Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials

This episode explores the Water Education Exemplars Project, a Colorado initiative bridging the gap between state water policy and youth engagement. Earth Force's Alyssa McConkey speaks with veteran environmental educator Donny Roush and CSU student Maya about the urgent need to meet the 2050 Colorado Water Plan goals. By training and compensating young people to serve as professional evaluators, the project ensures that environmental education in Colorado is both high-quality and impactful. Maya shares how the experience transformed her from a student to a respected collaborator, emphasizing the power of youth-adult partnerships in building a sustainable and water-conscious future.

What happens when students stop just memorizing the three branches of government and start actually influencing them? In this episode of Field Chats, the Earth Force team discusses why "content knowledge" isn't enough to solve the climate crisis or rebuild civic trust. From stories of middle-school campaigning to the power of "agency as collectivity," the team explores how we can provide young people with the toolkit they need to recognize power, address inequity, and drive systemic change.Show notes:Campano, G., Ghiso, M. P., Badaki, O., & Kannan, C. (2020). Agency as collectivity: Community-based research for educational equity. Theory Into Practice, 59 (2), 223–233.

How do we move education beyond the four walls of the classroom? Vince Meldrum discusses this with Ace Parsi, formerly with iCivics, now a candidate for the U.S. House to represent West Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. They talk about public education as a public benefit and the necessity of transfer of learning - taking a concept from a textbook and applying it to a local bridge or a neighbor’s problem. Environmental Action Civics is an effective model for this type of community-based learning as it provides students with autonomy and a tangible sense of belonging.

We see you, social studies educators! Earth Force program staff Krysten, SJ, and Taylor discuss how Environmental Action Civics (EAC) bridges science and social studies. They highlight how science and social studies come with different lenses, both offering an ideal learning space for young people to understand and address local environmental issues.Listen in for district examples in Denver and DC that demonstrate how EAC can be integrated into existing curricula by supporting civic action projects, connecting to frameworks like C3, and using real-world issues (such as protest movements and urban heat islands) as entry points for student inquiry and action. 

In this episode of Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials, Alyssa McConkey talks with Dr. Antonio Gonzales of Albuquerque Public Schools and Erin Blaz and Theresa Aragon from the Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District about what authentic student learning looks like in New Mexico.They share how place-based experiences help students connect classroom learning to their own communities and see themselves as environmental stewards.The conversation highlights how EAC moves beyond teaching about environmental problems to empowering young people to investigate issues, work with community partners, and take meaningful action to improve their communities.Show links:Ciudad Soil and Water District Albuquerque Public Schools - Dr. Antonio Gonzales  Earth Force’s Three Essential Experiences

What does it take to move from youth interest in climate to state-level policy change?In this episode of Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials, we sit down with Mary Seawell, CEO of Lyra Colorado, to unpack the story behind Colorado’s Seal of Climate Literacy — a high school diploma endorsement created through Senate Bill 24-014.Mary shares how a small team, strong relationships with educators, and youth-led testimony helped pass statewide legislation without a lobbyist — and why centering student voice was the most persuasive strategy of all.We explore:What the Seal of Climate Literacy requires (coursework + experiential, community-based action)How rural and urban communities alike helped shape and champion the policyWhy flexibility and district-level ownership matterHow existing frameworks (like Environmental Action Civics) can align with and strengthen the sealWhat it means to design climate education that is hopeful, place-based, and rooted in community valuesIn its first full year, more than 420 students earned the seal — with participation expected to triple. This conversation is a powerful reminder that when young people are trusted as civic leaders, systems can shift.Learn more about Lyra Colorado.

Earth Force CEO Vince Meldrum talks with NYLC CEO Amy Meuers about reimagining service learning as a pathway to democracy. They unpack NYLC’s new Ignite framework, explore the deep connections between service learning and Environmental Action Civics, and share how youth-led, community-centered action builds real impact—and belief in democracy.Learn more NYLC here: https://nylc.org/Listen to the NYLC podcast: https://nylc.org/power-of-young-people-podcast/

