Youth Leadership
Projects and initiatives by and for Oregon youth
Rise as Leaders
For generations, systemic racism has put communities of color in the path of pollution. Today, the climate crisis is exacerbating impacts for these frontline communities, through extreme weather, sea level rise, heat-related illness, and much more.
At Rise as Leaders, we create a space for young people to learn, connect, and organize around the fight for environmental justice. With this engaging and interactive workshop, we hope to learn from each other and build community.
Rise as Leaders is a 10 week workshop series for high school- and college-aged youth that explores local environmental and climate justice issues. Together we’ll learn the principles of Environmental Justice and use this understanding to inform our work in the community. Youth will have opportunities to connect with various organizations dedicated to protecting the environment, with the hope that they will gain a clearer imagining of their role in the movement and the power of collective action.
2024 Rise as Leaders
Mural co-creation workshop
Environmental stewardship day at Golden Gardens Park
Student environmental leadership workshops
NAACP Youth Leadership Initiative
The NAACP is launching a dynamic youth leadership initiative aimed at guiding, empowering, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers. Partner organizations like Beyond Toxics are inviting dedicated individuals to be part of this work by becoming mentors for Black and other youth of color in our community.
NAACP is Seeking
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Mentors for youth in our community
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Individuals interested in leading educational workshops
Mentorship Opportunities & Interest Deadlines
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Summer Bridge: July 11, 2025
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ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological & Scientific Olympics): August 22, 2025
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Healthcare Pathways: August 15, 2025
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General Interest: Ongoing
If you are interested, please fill out NAACP's Youth Leadership Interest Survey.
Past Programs
Data Graffiti, January 2024
In January 2024, a group of high school students at Kalapuya High School were asked to imagine potential pathways forward for their community after nearly a century of industrial pollution, when years of community organizing led to the 2022 closure of J.H. Baxter wood treatment plant.
These students created art inspired by data sets and experiences that resonated with each student. It is their hope that these art pieces inspire you to learn more about the heavy burden of pollution in West Eugene and how community action can make real change.
