Young Change Makers Promoting Climate Action: Why and How Stephanie Rivas Of ECCLPs Is Helping To Change Our World
An Interview With Monica Sanders
Build and immerse yourself in community, surround yourself with people who will uplift you during times of hardships and will envision a brighter future with you.
We are standing at a critical juncture in our fight against climate change, and it is heartening to see young leaders rising to this enormous challenge. Across the globe, they are initiating change, voicing their concerns, and catalyzing action toward sustainable solutions for our planet. These young change-makers are not just the future; they are the driving force of the present. As part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Rivas.
Stephanie Rivas (she/her/ella) is a young climate justice professional passionate about engaging and centering BIPOC youth and communities in climate action. Her understanding of climate justice began as a Basic Needs Peer Mentor, where she realized the impacts climate change would bring to basic needs security. Stephanie currently serves on the Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Projects (ECCLPs) Community-based Partner Committee working to advance climate and environmental literacy, justice, and action in PK–12 schools across California.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
Certainly, I grew up in the heart of Los Angeles near USC and if you know anything about the area it is a predominantly low-income Black and brown community. It’s a highly urbanized environment with very little green space and unless you have a car or are willing to commute on public transportation and spend hours to reach your destination it is difficult to access the surrounding green spaces LA offers.
Most of my childhood was spent at home with my family doing very mundane activities and taking buses everywhere. I was confined to my neighborhood because of transportation inequities and spent most of my outdoor time at Exposition Park or the Rose Garden. Later on when the Exposition Blue Line and Metro were completed I would take it to Santa Monica and have beach hang outs with my friends. I would say my experience growing up was reflective of the physical environment around me and the inequities that impacted my community. I didn’t get to do much exploring or had a lot of exposure to new places and people.
Is there a particular book or organization that made a significant impact on you growing up? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
In college, I began to grasp the systems that shaped my experiences and those of my community. Rather than a particular book or organization, the concept of intersectionality coined
by Kimberlé Crenshaw deeply impacted me. This idea of how our identities shape the way we move in the world and the types of challenges, barriers, and perceptions we might face gave me a deep understanding of how multilayered our identities and experiences are. Understanding the multifaceted nature of our identities and experiences was transformative for me.
How do you define “Making A Difference”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
To me, “Making A Difference” is about having an impact, one that leads to change or lays the groundwork for desired change, inspiring a ripple effect that motivates others. For instance, my current work with Environmental and Climate Change Literacy Projects (ECCLPs) involves establishing climate education in PK-12 schools across California. This initiative could serve as a model for other states to integrate climate education. Although this is a collaborative effort, my contribution is set to impact thousands, potentially empowering young individuals to embrace climate action and champion equitable solutions.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the main part of our interview. You are currently working on promoting climate action. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
For the past two years I was working with a climate organization to empower youth for climate action. During my time there I had some incredible opportunities to lead climate education workshops and programming for both educators and youth audiences.
The most meaningful to me was leading a climate resiliency youth task force program in partnership with the San Diego Public Library. By connecting climate change issues to our local landscape I was able to lead the youth through climate education that empowered them to understand the ecological, economic, and sociocultural impacts and use that same knowledge to think through solutions. The program culminated with the youth creating an action project to share what they had learned and engage other community members in climate education and conversations. This speaks to what we are trying to do in this space, educate, empower, and activate youth to understand the severe impacts of climate change and talk about it so action can be taken.
I’m building on this program model via my work with ECCLPs because I witnessed the impact that climate education has on young students. At ECCLPs our overarching goal is to enhance teachers’ expertise in teaching climate and environmental justice topics, foster partnerships between PK-12 schools and civic organizations for knowledge sharing, and produce evidence-based strategies and resources that prioritize equity, justice, and student agency in climate education.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause? How old were you when you made this decision?
During my last college quarter, I took a course on climate change and society while working at the Basic Needs Center on campus. As I learned more about both subjects, I realized the profound implications of climate change on basic needs security from housing, food security, health, to cultural connections. I knew that this was an issue that would affect us all, but especially the most vulnerable and disadvantaged. My journey in climate education through a climate justice lens began at 21 when I started my role at a climate non-profit and I’ve been on that journey ever since.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest them. We don’t always get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
I don’t think there was an Aha moment with me, rather I reflected on my lived experiences and those of my community, along with the knowledge I gained throughout college that catalyzed me to pursue a path in social justice. Climate Justice is Social Justice and that’s how I move in this space with a commitment to uphold climate justice principles.
What are some of the things you did, or steps you took to get started?