Hosted by Vince Meldrum, President/CEO of Earth Force, this episode is a replay of a 2025 EAC Week event. It features Cory Manning, previously at the City of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency and Kelly Moses from Denver Public Schools’ Sustainability Office. Together, they unpack a youth-led climate grant program funded through Denver’s Climate Protection Fund and designed in partnership with Earth Force. The conversation explores how students—many at the elementary level—are driving real climate solutions in their schools through human-centered design, project-based learning, and authentic collaboration. From school gardens and waste reduction efforts to conference travel and new green teams, the episode highlights what’s possible when young people are trusted with resources, decision-making power, and support to lead climate action in their communities.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Earl of the University of Delaware shares research that reframes how we understand youth participation in civic life. Drawing her research and others, she highlights the many ways young people are already engaging—through advocacy, community action, and organizing—often while navigating constraints created by adult systems and expectations. The conversation explores how common assumptions about young people can shape program design and decision-making, and why approaches that emphasize youth agency and adult partnership tend to be more effective. Listeners working in schools and youth-serving spaces will find this episode useful for reflecting on how structures, language, and support systems can better align with how young people actually engage. *Replay from the 2025 EAC Week

In this end-of-year roundtable episode, the Earth Force team reflects on the people, books, and ideas that continue to shape Environmental Action Civics. Program staff and special guest CEO Vince Meldrum share influential people and ideas—from youth–adult partnerships and problem-posing education to data equity and organizational focus—and discuss how these ideas show up in our trainings, partnerships, and community of practice.This conversation highlights the power of collective learning, the importance of staying grounded in purpose, and the many voices—educators, youth, partners, and researchers—that inform and strengthen this work.People & Resources Mentioned:Lauren Gibson – Youth–adult partnership research and practicePedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo FreireData Equity Deck by Data + Soul (with Evan Kuras)Active Citizenship Today by the Constitutional Rights FoundationKit Ambrose – Earth Force board memberAnna Brown – Earth Force Board Chair and former Youth Advisory Board memberKey Themes:Youth–adult partnershipsProblem-posing vs. banking models of educationCommunity-connected learningData equity and culturally responsive practiceFocus and clarity in organizational missionThank you to the Earth Force community for another year of learning, partnership, and impact!

Earth Force Program Manager Taylor Ruffin and Chief Program Officer Alyssa McConkey dig into how Environmental Action Civics creates joyful, inquiry-driven learning experiences that strengthen youth–adult partnerships and deepen student agency. They highlight the often-unseen moments that make the EAC process meaningful and fun for both students and educators. Grounded in the 2025 Colorado Science Conference theme of “joy in science,” this episode celebrates how centering fun and authentic engagement ultimately leads to stronger projects and more empowered young people!

This episode features Rachel Arbor, founder of Gaia Scholastic and a recent Presidential Innovation Award winner. Krysten, SJ, and Rachel dig into what interdisciplinary learning really looks like, why it matters for environmental literacy, and how Rachel’s journey—from informal ed to district-wide environmental leadership—inspired the creation of Gaia Scholastic. Tune in for a conversation about creativity, climate anxiety, and bringing environmental learning into every classroom.Show links:Gaia Scholastic homepageGaia newsletterSubjectToClimate homepageNY HubRachel Arbor's research on students

Today, we’re dropping into a recent Community of Practice gathering all about getting started — Step 1 of the Earth Force Process: inventories. You’ll hear how educators guide students to look closer at their communities and uncover the stories behind local environmental issues. To learn more and get connected to the free Community of Practice visit earthforce.org!

Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing look at how early civic experiences can spark lifelong leadership. Alyssa McConkey talks with Amelia and Bridget—college students who first experienced the EAC education method as seventh graders and now serve on the Earth Force Board of Directors.They share stories from their early projects, how those experiences shaped who they are today, and the lasting ripples of youth-led action. Enjoy!

In this episode, we talk with Brekke Bounds, Executive Director of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI), about how environmental action civics sparks change that extends beyond the classroom. Brekke shares the story of a water monitoring project at Libertyville High School, where students combined science and civic action to address local water issues. In this episode, we use Ripple Effect Mapping to trace the ripple effects of this project—revealing how one student-led effort can influence teaching practices, community partnerships, and environmental outcomes across Illinois.

Tune in to our interview with 7th grade science teacher Carrie Lankford at Red Lion Area Junior High School in Red Lion, PA. She's entering her second year of teaching with Environmental Action Civics and shares her insights along the way!Part 2/2

Tune in to our interview with 7th grade science teacher Carrie Lankford at Red Lion Area Junior High School in Red Lion, PA. She's entering her second year of teaching with Environmental Action Civics and shares her insights along the way!Part 1 of 2.

