Wanted: mentors from all sectors, of all ages, of all cultures, to help high school students tackle local climate change.
Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) will kick-start its fourth round of action in the spring.
“If you care about kids and climate, we should connect,” said Jo de Vries, CARE facilitator and Fresh Outlook Foundation CEO. CARE is a pioneering climate education program that’s mobilizing student and community climate action in Vernon since 2022.
But, now the program is looking to expand to the Central Okanagan.
Local program collaborators include the Vernon School District, City of Vernon, Regional District of North Okanagan, School District 23, City of Kelowna, UBC Okanagan, and Community Foundation of North Okanagan, with support from the non-profit and business sectors.
“You don’t have to be an expert to be a great mentor,” said de Vries. “We’re looking for people with insights, ideas, and the passion to help students create solutions for local climate challenges.”
Past mentors have used their imaginations to help teams explore links between climate and nature, agriculture, energy, waste, transportation, human health, and culture.
“We know everyone’s busy,” de Vries adds, “but CARE doesn’t have to be a big time commitment. You can invest between eight and 40 hours from next February to May, depending on your availability before the CARE Expo on May 29 at the Vernon Curling Club. You could also be a one-off project advisor to support students during their research and project design phases.”
A vast majority of students surveyed said CARE helped them build diverse educational and personal skills, the most helpful being confidence and agency. Mentors surveyed said CARE enhances existing climate networks and collaborations, while fostering broader awareness and future action by individuals, families, organizations, and whole communities.
Mentors reported being more hopeful for the future, said de Vries, and better connected with fellow climate advocates. One mentor said, “If you’re wondering whether the next generation is on track to mitigate the effects of climate change, become a mentor and prepare to be impressed.”
For more information, check out the CARE Mentor Opportunities handout. If you’re interested in joining the growing CARE movement as a mentor or sponsor, connect with kasey@freshoutlookfoundation.org.
