Divest From Destruction!

SB1173 is a bill about divesting from fossil fuels. If passed we could divest billions of dollars from funding climate chaos and destruction. We, alongside many community groups, have been working tirelessly to pass this bill to secure our futures and protect our communities from present day harm. We are now at a make or break point and we ask everyone to take action to support SB 1173! You can do this by clicking below to learn about what representatives to call or by resharing posts in support!

“For a few years now, we’ve been working to divest CalSTRs and CalPRS, California Public pensions, from the fossil fuel industry. Thanks to our fierce organizing, and the work of many other climate justice groups such as Fossil Free California, a bill authored by Senator Lena Gonzales now exists that states that CA public pensions should divest from fossil fuels. SB1173 passed through the Senate this past May, and now the bill must go through committees and finally the whole assembly to become law. We’re facing major pushback on our bill from those in power who don’t want to cut ties with big oil. But regardless of whether or not it passes this year or next year, we will not rest until our state has divested from the fossil fuel industry. Teachers and public employees should not have their money invested in destruction. It is both morally wrong and financially unstable.” Raven Fonseca Jensen, 18

To push for SB1173 we’ve given up our precious school hours to visit the offices of many representatives and California’s capitol multiple times. We plan to return to Sacramento on the 22nd to confront politicians as they vote on SB 1173. The hearing is at 1021 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 at 9am and we invite everyone to support through attendance. During this hearing one of our youth, Mars pictured second to the right above, has been chosen to speak as the expert witness!

From The Bay To LA

Not only have we traveled to many representative’s offices and California’s capitol, but we’ve traveled over 300 miles to Los Angeles to gain support for SB 1173. We spent many hours over the course of two trips talking to teachers about divestment and why it’s so important to support. We also had the opportunity to speak at the CTA conference to gain support for divestment, and speak in many different caucuses. 

“Teachers and students have always been allies. While it was disheartening to see some of the pushback we faced in LA, it was also encouraging to see that still remain true despite everything. We want teachers to know that we have their best interest at heart and we’re asking for their support for this bill, just like we’ve always supported them.”

Zara, 18

Because of the hours spent talking to teachers and delegates we were able to get the

CTA to vote no against opposing divestment. We plan to travel again to L.A in October to continue fighting for divestment, and hope to gain donations to fund this trip and any future trips necessary to push against the climate crisis. There are so many people to thank for making these trips possible, so instead of listing them here be on the look out for a 

Last Fellowship Meeting Of Spring 2022 

We celebrated our last fellowship meeting of the year outside at Oscar Grant Plaza in Oakland, CA. We had learned how to use our diaphragms, screen print t-shirts, speak to the press, speak as an M.C and so much more. We ate pizza, made jokes, and gave thanks to each other for showing up for community throughout this fellowship. We had over 30 fellows this year, and want to thank every single one who participated whether through zoom or in person. If you missed the fellowship this year no worries! Be on the lookout during the next spring semester for a chance to join our fellowship.

Club Farewell!

This year we had many outstanding clubs and club members! Our clubs designed posters, painted murals, marched in the streets, educated their peers and so much more. We are so proud of our fellow members working hard in schools! We are also want to extend a big thank you to the school staff members who make these clubs possible by opening their rooms to us. Our communities have been through so much this year and we commend each other for their resiliency. If you are a school staff member that has worked with us and not yet had a chance to give us feedback on this school year please reach out to hannah.estrada@youthvsapocalypse.org

2021-2022 Schools

Castlemont High

Skyline High

Fremont High 

Urban Promise Academy

Frick

McClymonds

United For Success 

Metwest

Life

Melrose Leadership

Oakland High

Mission High

Lincoln High

Arise 

We’d also like to extend a big thank you Arizmendi Lakeshoore for donating pizzas to our school clubs!

Wishing Our Graduates Farewell!

Every year outstanding YVA members graduate from HS. This year we want to make sure that we are congratulating all YVA members in clubs, campaigns, and programs who have graduated high school. We know how much time it takes to be in YVA and thank you for your countless hours in working towards a livable future while being a full time student. We also know that many of our youth are not only full time students and organizers, but are taking care of their family members or providing for their households. We are so proud of every single graduate from not just this year but also all of YVAs existing years. We hope that as you transition into alumni you will keep in touch with us!