This is a page for youth. Often, environmental resources are geared towards adults, but youth are driving the environmental movement from all over the world. We want to provide you with resources that can support you in learning, getting connected, and taking action right here in Whatcom county!
Since we at RE Sources believe that people and the planet are interconnected and that work that helps the environment can and should also help people, you’ll find we’ve also included information on social justice organizations and resources.
Intersectional Environmentalism
Advocacy and Action Resources
Books, Podcasts, and Videos
K-12 Online Lessons
More Youth Action Opportunities at Local Orgs
Environmental Careers
Intersectional Environmentalism
Intersectional Environmentalism is a term coined by Leah Thomas and she defines it as “an inclusive approach to environmentalism that advocates for the protection of both people + the planet.” Learn more.
There’s so many people doing this important work! It can feel like a big task to help people and the planet, but here are a few good places to start:
What Indigenous land do you live on?
- This interactive map shows original tribal lands (hint: search Bellingham)
- And this map shows current WA tribal lands. What are the two recognized tribes in Whatcom county?
- Create your own land acknowledgement
Learn more about our environmental history and its injustices
- Recommended for 3rd grade+: Climate Justice According to a Kid | Climate Change for Kids
- Recommended for high school+ (more difficult language): The Intersectional History of Environmentalism
Advocacy + Action Resources
There’s more ways than you might think to make your voice heard – here are a few.
Hone your activist skills
RE Sources’ YEP! program connects high school students around shared interest in climate justice activism.
Start a Green Team
We support K-8 students in Whatcom Co. to work in teams and solve real world sustainability issues.
Volunteer with us
Get outside, make new friends and make your community a greener, better place all at the same time.
Make a public comment
Tell decision-makers what youth in their communities demand.
Write a letter to the editor
Elevate an important climate or environmental issue in the media.
Turn out the vote
Even if you’re too young to vote, you can still support democracy in action.
In addition, you an check out:
- Voices of Youth for an Advocacy Guide written by youth, for youth
- How to vote: Voting resources for young people
This is where you can jump in, get your hands dirty taking hands-on action, meet some friends who care about the same things you do, and make a real difference in your community.
Have an idea for action you don’t see here?
You don’t need to go far. First, reach out to us at schools@re-sources.org! We can help you brainstorm how to bring more action to your school, share how to be involved in our youth programs, or just lend an ear to your interests! We love hearing from youth and have so many ideas (and want to hear yours!) for how you could get involved.
Books, Podcasts, and Videos
We won’t reinvent the wheel here. Check out talkclimate.org, a Seattle-based nonprofit, for lots of climate book, podcast, and video recommendations curated just for you, whether you’re in kindergarten or high school.
You can also check out our Resources for Anti-Racist Action
Did you know there’s a podcast led by youth right here in the region?
Young and Indigenous is a local Lummi youth-led podcast that explores what it’s like to be Indigenous and creates a space where their community’s voices can inform a better future.
Online Lessons
When the COVID pandemic led to school closures and pushed education into the virtual realm, RE Sources has compiled dozens online lessons and DIY activities for youth ages K-12. Lesson subjects include climate change, energy, waste, pollution, water and more. Check them out!
More youth action opportunities at local organizations:
- White Swan Environmental – advocating for thriving cultures and environment for all in the Salish Sea
- Children of the Setting Sun – Young Tribal Leaders Program (YTLP)
- Common Threads – Volunteer opportunities in school gardens
- NSEA – Restoration work parties and youth internships
- Wild Whatcom – Explorer’s Mentor Apprentice
- Whatcom Conservation District – Environmental and Natural Resource Competition for High Schoolers
- Whatcom Land Trust – Volunteer Land Steward
- Bellingham Parks – Stewardship work parties
- Whatcom County Parks – Individual volunteer opportunities
- North Cascades Institute – Resources for continued engagement.
Environmental Careers
- What’s it like to be a scientist at NOAA? Take a peek into different environmental science careers and some pathways to get there.
- Check out these nine in-demand environmental jobs
- Hear from WWF experts about protecting species and habitats around the world through 45-minute virtual events.
- Want to work in National and State parks as an educator, scientist, or as part of a trail crew? Check out The Student Conservation Association.
- Washington has its very own Conservation Corp where you can join a work crew and serve WA lands through physical conservation work.
Have more ideas for youth action resources based in Northwest Washington? Let us know! Reach out to schools@re-sources.org with you suggestions.