How young activists become planet protectors

Future Sierra Club activists include (from left) Hannah Freedman, a trainer for the Sierra Club's West Summer Program 2018, and participants Karina Zapata of South L.A., Alondra Alonso from Los Angeles, and Fernando Lopez Gonzalez of North Hills. Credit: Angelica Gonzalez

Every year the Sierra Club student coalition hosts a weeklong intense training for youth that teaches them the skills to be leaders while making a difference in their community and the planet. This summer the Angeles Chapter sponsored four students to participate in the summer program (SPROG is short for that) that's for youth and run buy youth. The Club sponsors the program around the country. In Southern California, the Chapter's Hardwood Lodge at the base of Mt. Baldy is transformed into a place where new ideas, positive visions and teamwork come together in one common goal of protecting people and the planet.

Imagine a room full of 14- to 28-year-olds strategically planning to solve the environmental and social issues of the planet. It’s loud, emotional and truly inspirational. As a group, they craft campaigns, discuss stakeholders, make posters, chant, plan out lobbying meetings, rallies and organize. SPROG is not your ordinary training workshop; it's a skill-building, fun, motivation, empowering tool for future activists. The food is delicious, vegan and made on site.  

“The curriculum and the people who help develop the program are all amazing people," said Alondra Alonso, a student from L.A. "I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait to take this all back home to my community.”

Participant Fernando Lopez- Gonzalez from North Hills said: “Sprog has helped be a stronger activist.”

Who attends SPROG?  Typically, youth who have been volunteering with Sierra Club and young activists volunteering with other organizations. A majority of students who go have an interest in environmental work and care passionately about making the planet and their communities a better place. Most applicants are recommended by professors or mentors. Students leave SPROG with an activist family, where emotions and stories are shared, struggles are embraced, and solutions are uplifted.

The Chapter takes great pride in helping sponsor youth in L.A. and Orange counties to attend the summer program. It pays for registration and transportation.

Do you know someone who could benefit from SPROG? Check out the website to learn how youth can apply to this special program.