual National Conference and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. We are very excited that one of our newest members is willing to represent our chapter at the conference this year. Riley Hartman is attending Cabrillo College and has just received a Travelship from CCL. Below is a quote from Riley's application letter:

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As someone 20 years old, the conversation around climate change I often enter into with my peers is one rife with apathy, nihilism, and a fundamental sense of despair. A common perspective among my generation is that climate change is real, but inevitable, and therefore pointless to fight. I know this not to be true, but it was difficult to motivate myself to continue my advocacy efforts with this feedback. Finding CCL and coming into an organization earlier this year full of like-minded individuals—who not only knew that relief was possible, but were successfully advocating for it—was a breath of fresh air. The opportunity to be around other activists and work towards tangible legislative advocacy has been so inspiring and fulfilling, and the national conference would be that a thousandfold.

Additionally, I believe that I can provide a unique perspective as a disabled individual. People with disabilities often are left out of the conversation around climate change, despite our being some of the most vulnerable to its effects. I currently serve on Santa Cruz County’s Commission on Disabilities, and I would be able to translate my experience representing the needs of disabled residents of Santa Cruz County to the national conference.

I would be incredibly grateful for this opportunity. Thank you.

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The Travelship award that Riley received is $600. We need to raise $2000 more to cover hotel and airline costs. Please be as generous as you can.

We'll all benefit from the insights and stories that Riley returns with, and while that's not the same as going yourself, we're lucky to have an actual constituent in the offices of Congressman Panetta when CCL "takes the hill" post Covid.