CYLIP Intern Attends Yale University Conference

Aldan St Omer attended the two-day “Environmental Joy: Roadmaps for Resistance, Resilience, and Thriving” conference. Aldan is currently participating in CIMH’s long-term internship program. The event was held at the Yale School of the Environment and gathered experts and youth across disciplines and cultures to discuss pathways for addressing environmental challenges in the U.S. and globally. The primary focus was identifying actionable steps for strengthening community capacity to advance environmental and climate justice with a vision centered on resilience, resistance, and environmental joy.

The conference offered Aldan networking opportunities with environmental policymakers, activists, and aspiring leaders, providing insights into the challenges and strategies for climate and environmental advocacy.

Aldan reported that his focus was on the role of technology in advancing environmental joy and that his main takeaways were:

Key Takeaways:

• Community Empowerment: Community resilience and empowerment are central to achieving environmental justice. Strengthening community resolve in advocating for climate-positive developments emerged as a key priority.
• Navigating Divides: A recurring theme was the disconnect between environmental advocates and political/regulatory entities, a gap that often challenges forward momentum.
• Community-Government Collaboration: The need for community-led organizations and engaged governmental allies was emphasized, highlighting the importance of controlling both the narrative and actions in environmental discourse.
• Purpose-Driven Advocacy: There was a call to focus on what we are working toward, rather than whom we are fighting against.
• Joyful, Grateful Approaches: All initiatives should be pursued from a foundation of gratitude and joy.
• Reclamation and Sovereignty: Additional goals included reclaiming land, pursuing reparations, amplifying marginalized voices, fostering partnerships, supporting food sovereignty, and aligning financial resources with these goals.
• Digital/Tech Activism: One of the innovative ideas raised during the conference was the use of digital platforms and technology to support environmental and climate action efforts. Technology, from social media campaigns to digital organizing and data collection tools, was highlighted as a powerful ally in mobilizing support, raising awareness, and holding governments and corporations accountable. It was emphasized that digital activism provides the opportunity to reach wider audiences, especially younger generations, and create a more connected global movement for climate justice.