On July 26,  2024, the Bill Anderson Fund partnered with Mockingbird Incubator, Youth on Root, and the University of California Irvine C.L.I.M.A.T.E. Justice Initiative to produce a daylong teach-in training on advocacy and lobbying for youth climate justice organizers. 

This event brought together young people from across Southern California to provide them with essential tools for using these pathways to produce meaningful change in the realms of climate policy and environmental justice. Through interactive exercises, information sharing, and group discussion, participants gained: 

• An understanding of the difference between advocacy and lobbying
• A collaborative curriculum for climate advocacy efforts that attendees can integrate into their practices
• Opportunities to engage in existing climate justice advocacy and lobbying campaigns
• Connections with other leaders in the sector to exchange ideas
• The skills to advocate and lobby for meaningful change effectively
• Understanding of the intersectional nature of climate change and its impact on marginalized communities

BAF Fellows Carlo Chunga Pizarro and Rosie Sanchez helped to facilitate and document the teach-in. They are currently contributing to the development of a comprehensive report and toolkit that will serve as a resource for other groups who wish to host similar activities that support youth climate organizing.