Youth Day of Action 2023
Welcome to the 2023 Day of Action! Whether you’re able to join us at the State House on April 27th or not, you can participate in the youth climate movement by taking action via this guide. Read on to learn about the day of action this year, our demands, and to take tangible steps towards bold, equitable climate policy in our state.
History of the Day of Actions
The statewide coalition Maine Youth for Climate Justice has organized Day of Actions to advocate for climate policy in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. These have included rallies, lobbying, occupying Maine Climate Council Meetings, press conferences, and workshops. Additionally, there have been climate strikes across Maine in 2019, 2020, and 2023 organized by youth. We’ve made incredible progress through these events, and will continue the momentum this year.
Our Demands & Related Legislation
Demand #1: We recognize that any successful climate justice movement must support Indigenous rights and call for tribal sovereignty. We are demanding the passage of (LR 1184) to place Wabanaki tribal citizens on similar footing as the other 570 federally recognized tribes across the country.
We are supporting Wabanaki Alliance advocacy for many pieces of legislation, including tribal sovereignty (LR 1184)
How can you support this legislation?
Follow Wabanaki Alliance legislative priorities using their bill tracker
Find your legislators here and make sure they support tribal sovereignty by setting up in-district meetings. (If you’re interested in doing this, please reach out to Ezra Sassaman (ezra@mycj.org) with questions)
Demand #2: We support an interdisciplinary education system that works for all students. We want the education system to pay attention to the needs and values of children and young people, including climate science, providing access to outdoor spaces, and teaching accurate history.
We are supporting LR 1018, which will increase access to outdoor education for everyone.
How can you help support this legislation?
Learn about LR 1018: Outdoor Education for All
Read the educational 2-pager here
Use the talking points here to advocate for this legislation
We are also supporting LR 1566, which will strengthen Wabanaki studies in Maine
Demand #3: That those in positions of power commit to taking the necessary action to mitigate and adapt to climate change on the time scale that science and justice require, including transitioning to renewable energy in an equitable and just way and investing in accessible public transportation.
We are supporting offshore wind education and facilitating important conversations. We are also supporting LR 741, which would open the door to equitable offshore wind implementation in Maine.
We are also supporting increase public transportation accessibility through LR 1777 (bus services) and LR 2317 (passenger rail).
Demand #4: We demand that people are put first when it comes to addressing the climate crisis and recognize the long-term right to a healthy environment must take precedent over the short-term profits of a few large companies.
We are supporting LD 928, also known as the Pine Tree Amendment.
How can you support this legislation?
You can write testimony in support, using this testimony template
You can turn your testimony into an op-ed piece and submit it to your local newspaper (here are some examples of op-eds in local Maine newspapers)
You can order a yard sign here (free with an option to donate)
We are also supporting LD 1111, which will limit extractive bottled water companies to three-year contracts and require all municipalities connected to a watershed to agree to contracts with these companies.
How can you support this legislation?
You can use this template to write supportive testimony and/or an op-ed in your local newspaper.
