Youth Climate Advocacy Committee Member Application
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens seeks a cohort of high school and college-age youth to be part of our Youth Climate Advocacy Committee. We are seeking a diverse group with a wide range of skills and interests, especially in areas of the arts, science, technology, and community outreach. We encourage those with a strong passion for the environment and education to apply. Since this committee will be youth-led, we value strong motivation, creativity, enthusiasm, and teamwork.
Job Description:
The Youth Climate Advocacy Committee is comprised of two leaders, three to four team leads and 15-20 youth members. Being a committee member is a stipend-based position beginning in early October 2024 and ending in April 2025. Committee members can expect to attend regular meetings on Wednesday nights at Phipps Conservatory and perform committee tasks averaging 2-3 hours per week.
Eligibility:
All applicants must be between 16 and 23 years old by October 1 to apply for this opportunity. Applicants should be high school or college-aged, but do not have to be currently enrolled in school to apply. Applicants should have an interest in climate action, the environment and/or justice issues.
Summary of Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:
- Work closely with other youth, Phipps staff and other organizations on advocacy projects of your choice in the Pittsburgh community. Advocacy projects should have a climate change/environmental justice focus and should aim to build relationships and have a lasting impact in the community. Projects are entirely youth-driven and supported by Phipps
- Collaborate with other young people to learn and grow, work together on joint advocacy projects, and share resources and knowledge
- Attend meetings and workshops on science communication, climate advocacy, environmental justice, leadership, and project planning
- Discuss environmental topics such as water quality and management, food systems, natural resources, ecology, green technology, environmental justice and education best practices
- Guide Phipps Conservatory in educating the community about climate action and environmental justice
How to Apply
Interested youth should submit an application and an essay.
Essay: In one to two pages, please describe why you would like to be on our Youth Climate Advocacy Committee. In your essay, please state the following:
- Your motivations for participating in the Phipps Youth Climate Advocacy Committee
- What you can contribute to the committee and to our advocacy work
- How you feel you can be an effective communicator to a diverse audience (e.g. age, personality)
- How this opportunity will benefit your education and career goals
- Environmental topics that you are passionate about
Stipends are limited; applicants not selected as committee members will be encouraged to participate in other ways.
Please submit your application and essay (via email, mail or online form below) to the YCAC Coordinator by Fri., Sept. 20, 2024 at 11:59pm. If you have any questions, feel free to email or call!
Contact Information:
Jennifer Torrance, YCAC Coordinator
One Schenley Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
jtorrance@phipps.conservatory.org
412-622-6915, ext. 3230
Questions? Contact Jennifer Torrance, Science Education Coordinator at jtorrance@phipps.conservatory.org or 412-622-6915, ext. 3230.
