Less than two years ago today, I had no clue what sustainability advocacy was, let alone how to get involved with politics at any level. I have now lobbied in Tallahassee three times this legislative session as a 17-year-old high school student and I have learned so much about advocacy from the local level all the way to the federal level. My goal is to share my story and show you how important your voice and especially your vote is this upcoming August and November.
Tallahassee seems so scary the first time you lobby, since the buildings are so big and there are too many legislators to memorize all at once. My first time visiting the Capitol was during Earth Advocacy Day, put on by genCLEO and The Cleo Institute. I am the lead organizer for the Valencia Chapter located in Orlando and my main goal for Earth Advocacy Day was outreach: Finding Valencia students and Orlando residents who could come to the Capitol on a weekday to use their voice and advocate for sustainability bills in front of the elected officials that they elect every two years.
Earth Advocacy Day was a learning experience, as I had the privilege of leading nine students from across the state of Florida in navigating the Capitol and meeting with five legislators in one day. I learned about pop-ups and how easy it is to meet with your elected officials; their doors are open all day every day during the legislative session and if they are not there physically, you have the ability to speak to their legislative aides.
The experience of being able to use my voice for something I am so passionate about such as climate change and the importance it holds was surreal for me.
Over 200 people from across the state of Florida made the drive up to Tallahassee for this two-day event. The connections I made were priceless as I was able to meet people who had been in the environmental space for longer than I have been alive.
The wisdom and conversations I had really helped me understand why my voice mattered and how important mobilizing the youth is when it comes to passing bills in Tallahassee. You cannot make change by complaining and dwelling on the situation; calling, emailing or coming in person to see your legislators is the only way for your voice to be heard and for real change to happen. I will admit, it is demoralizing at times when certain legislators are on their phone during public comment at legislative sessions. It shows they have no interest in what their constituents have to say, even if they took time off work and traveled hundreds of miles for a two-minute speech.
Holding your legislators accountable is important when it comes to voting in this upcoming election, as you have the power to elect new state leaders, from the Florida House of Representatives all the way to the governor. The primaries are next month; making sure you are registered to vote beforehand is essential. Doing all your research is important — and finding the climate champions is even more important.
Jason Thornton is a lead organizer for the Valencia campus at genCLEO, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization exclusively dedicated to climate education, advocacy and engagement.