By Lisa Houle | August 15th, 2022
The Invasive Species Council of BC is pleased to host the online 2022 Mini Youth Summit: “Storytelling for Climate Action”
Have you ever had a conversation with a family member, friend, or neighbour about climate change that turned into a debate or even an argument? Many of us understand that to solve the present and looming climate crisis, we need urgent action on climate change now. Unfortunately, other people in our lives may not agree.
Learn how to turn these frustrating conversations into transformational ones. Dive into the power of storytelling for climate action and go through the process of writing your own climate stake stories!
Workshop presenter Maya Provencal, Clean Energy Manager for Neighbours United, sees the persuasive impact of storytelling from one’s own emotional and relatable lived experiences. “Many studies show that emotions, not logic, shape people’s opinions on divisive political issues. Debating using facts and talking points often deepens people’s internal conflict about climate action rather than resolve it,” said Maya.
Maya is a queer youth living on the traditional and unceded territory of the Sinixt Peoples in Rossland, BC. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and has seven years of experience working in non-profit and government on issues related to climate change, energy, food security, and waste management. Her non-profit organization, Neighbours United, focuses on innovative and inclusive solutions to keep a community healthy and safe. And there’s strength in numbers. “From the first complete deep engagement canvassing program on climate anywhere in the world, to helping over 100,000 people in 13 communities say yes to 100% renewable energy, we are powered by over 450 members and 20,000 supporters.”
Deandra Atmojo, ISCBC Youth Volunteer Presenter, will also share her own personal climate change story and some tips for self-care. Deandra has been a volunteer with ISCBC for a year and a half and has contributed over 150 volunteer hours. She is a settler from Indonesia living on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututuh First Nations, in Vancouver B.C.
Deandra has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation and is the Senior Program Coordinator at the Environmental Youth Alliance. She currently develops and delivers programs for high school-aged youth to teach them about the environment and help them connect with Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers.
“Many people feel anxiety brought on by the negative ways that climate change is being reported in the news. The feelings of helplessness, overwhelmedness and sometimes loneliness may prevent those that are already within the climate space to continue their work,” said Deandra. “It is important to acknowledge eco-anxiety and take care of ourselves so we can continue our work.”
Katelyn Bissat, ISCBC Manager of Volunteer Engagement and organizer of the event, encourages all youth to attend. “Now more than ever we need to step up and tell our climate stories to raise awareness about our changing planet. Empowering youth to tell their climate stories is incredibly important as they are the environmental leaders of tomorrow.”
This free workshop is open to all ISCBC Youth Volunteers aged 15-30. Join our team and register for the workshop here. Registration deadline is September 22.
Lisa is a Communications and Outreach Coordinator at ISCBC. She values a diverse environment and connecting with others about environmental protection. In her spare time Lisa enjoys spending time at the ocean and beach combing for sea glass. You can reach Lisa at lhoule@bcinvasives.ca
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