Today we’re talking about why problem-finding should be the first step in project-based learning like environmental action civics (EAC). We’ll cover the research, how it is critical to project-based learning, how to do it, and why you should!1:30 - WHY Problem-Finding Comes First2:35 - Project-Based Learning and problem-finding should go hand-in-hand5:15 - Two examples of what problem-finding does NOT look like and how to fix it!9:19 - How problem-finding ties to EAC's strengths10:38 - The strongest projects start with problem-finding and deeply understanding an issue11:13 - problem-finding helps young people identify issues rooted in lived experienceLink: The Importance of Problem-Finding in Climate Change Education

We're closing out Season 2 with a deep dive into one of our most popular resources for educators: "Defining a Course of Action" This resource helps young people to understand the connection between their issue and the strategies, developing a course for action. Enjoy!

This episode features Kathryn Wagner of Inside Education talking about how they have incorporated EAC into their programming, specifically their youth summit! Recorded as part of the EAC Lightning Talks during the 2025 EAC Week.

This week on Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics, we're celebrating student innovation with the 2024–2025 winners of the Caring for Our Watersheds Chesapeake Bay Challenge! Join us as we head to Katherine Johnson Middle School in Fairfax, Virginia, where students took action with their project Raise and Grow Locally.By connecting local food production to carbon footprint reduction, these young changemakers created a more circular waste system—right in their own outdoor classroom—by hatching and raising chickens. Watch their action story and see the chickens!

Whew, EAC Week 2025 is officially over! Listen to this chat with our Program Team to recap all the amazing events and celebrations! Watch replays at earthforce.org/eacweek!

Young people doing Environmental Action Civics work really hard - talking to adults in new ways, asking for change, and more! Today we’re talking about how to help young people celebrate their work and creative ways to share it with their peers and community.00:51 Ask youth how they would celebrate!1:17 Get published2:07 Share at events (tons of examples given!)7:39 Share forward and teach others8:58 Get creative!Mentioned in the show:Earth Force resource on celebration/reflection strategies - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SOBvYM-tqLrlLTcaDLCl3WyiWb4yYU6awiWzxXB-j4M/edit?tab=t.0 South Central PA’s Remake Learning Festival - https://remakelearningdays.org/pa-south-central/Funding resources - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1emMKypJNo47ZR7S3LzIJ1ySi9TrcHvVsmlZC11W-Ubw/edit?usp=sharing 

Today we’re talking about how to bring EAC projects to the next level and incorporate larger civic change. If you’d like to help your students become more comfortable with asking for systemic change, this is the episode for you!3:20 - Engage with partners to make a project more focused on systemic change4:55 - Example of Fairfax students reducing single use of plastic water bottles7:17 - Specific strategies to level up projects8:40 - Engage in more ‘ask for change’ discussions with adults10:46 - Example of reducing food waste and how to level up this sort of project11:50 - Deepen the research phase!15:44 - Example of a tree cover projectLinks mentioned in the show:Multi-SolvingEAC RoadmapEAC Essential Experiences

We’re talking about how environmental justice is one of the roots of Environmental Action Civics! We believe that everyone has the right to live in a safe environment and deserves to be included in the decision making that affects their community. In this episode, we talk through the ways justice shows up in the EAC Process.6:48 - How does justice tie into EAC?9:02 - How a justice lens helps students start with research/data instead of beginning with a solution or project11:45 - Why young people are considered citizens now, rather than when they turn 18Are you interested in talking more about these themes or exploring Environmental Action Civics in your community? Consider joining our online Community of Practice - we offer a free EAC 101 to get you started!

Today we’re giving you a pep talk with practical tips for when implementing Environmental Action Civics feels hard! Remember, you are doing important work. Even when it’s hard, even when it feels invisible—your efforts are planting seeds that will grow.What’s one thing you can do today to move forward?Share your struggles or wins with our podcast community - leave a voice note on Spotify, or email [email protected]!3:10 - You’re not alone - stories from educators who have pivoted or faced challenges 7:22 - Practical Reframe and Mindset Shifts10:45 - Actionable Strategies to Keep Going

"Let’s make it authentic then students will care". - Join in this conversation with veteran environmental educator Trisha Smrecak! We talk about authenticity in learning and helping young people be present in their local environment.

