Empowering the Next Generation

Champion Changemakers: Supported, Inspired Youth Can Change the World

Today’s youth are tomorrow’s changemakers. By supporting and inspiring the next generation, we equip them with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build a better world. Your actions help empower future leaders to tackle environmental challenges and drive meaningful change.

Learn about a Young Leader

Young people are making a big impact on the world. I will spend (___) minutes learning about a young leader working on environmental or social justice issues to get inspired and share their story on social media or the Ecochallenge feed.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Young Champions of the Earth

Young Voices for the Planet

National Geographic Young Explorers
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DAILY ACTION
Listen to Youth

Youth voices matter and deserve to be heard. I will spend (___) minutes actively listening to and learning from young people about concerns, ideas, or experiences about environmental issues, either through conversations, speeches, or media.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Youth Voices on Climate and Sustainability (Youtube Playlist)

Global Youth Perspectives on Climate Change

Here’s What Gen Z Climate Activists Are Prioritizing This Coming Year
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DAILY ACTION
Conduct an Audit with a Young Person

Learning by doing empowers youth. I will conduct an environmental audit — such as a home energy or waste audit — alongside a young person to teach them practical sustainability skills and see what I learn from them as well.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

PBS Waste Audit Activity for Kids

Water Use Log

Ecological Footprint Calculator
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Learn About Indigenous Conservation Practices

Indigenous communities have stewarded ecosystems for generations through deep-rooted knowledge and connection to nature. I will spend (___) minutes exploring Indigenous conservation methods and reflecting on their role in fostering balance and equity with nature.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Intergenerational Knowledge: Weaving the Past with the Present

Three Ways Indigenous Knowledge Protects Nature

Explore Resources on the Cultural Transfer of Knowledge with the National Park Service
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DAILY ACTION
Read an Environmental Book with a Child

Stories inspire curiosity and care for the world. I will read (___) environmental-themed books with a child to help them learn about nature and sustainability.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

14 Books to Help Teach Children About the Environment

15 Books for Budding Environmentalists

Best Children’s Books About the Environment
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DAILY ACTION
Enjoy the Environment with Youth

Experiencing nature together builds appreciation and connection. I will spend (___) minutes enjoying an outdoor activity with a young person, such as hiking, visiting a park or nature center, or exploring a trail.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Together in Nature: Pathways to a Stronger, Closer Family from the Children and Nature Network

50 Creative Ways to Explore Nature with Children

Outdoor Activities for Teens to Boost Mental Health
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DAILY ACTION
Support a School

Schools play a crucial role in youth development and be hubs for sustainability. I will donate funds, time, or supplies to (___) local schools to support environmental education, field trips, sustainability projects, and youth empowerment. I will share how I supported schools on the feed.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Explore Ways to Support with the Green Schools Alliance

13 Pathways to Greening Your School

"How to Support Students in Greening Their School and Grants to do So "
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Support Youth Climate Activists

Youth activists are leading the charge for a better world. I will spend (___) minutes learning about or supporting youth climate activists through sharing their work or attending their events.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Discover 6 Youth-Led Movements Taking on Climate Change

Explore Ways to Support with Connect4Climate

Explore Ways to Get Involved with Youth Challenge International
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Donate to Support Emerging Leaders

Investing in young leaders helps shape the future. I will make a donation to a program or organization that supports emerging environmental leaders.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Empower Youth Leaders with the Climate Initiative

Explore Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots Programs and Challenges

Support Emerginging Wildlife Conservation Leaders
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Teach Advocacy Skills

Advocacy skills empower youth to make a difference. I will spend (___) hours teaching a young person how to advocate for environmental issues, such as engaging in decision-making, understanding civics, speaking publicly, or organizing events.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Explore How to Unify Gen-Z Environmentalists with Youth.ify

How do I Become a Youth Activist?

Eight Opportunities for Young People to Get Involved in Climate Action
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DAILY ACTION
Submit a Youth-Authored Letter

Youth perspectives are powerful. I will encourage or help a young person write and submit a letter about an environmental issue to a local paper, community leader, or decision-maker.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Write an Elected Official from Kid Governor

Tips for Helping Children Write Letters to Leaders

PDF Lesson and Template: Write a Letter to Your Representative
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DAILY ACTION
Mentor a Young Environmental Enthusiast

Guidance helps youth grow their passion for the planet. I will mentor a young person interested in the environment by sharing my knowledge, experiences, and encouragement.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Explore Opportunities with Mentor.org

Get Involved with Environmental Action Civics with Earth Force

7 Ways to Find Mentorship for the Achievement of SDGs
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DAILY ACTION
Support a Youth-Led Project

Youth-led projects drive innovation and change. I will support youth-led environmental projects by offering time, resources, or encouragement and share how I supported youth on the Ecochallenge feed.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Youth Climate Justice Fund

Student Conservation Association

Global Youth Climate Action Fund
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Host a Bio-blitz

A bio-blitz helps youth engage with local biodiversity. I will organize or participate in a bio-blitz with young people to identify and document the plants, animals, and insects in our area.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

National Geographic's Bio-blitz Toolkit

(Video) What is a Bio-blitz? How to Use iNaturalist

Bio-blitz Instructions from iNaturalist
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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