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Published on: News

Artful Activism at the This is Zero Hour Youth Climate Summit

published on: July 17, 2019

We have 11 years to act on the climate crisis. While we wait for our elected officials to pass sensible and urgent laws, the next generation is standing up. 

On July 12th-14th, This Is Zero Hour hosted their Youth Climate Summit in Miami, Florida. Youth from across the United States and the world participated in a series of trainings and workshops to enhance their advocacy skills in the fight for climate justice. Summit sessions included ways to use storytelling to build online support, the unique impacts climate change has on indigenous communities, the correlation between gun violence and the climate crisis, and much more!

Underwater FLA was invited to participate in the Artful Activism Workshop, as we are centered around art as a medium to communicate our climate crisis across Florida neighborhoods. Underwater FLA volunteers facilitated one-on-one discussions about sea-level rise and led participants in an elevation marker painting activity. Art is a great way to begin conversations in the community, starting with one neighbor asking a question about the art. One question can turn into many, and before you know it one neighbor can spark a movement. The power of art to change how we communicate makes it an excellent tool for community organizing. 

The Zero Hour movement is centered on the voices of diverse youth, asserting the next generation’s voices in the conversation around climate and environmental justice. Zero Hour is a youth-led movement creating entry points, training, and resources for new, young activists and organizers (and adults who support our vision) wanting to take concrete action around climate change.