Today we’re talking about the importance of young people choosing a clear issue when they're using Environmental Action Civics and some practical tips to help them get there!0:45 - 5:20 Opening/What gives you a sense of community?5:49 -7:01 Start with a pre-determined phenomenon or topic or subject7:08 - 9:09 Ground yourself and students in place-based education: “What do you notice, what do you wonder?” 9:23- 12:05 Collecting information and THEN figuring out problems and strengths12:06 -12:48 Remember, at this early stage, you are choosing an issue, not deciding an action12:50- 14:25 Think about concerns vs. issue 14:26 - 15:11 Phenomenon-based learning and NGSS15:45 - 17:15 Not enough data means you may not end up with a clear action/strategy 17:30 - 8:16 Use Earth Force’s “Defining a Course of Action” resource18:19 - 18:50 Ask yourself, do we have a clear issue? Or is it a solution?Show Links:Civic Scavenger HuntCommunity Inventory ListDefining a Course of Action 

This episode features Dr. Martha Monroe and Dr. Megan Ennes from the Community Action Projects for the Environment (CAPE). After collaborating with Earth Force, the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences adapted EAC for 4-H groups, and they're now implementing it across 20 organizations in the southeast U.S. Florida Extension is now embedding Community Action Projects for the Environment in museums, zoos, and 4-H programs. Learn more at: https://programs.ifas.ufl.edu/cape/ Planning Action Worksheet

Hello and happy new year! Today we’re answering three of the most frequently asked questions about Environmental Action Civics. Leave us a comment or a voice message if you have a question you'd like us to answer next time! 3:24 - Can EAC projects help students meet academic standards or earn certifications like CO’s Climate Literacy Seal? 6:11 - (side discussion on a new way to say "two birds with one stone") 6:42 - How do you keep students motivated throughout a long-term project? 12:22 - How can you help young people decide on an issue from their collection of strengths and concerns?

In this episode, you'll get a glimpse into a more equitable and human-focused way to conduct evaluations, featuring Evan Kuras from Data+Soul. Earth Force has partnered with Evan as we refine our evaluation and build an equitable community of practice. Enjoy! Mentioned in the show: ⁠https://www.dataplussoul.com/studio/p/data-equity-deck⁠ ⁠https://www.dataplussoul.com/studio⁠⁠https://evaluation.naaee.org/⁠ Additional info: https://www.publicprofit.net/Creative-Ways-To-Solicit-Stakeholder-Feedback/ https://weallcount.com/tools/ https://crea.education.illinois.edu/

We're back with another example of Environmental Action Civics in the wild! This episode features Rochelle Tkach, a 7-8th grade educator in the District School Board of Niagara in Ontario and her experiences guiding young people through an incredible process. We also hear from her collaborator and Earth Force partner Dr. Xavier Fazio of Brock University, who speaks to the power of Environmental Action Civics.

Today we’re talking about ways to build youth-adult partnerships! Youth-adult partnerships are a huge component of Environmental Action Civics. In simple terms, it means youth and adults sharing power. This can take so many different forms but there are some optimal ways to start and we’ll share 3 of them today, based on research and years of application from EAC Practitioners.

Environmental Action Civics meets standards and increases civic efficacy and 21st century skills, but it's also...fun! Program Managers Taylor and SJ share stories from the field of joy among young people and educators as they go through this life-changing process.

Welcome! In this episode, we hear from two incredible Everglades Champions educators and Alicia Torres, K-12 Champion Schools Program Manager at the Everglades Foundation.

Hello and welcome to Field Chats, Environmental Action Civics Essentials, brought to you by Earth Force. Today we’re hosting our quarterly Office Hours - answering the questions you’ve asked us! Can I do EAC with younger or older kids? (early elementary or high school + beyond?) How does it look different? What are the key experiences youth need to have Question from the CoP: What can I do with Environmental Action Civics on a short timeline? Does Environmental Action Civics promote a partisan agenda?  EAC Roadmap Community Action Projects for the Environment (CAPE) EAC FAQs

Welcome to Field Chats, Environmental Action Civics Essentials, brought to you by Earth Force. Today, on Constitution Day in the US, we’re replaying a conversation our CEO Vince Meldrum hosted during Environmental Action Civics Week with Larry Paska, Executive Director of the National Council for Social Studies. Enjoy!

Today we’re giving our hot take about process AND product. Often we focus on the outcome of youth environmental civic action projects - the numbers of people impacted, knowledge the students gained, etc. But also focusing on the process nurtures a long-term commitment to civic participation, as students see themselves as change-makers, not just project-completers! The messy, iterative nature of the Environmental Action Civics process mirrors real-world problem-solving and helps students become more adaptable and resilient. Let's shift our mindset from focusing on polished, final products to valuing the steps taken throughout the project.

