NEO Youth Climate Summit

presented by Laurel School 

Sunday, April 14, 2024

11 AM - 4 PM

Registration Begins at 10:30 AM

Venue
CWRU Think[box]: Park or Drop off at Veale Garage

This is a drop-off event, for students only.

Space is limited. This event is predicted to sell out. A parent or guardian must complete this form for students under 18 years of age. A permission slip will be emailed to parents before the event and will be required for attendance. If you are unable to make the event, we ask that you update your registration or email AYeager@LaurelSchool.org.

The Northeast Ohio Youth Climate Summit is a collaborative and educational conference that brings together young people from the region to address pressing environmental challenges. This summit provides a platform for students to engage in discussions, workshops, and hands-on activities focused on climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. Through the exchange of ideas and practical solutions, the summit provides the future leaders of our region with tools, education, and connections to become advocates for a more sustainable and resilient future in Northeast Ohio.

Check out the sticker made by student artist, Asalé Jones!

Keynote Speaker:

Xiye Bastida

Climate Justice Activist

Xiye Bastida is a 21-year-old climate justice activist based in New York City. She is an organizer with Fridays For The Future and the co-founder of Re-Earth Initiative, an international youth-led organization that focuses on highlighting the intersectionality of the climate crisis. Bastida was born in Mexico and was raised as part of the Otomi-Toltec Indigenous community. For the first climate strike in March 2019, she mobilized 600 students from her school and has taken a citywide leadership role in organizing climate strikes. Bastida was the recipient of the 2018 UN Spirit Award and currently attends the University of Pennsylvania.

Who should attend?

Any 8-12th grade student from Northeast Ohio who is curious or passionate about environmental issues, climate, or sustainability.

What can I expect?

Students can participate in hands-on workshops, learning sessions, student panels, and a green career fair.

We anticipate very few lecture-based sessions and mostly interactive, engaging, high-energy sessions and activities.

Join us for a Sustainable Summit!

  • Bring your own water bottle: We're ditching disposables!

  • Compostable plates & utensils: Reduce waste and nourish the earth.

  • Digital materials: Save paper and stay connected.

  • Eco-friendly choices: Local vendors, lower-carbon options, and printed materials that respect the planet.

How to get there:

Transportation Options

  • Public Transportation: We encourage you to choose the eco-friendly option! If you would like an RTA pass please email ayeager@laurelschool.org. Scroll down for more info.

    Drop-off Zone: The student drop-off zone is located at the circle outside the Veale Parking Garage on the CWRU Campus at 2158 Adelbert Road. Volunteers will be present at the student drop-off to greet students and direct them to the Think[box]. Please do not try to drop students off at the Think[box] entrance on Cedar. 

    Parking: Parking is available at the Veale Garage (2158 Adelbert Rd) for a fee of $10. Need a parking pass? We'll provide one upon request at check-in.

    Public Transportation Options:

  • By train: The Red Line - The “Cedar – University” stop is located adjacent to Sears Think[box]. Access Red Line Schedule HERE> and download the Transit app here for tickets.

  • By bus: Many buses run. We recommend using Google Maps bus feature or the Transit app. “Cedar-University Stn Stop 5” is the stop you will want to get off at and walk. The Think[box] is about a 2-minute walk from this stop.

  • By car: We recommend carpooling. Parking options include metered parking and paid lots, including the Veale Center Parking Garage Tower on the corner of Adelbert Road and Circle Drive. You can visit Case Western Reserve University’s parking page HERE for more info.

Schedule

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM: Arrival and Registration

11:00 AM - 11:45 AM: Welcome and Opening Ceremony & Icebreaker

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM: First Breakout Sessions  

  • Room 1: Indigenous Voices w/Xiye Bastida: Learn about traditional ecological knowledge and global indigenous social and environmental justice movements.

  • Room 2: Breaking Barriers: Intersectionality and Access to Justice: Understand how climate change intersects with other social justice issues.

  • Room 3: Taking Climate Action in Cleveland: Develop strategies for advocating for climate action in your community.

