Climate for Change 2022 event attendees taking bold steps to bring about a safe and justice climate future

In late June, CBEEN supported Ben Simoni in attending the “Climate for Change 2022” event offered at the Hollyhock Leadership Institute on Cortes Island. Climate for Change 2022 convened and (re)connected a diverse group of Indigenous, grassroots, and sectoral leaders from across Canada who are committed to going beyond incremental climate action and taking the bold steps needed to bring about a safe and just climate future.

Ben is the executive director of Youth Climate Corps (YCC), an organization that aims to empower youth to take actions that address the climate crisis.  Youth Climate Corps provides paid work and training to young people aged 17 – 30 in climate action projects. YCC builds connections to place, and community, and provides youth with meaningful work to build resilience in their communities.

YCC is developing programming to strengthen the existing Youth Climate Corps programs that exist in the Columbia Basin. Ben’s hope from attending “Climate for Change 2022” was to become exposed to the diverse stakeholders and those involved in climate action, helping to deepen YCC’s understanding of the perspectives in the climate action space, increasing their ability to deliver meaningful and representative climate education.

Ben had this to say after attending the event:
“Seeing what people are fighting for, envisioning and giving was humbling and inspiring. I was honoured to be in this space with many people working hard for a better future. The attendees came from diverse backgrounds; union reps from Canada Post, community organizers, Wet’suwet’en Land defenders, climate policy experts, and youth activists. The five days were a relaxed pace intended for opportunities for emergence and collaboration. It was rewarding to learn from peers doing courageous and important work. I will be working to develop and enhance policies and focus areas of our work on supporting Indigenous solidarity leadership…and improve policies to create a sense of belonging for BIPOC folks in Youth Climate Corps programming and staff.”

We wish Ben and everyone with Youth Climate Corps much success developing new programs and strengthening existing YCC programs in the Columbia Basin!