Burke Life
Equity & Inclusion
Exploring Our Environment
From May 21-24, the 11th grade engaged in a four-day, multi-site workshop on environmental justice and youth advocacy.
On the first day, hosted at UDC, students heard from opening keynote speaker Kori Ellien (Environmental & Special Projects Division of Native Americans in Philanthropy) and then participated in three breakout sessions with guest facilitators, focused on Land & Water on Native reservations, People & Culture, and Animals & Wildlife. Matt Scott from Project Drawdown delivered the closing keynote.
On the second day, students dispersed among three organizations: Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation (Annapolis), Mount Rainier Nature Center, and Earth Conservation Corps here in the District. On Wednesday, students gathered at Burke for an advocacy panel, featuring guests from the EPA, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Empower DC, and the Sunrise Movement DC, and youth activism training with Rachael Baker, the National Organizing Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice's federal policy office.
To conclude, students developed their own advocacy projects, kicked off by an address from Dr. Mamie Parker (former Head of Fisheries at US Fish and Wildlife Service).
Co-ed, progressive, college prep school in Washington, DC featuring a challenging curriculum in an inclusive environment for grades 6-12.
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