Welcome to Field Chats: Environmental Action Civics Essentials, brought to you by Earth Force! Today we’re talking about how to get started with Environmental Action Civics when it might just be you. We’ll cover four of our most common tips!

Today we’re excited to talk with one of Earth Force’s newest collaborators - Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake. Our Chief Program Officer Alyssa McConkey chats with Sarah Redden, their Program & Outreach Coordinator. Sarah shares about the intergenerational value of Environmental Action Civics and how it’s helping to meet their mission. Enjoy!

Join Alyssa and Krysten as they dive into all you can expect during Environmental Action Civics Week - April 29- May 3, 2024! This quick overview shares all you need to know and how to get tickets. See you there! Learn More: earthforce.org/eacweek

On today's episode, we're talking with Darren Bagley! Darren is a youth leadership, civic engagement and science educator serving Arenac, Bay, Genesee, Lapeer, Midland, Saginaw and Tuscola counties. Darren is experienced in youth civic engagement and how adults can share power with youth. Enjoy! Learn more about Michigan State University and Darren here.

On today's episode, we're talking with Hannah Barg (they/them), the Climate Network Manager at The Wild Center! Hannah supports a network of youth climate summits and has a wealth of experience in sharing power with youth and convening young people for peer-to-peer engagement around climate issues. Enjoy! Learn more about The Wild Center: wildcenter.org Instagram @wildcenter X @wildcenter Download the free Youth Climate Summit Toolkit Wild Center students represent North Country at White House Climate Summit

Take a deep breath. We're here, answering educator FAQs about implementing Environmental Action Civics! And offering you reassuring advice about process over product. You're doing awesome! 2:18: How do I balance youth voice with what I need to cover? 4:24: What do I do if I'm on a condensed timeline? 7:23: What if we get hung up on making a decision? 10:15: What if youth get told no when asking for change?

Welcome Field Chats, Environmental Action Civics Essentials Episode 14, brought to you by Earth Force. Today we’re excited to share a new voice with you on the podcast - 10th grade English teacher Jamie Breitner. (Side note: we love featuring Earth Force educators who teach non-environmental subjects! Proof that you can do Environmental Action Civics anywhere!) Jamie uses the Earth Force Process with her students in Colorado and our Program Manager Taylor Ruffin talked with her about how she invites the community into the classroom. Pick up some tips and learn about her connected approach! 

Welcome to Field Chats, Environmental Action Civics Essentials, Episode 13, brought to you by Earth Force. We’re excited to ring in 2024 by talking about equity in Environmental Action Civics, and specifically the lens of sharing power with young people. Check out Hart's ladder of youth involvement here!

Today we are excited to feature our CEO Vince Meldrum and share a bit about how Environmental Action Civics is being used internationally!  Vince recently traveled to Japan to meet with one of our partners in Japan - Dr. Tomoko MORI, an Associate Professor in Environmental Studies, Tokyo City University. Two years ago, Dr. Mori launched a pilot of Environmental Action Civics. The program is now being implemented at two schools in Tokyo with plans to expand the delivery in the future. If you’d like more information on Environmental Action Civics and how to incorporate it into your programming or curriculum, visit earthforce.org.

Dig into one of Earth Force's most popular resources - the Root Cause Tree! It helps young people dig deeper to identify the true environmental issue they're seeing in their community. Listen this week to learn how to help your students shift their focus to think about the systemic root causes of their concern and how your community is affected. Resources mentioned: Root Cause Tree 5 Whys Activity Burning Questions Activity

Tune in today for an interview with young changemakers Evie and Charles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These young people, alongside their teacher Daryl Ford at Environmental Charter School, and Sarada Sangameswaran, Director of School Programs at Communitopia, used Environmental Action Civics to lead the charge to implement a schoolwide composting plan. We can’t wait for you to hear their story. Enjoy!

Are your students starting to investigate their community? Let's change from problem-solving to problem-finding! The Earth Force Program Team gives a quick overview of this effective twist on tackling community issues! Show notes: Click here to read our CEO Vince Meldrum's blog post "The Importance of Problem-Finding in Climate Change Education." Click here to download the Earth Force Quickstart for Educators!