Encouraging Minority College Students in LA to Be Agents of Environmental Change

One of the most enjoyable aspects of my job is the opportunity to talk to minority youth about NRDC and inspire them to get involved in our work. 

Last week, I participated in a panel discussion with Liz Crosson, Executive Director of Santa Monica Baykeeper, organized by Dr. Helen Boutrous, Chair of the Political Science Department and Pre-law Director at Mount St. Mary's College, a woman’s college and Hispanic-Serving Institution. Dr. Boutrous wanted us to discuss the litigation and advocacy efforts of our respective organizations, as well as offer professional advice, to a group of 50 young women, a combination of her Women and the Law class (Government/Pre-Law majors) and an Environmental Policy class (Biology majors).

In speaking about the work that we do at NRDC, I highlighted the mix of litigation, political advocacy, scientific research and grassroots activism that we use to accomplish our goals. I conveyed to the students that the diversity in our work means that there are many opportunities for them to become professionally involved at NRDC, whether as lawyers, scientists or policy experts.

Discussing the specific work of the NRDC Southern California Air and Environmental Justice Programs, I spoke about our transportation, smart growth and environmental justice efforts and linked them to the problems that we face as Angelinos and for some, as members of minority communities in toxic neighborhoods. From our work greening the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, supporting the Wilshire Bus Only Lane, to fighting against the South 710 expansion through EJ communities, I stressed the need to tackle problems by forming partnerships with affected communities and government agencies while at the same time utilizing litigation as an effective means for change.

I also challenged the students to think of themselves as agents of change, capable of making positive impacts on the environment and their communities. I asked them to think of ways they could “green” their daily habits, and offered taking public transportation, using reusable water bottles and buying locally-produced goods as examples. As members of the body politic, I informed them of how they could become involved in NRDC’s Activist Network and engage their local representatives on environmental matters. Lastly, I advised them to educate their family and friends so that they too would become advocates and increase the web of change.

I concluded my presentation by offering advice on how they could succeed professionally. I advised them to sharpen their analytical and writing skills, to expose themselves to a diverse array of issues while becoming proficient in a focused area, and to learn to be fearless when challenged to learn new things. On a personal level, I told them to follow their hearts and find their passion so that they will thrive in their jobs, to be genuine about the issues that matter to them so they will be an asset to those in need, and to have the self-confidence necessary to overcome the obstacles that they will face as minorities in the legal and science fields.

I was honored to talk to these intelligent women about our work at NRDC and how they can contribute to our success. I look forward to welcoming them as colleagues in the near future.