As I mentioned earlier, I started working for a climate non-profit right after college. Those first few months were full of learning and I was introduced to a multitude of concepts and people all working to take climate action both intra-personally and with their communities and social circles. Many of these folks inspired me and helped me navigate a new space.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson or take away you learned from that?
I can’t think of a funny mistake, but one mistake I made early on was sending horrible outreach emails introducing myself and the organization, Thinking back, this was a very sales type approach and it wasn’t until I started crafting personable emails that showcased a mutual thread between the two organizations was I hearing back and connecting with folks. The biggest takeaway here is to take the time to learn your audience and appeal to the things they care about and interest because connections are integral to enacting change.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
I definitely have had some incredible mentors that have supported my growth. One of my mentors has been more involved in my life as I navigate the climate space. I am really grateful to them for being extremely supportive of the work I’m doing and always sharing out my events and engagement opportunities with their circles.
One of the strongest influences they’ve had on me is instilling the belief that I belong in this space and in the movement. I had a difficult time battling imposter syndrome my first year working in the climate space because I didn’t come from the traditional science and environmental background, I felt like I was taking up space from someone who had more knowledge on climate change and could be using their skills to enact change. However, it was through conversations with my mentor that helped me realize that my focus on the socio-cultural impacts of climate change and my commitment to climate justice and equity was not only a strength but extremely valuable in this space. Their guidance helped me realize the unique value I bring to the climate justice conversation.
Without saying specific names, can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
All participants in the climate resiliency task force I led were profoundly impacted by the program. Some had prior knowledge of climate change and others were relatively new to the topic but were eager to learn more. Throughout our sessions they were all engaged and weren’t shy to ask questions or continue fruitful discussions from a point raised by another peer. At the end of the program I asked them to share how they will continue to champion climate justice going forward and all of them said they would continue to educate their peers and families on climate change issues; with one participant specifically highlighting their plans to establish a climate action club in college and join a network of environmental champions to continue growing their knowledge and skill sets to promote climate resilient and justice oriented communities.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Definitely. As a community we need to be engaging all of our friends and families in climate conversations to bring awareness to the devastating implications climate change has for our livelihoods, culture, and well-being. As a society we need to push for stronger climate action from our local, state, and federal governments and pinpoint specific issues we want addressed and solutions we want to see. Politicians need to be receptive to the demands of the people, they need to hold themselves accountable as a public servant and do what is asked of them by the people that have voted them in, to enact legislation and policy that prioritizes environmental health over corporate greed.
Fantastic. Here is the main question of the interview. What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- . Recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of your experiences, knowledge, and passions in the climate space.
I felt like I didn’t belong in this space because I wasn’t a traditional environmental warrior and actually grew up very disconnected to nature, but eventually I realized that the perspective I
bring into the space focused on basic needs security and climate justice is just as valuable and I am deserving of taking up space.
2. Don’t be afraid of how much you don’t know and don’t get overwhelmed by it, be curious and let that drive your growth and learning process.
The lack of knowledge I had on the multitude of climate issues helped drive my learning and growth in the climate sector and while I am not an expert by any means I now know how to navigate conversations I wouldn’t have been able to a year ago.
3. Replace a deficit mindset with an assent-based mindset that uplifts your qualities and strengths.
Look at the skills and qualities you have and how they can be used in the space you want to be in, use your strengths to make the change and impact you want to see.
4. Push yourself to step out of your comfort zone, embrace new experiences, engage with new people, and expand your horizons.
Growth rarely happens in our comfort zones, challenge yourself to do something new and intimidating, you’ll be surprised at how amazing it can feel to push yourself. I was scared to submit my application for the ECCLPs CBP committee, I thought it would be a wasted effort because of how young and new I am to the climate sector, but I pushed myself and didn’t let my self-diminishing thoughts win.
5. Build and immerse yourself in community, surround yourself with people who will uplift you during times of hardships and will envision a brighter future with you.
Climate doom and gloom is very real. I’ve been fortunate to have a truly wonderful support system to remind me of the beauty in this world and why it’s so important to not give up.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
Consider making a positive impact because you hold the power to envision and create the world you want to see. Inaction doesn’t lead to change, and even the smallest of actions has an impact, so what small action can you take today to lead to the impact you want to see.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I’d love to have a private meal with Kimberlé Crenshaw, she has been instrumental to my self development and understanding of systems. I would be honored to share space with her and personally thank her for all her work on critical race theory.
How can our readers follow you online?
I don’t have an open social media account, but if folks want to engage with my climate work they can connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-rivas-72m/
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Young Change Makers Promoting Climate Action: Why and How Stephanie Rivas Of ECCLPs Is Helping To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.