Our first-ever Because of Youth Festival, hosted at Contra Costa Community College, brought fresh energy to the climate justice movement by putting young people front and center. We created a space where youth could see themselves as tomorrow’s leaders while connecting with green career opportunities today.
The festival’s mission was simple but powerful: empower young people through community action while celebrating their creativity. By focusing on education and equity in an uplifting environment, we gave participants tools to make real change.
Why Now?
We recognized that youth voices needed more spotlight in our climate work. Young people deserve spaces where they can access resources and opportunities focused specifically on their needs and interests.
The festival was designed to fill this gap with something community-rooted and empowering. Taking inspiration from how today’s youth engage with social media, we created a platform where young leaders could share their own stories and connect with peers in authentic ways.
Festival Highlights
The Youth Ambassadors were standout stars of the event. Their energy and fresh perspectives helped engage other young participants in meaningful conversations about climate action.
Community partners showed up with real opportunities, not just information. This meant attendees could walk away with job leads and connections, turning inspiration into action. The collaborative spirit created a positive atmosphere that felt like a true community effort.
Equity in Action
Making the festival accessible to everyone was a top priority. We worked to create a space where every young person felt seen and valued regardless of their background.
Our partnerships with local organizations serving historically marginalized communities ensured the event reflected the diversity of our service areas. These connections helped bring in youth who might not typically hear about such opportunities. Our partnerships included:
- Sustainable Lafayette
- Urban Tilth
- Summit Public Schools
- 4th Second
- City of Richmond YouthWORKS
- City of Pinole + CCC Workforce
- Development Program
- Transformative Climate Communities
- Team (City of Richmond)
- Rich City Rides
- Rising Sun
- Sustainable Contra Costa
- Act Now Bay Area
- California Sunlight
- GRID Alternatives
- 350 Bay Area
- Bay Area Climate Reality, Contra Costa County
- Marin Youth Leadership Institute (YLI)
Taking Climate Action Now
Climate change affects all of us, but it’s today’s youth who will face its greatest challenges. That’s why we’re calling on you to join this movement! Whether it’s exploring green career paths, reducing your carbon footprint, or speaking up in your community, every action counts. The festival showed us that climate solutions need everyone’s voice—especially young people. You can start by learning about sustainable practices, joining community clean-up events, or even starting conversations about climate justice with friends and family. Remember: small steps lead to big change when we work together. The climate crisis might seem overwhelming, but when each of us takes action, we create powerful momentum.Making an Impact
One Youth Ambassador shared how the festival changed their outlook. They gained confidence through interviewing organizations and sharing insights with peers on social media – something they had never done before.
“I realized I can lead conversations and make a real impact,” they said.
The experience connected them with professionals and showed them how youth can be powerful voices in shaping our future.
Our keynote speaker, Antoinette West, Senior Manager of Workforce Partnerships & Career Pathways at Elemental Impact shared her advice for young people passionate about climate justice who want to make an impact in their communities.
“Start local and stay rooted in your ‘why.’ Climate justice isn’t just about carbon emissions—it’s about access to clean air, water, healthy food, and safe spaces. Ask yourself: What’s happening in my community? Whose voices aren’t being heard? Then take action, even if it’s small. Host a clean-up, organize a teach-in, or start a petition. And don’t forget the power of storytelling. Your voice matters. Share your experiences, your culture, your vision for the future. That’s how movements grow.”
