Eco-Ambassadors
Eco Ambassador, Mekhi Bailey, and his mother hold Milkweed during Milkweed pick-up day. Photo credit: Faith in Place.
Empowering youth to become environmental justice leaders
The Eco-Ambassadors program at Faith in Place aims to nurture youth of color (ages 14-18) across Illinois to connect with the natural world. Through projects, team building activities, nature outings, and more, participating Eco-Ambassadors expand their knowledge and appreciation for the environment as they receive training in environmental leadership.
With the desperate lack of people of color in the environmental field, the program prioritizes African American and Latinx youth from disadvantaged communities who frequently do not have access to training for careers in the field. COVID-19 further upended environmental education in these communities, where youth of color are eager to learn and understand the environmental issues that impact their communities. As access to summer jobs are also limited, the program provides a weekly stipend, allowing youth to gain job experience as they grow into environmental leaders in their school and communities.
Examples of programming include leadership projects, a research project completed by all Eco-Ambassadors on an environmental issue that is personally meaningful to them, and a trip to the Chicago Botanic Garden, where Eco-Ambassadors distributed milkweed plants and pots as part of the Budburst Project.
“Faith in Place has not only been inspirational to me, but also given me confidence knowing I can make a difference,” says Jaylinn Webb, Eco-Ambassador alumna. “Before I only thought I was just one person and couldn't make a change even if I did try. After being an Eco-Ambassador with Faith in Place for three summers, I now know I have the power to effect change in my community and the world.”
With support from Walder Foundation, the Eco-Ambassadors program has expanded from a summer program to a year-round endeavor, allowing for expanded programming and more participants. Approximately 30 Eco-Ambassadors participated in the program’s 2021 summer session at 3 locations across greater Chicago (South Side of Chicago, Palatine, and Waukegan) compared to two participants during the 2020 summer program. The program will continue into the academic year from September to May, following a hybrid model of virtual events and monthly site visits.
About Faith in Place
Faith in Place empowers Illinois people of all faiths to be leaders in caring for the Earth, providing resources to educate, connect, and advocate for healthier communities.
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