  • Room 4: How to be a Sustainable Consumer: Explore ways to reduce your environmental impact through your consumption habits.

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch 

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Second Breakout Sessions

  • Room 1: From Awareness to Action: Environmental Justice and Advocacy: Discuss the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized communities.

  • Room 2: Sustainability & Health: Learn about the health impacts of climate change and how to advocate for healthy communities.

  • Room 3: Taking Climate Action in Cleveland: Develop strategies for advocating for climate action in your community.

  • Room 4: Stitching the Future: Fast Fashion and Sustainable Mending: Explore the environmental and ethical issues surrounding fast fashion and explore sustainable alternatives.

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM: Keynote Speaker Xiye Bastida

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Youth Panel Conversation & Closing Remarks:

  • Closing Remarks: County Executive Chris Ronayne

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Internship & Volunteer Fair and Departure 

Closing Remarks: Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne

Register to participate!

Space is limited and we expect this event to sell out. An email will be sent close to the event with a permission form, which is required to attend the event.

Changemaker Hall of Fame

Thank you to the teachers who nominated students for the Changemaker Hall of Fame. Check back after the event to learn about the students!

Volunteer at The Summit (Full)

Thanks to the volunteers who have signed up!

Proudly Sponsored By

Interested in Sponsoring the Summit?

Sponsorship Levels:

  • Leaf Level: $500+ Contribution Benefits

    Recognition on NEOClimateSummit.org

    Tagged social media post

    Logos displayed during the summit

    Becoming part of the movement that places youth at the center of climate change solutions

    Long-lasting, positive impact on NEO’s environmental ecosystem

  • Tree Level: $1,000+ Contribution Benefits

    Printed and digital material will be shared with students at a resource table and in follow up emails

    Logo on lanyards and printed materials

    All benefits from the Leaf Level

  • Forest Level: $5,000+ Contribution Benefits

    Special invitation to a private event with climate activist, Xiye Bastida

    Acknowledgement in opening and closing remarks

    Mention in the press release

    All benefits from the Tree and Leaf Levels

Email to become a Sponsor

Meet the student planning team

Ashley Eggleston

Asalé Jones

Faye Moledina

Madeline Friedman

Fara Latifi

Ivey Williams

Kaisa Strautnieks

Mack Gilbert

Elle Richey

Eva Ko

Laina Digeronimo

Advisors

Erika Hood

Philena Seldon

Elena Stachew

Angela Yeager

FAQs

  • A refillable water bottle (as this is a Zero/low waste event we will only provide water)

    A clothing item in need of mending (if you are able)

    An old t-shirt to be transformed into a shopping bag

    A writing utensil (notebooks provided by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District)

  • To maximze the number of students who can attend, this event is for student only. The upper levels of the Think[box] are open to the public on Sunday from 12-7 pm.

  • Students will be provided with a list of upcoming volunteer events for Earth Day and beyond. Current 9-10 graders might consider applying to Laurel School’s Environmental Justice Semester or checking out an upcoming open house! Students who are 18+ might consider applying to be a Global Shaper!

  • We encourage you to join the waitlist at the registration link above. If a spot opens up you will be notified at least 2 days before the event!

  • We aim to be a Sustainable and Zero/low waste event, which is hard to do perfectly. Our efforts include:

    • Encouraging guests to bring a refillable bottle

    • Restricting single-use items and packaging for meals and snacks

    • Composting all food waste, plates, cups, and utensils (provided by Rust Belt Riders)

    • Providing digital materials

    • Purchasing items from low-carbon vendors

    • Printed materials from vendors who recycle 100% and run on solar energy

    • Purchasing “eco-friendly” apparel from local suppliers

    • Providing lower-carbon vegetarian options

Media Inquiries?

Access the Press Release HERE

Download a Printable Flyer HERE

Need a Logo? You can find it HERE.

Download the Program Guide HERE

Questions? Email our Co-Chair Angela Yeager at AYeager@LaurelSchool.org