FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Peyton Hoey
The CLEO Institute
phoey@cleoinstitute.org
941-893-8496

Students unite at the Florida Capitol to call for action on extreme heat, clean energy, protecting state parks and the constitutional amendment process.

[TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA]— On March 6th at 9:00 am, hundreds of young environmental justice advocates from the Panhandle to the Keys gathered for an Earth Advocacy Day to urge legislators to protect the people and places we love from the impacts of a warming planet. They are set to lead powerful conversations with Florida lawmakers about the climate crisis— pushing for bold solutions to Florida’s biggest problem.

The coalition, comprised of The CLEO Institute, Florida Youth Action Fund, Engage Miami, Florida Student Power Network, genCLEO Action, and The Sunrise Movement, has mobilized nearly 400 young people from every corner of the state to speak directly with their State Representatives and Senators about the following legislation:

• HB 209/SB 80 – Supporting Protecting Our State Parks
• HB 419/SB 330 – Supporting a Pause on Residential Utility Disconnections
• SB 1414/HB 1205 – Opposing Threats to Florida’s Citizen-Led Ballot Initiatives

Florida’s future depends on policies that protect people, nature, and our democracy—not corporate profits. That’s why we’re advocating to prevent utility shut-offs during dangerous heat, stronger protections for state parks, and the preservation of the constitutional amendment petition process so communities can hold leaders accountable. Lawmakers have a responsibility to the voters they represent, and must prioritize public well-being over special interests, and utilities must stop profiting from the climate crisis.

“Young people are at the forefront of the climate movement, and our voices are essential in demanding action from our lawmakers. Earth Advocacy Day is a crucial moment for mobilizing the next generation to push for climate solutions that can’t wait,” said Samantha Kaddis, Advocacy and Campaigns Associate representing The CLEO Institute.

“It takes time and resources to get to Tallahassee, and too often that means students and young people across the state are left out of the legislative process,” said Allison Minnerly, Deputy Executive Director of Youth Action Fund. “We’re proud to break down barriers and bring young people together to advocate for our environment; and make sure our lawmakers hear from their young constituents–not just fossil fuel executives.”

Between partner organizations, over 400 young people gathered to take meetings with their lawmakers, raise awareness, and rally support for our environment and fragile ecosystem. This is the third annual gathering of climate advocates and civic engagement organizations lobbying for Earth Advocacy Day.

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About the Florida Youth Action Fund: YAF is a Gen-Z led 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to activism by providing resources to young people in Florida. Founded by student leaders of the 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” high school walkouts, YAF provides stipends, coaching and organizing opportunities to students so that they can lead powerful issue-based campaigns and mutual aid projects across the state.

About Florida Student Power: FLSPN is a registered 501(c)(3). Through political education, organizing skills, and issue based and electoral campaigns we are building power among young people and fighting for a people-powered Florida.

About The CLEO Institute: The CLEO Institute (Climate Leadership Engagement Opportunities) is a nonpartisan organization that drives urgent climate action across all generations, industries, and party lines. The CLEO Institute and its genCLEO youth movement have worked with the federal government as well as communities and local governments across the U.S. to build a just and sustainable future for all through advocacy, education, and training. Learn more at staging4.cleoinstitute.org/.

About Engage Miami: Engage Miami is a 501(c3) and c(4) organization bringing civic engagement directly to young people on college campuses and in their communities that go beyond the ballot box as advocates, organizers, and community leaders. We engage in year-round community organizing, issue advocacy, and turning out our generation at the polls.