Stand with LA's next generation of environmental champions! |
Dear
Everyday, the students of Crenshaw High School in South Central LA are facing a crisis -- limited access to open spaces, recreation and clean air and water is contributing to skyrocketing rates of obesity and asthma in their community.
It doesn't have to be this way.
Through a nationally recognized program partnering with the Sierra Club's Youth Leadership Project these students are getting the opportunities and skills they need to become LA's next generation of environmental champions.
But now this opportunity could be lost as Superintendent John Deasy seeks to dismantle the program -- a process we know hurts students. 1
Next Tuesday, we'll join parents, teachers and students at a school board meeting to deliver your petition signature right to Superintendent Deasy and every single signature will count!
Tell Superintendent Deasy not to eliminate this successful program and safeguard the future of the next generation of environmental champions!
Under Crenshaw's Extended Learning Cultural Model, Sierra Club is collaborating with teachers, students and the Crenshaw community to engage students in a learning program that includes exciting opportunities to perform research, take part in outings and learn about organizing. Invaluable skills they can use to take on environmental injustices in their communities.
We know this program works. Crenshaw High School has improved on California state tests and the success of this program has even gotten the attention and support of the prestigious Ford Foundation. 2
The students of Crenshaw High School and their communities are counting on us.
Thank you for all you do for the next generation,
Aisha Farley
Conservation Organizer Youth Leadership Project
P.S. We'll need as many people as possible to take action before next Tuesday's school board meeting, can you help? Forward this message to your friends and neighbors or spread the word on your social networks:
[1] Trujillo, Tina. “The Paradoxical Logic of School Turnarounds: A Catch-22,” Teachers College Record. 14 June 2012.
[2] Zeccola, Joseph. "Los Angeles Wants to 'Reconstitute' Pioneering High School Despite Major Gains." Labor Notes, 27 December 2012.