Princeton High School student Harmonie Ramsden has launched Princeton Youth Climate Week (PYCW), a 10-day climate change advocacy festival, which runs through March 21.
The free virtual and in-person hybrid program is currently open for youth participants of all ages.
The Princeton High School junior was selected last October as one of only 16 Project Green Challenge (PGC) finalists worldwide, according to information provided by Harmonie. PCG participants are “challenged to envision and work toward the healthy, just, and resilient future they want to thrive in.” Finalists were tasked with developing a year-long project to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“The PYCW festival aims to help youth find an outlet for their creativity and climate frustrations through a multifaceted approach that targets the interests of our generation. We will be the ones to resolve the current crisis of environment degradation – this is a precursor to future environmental advocacy,” Harmonie said in the statement.
Supported by James Smirk, an Advanced Placement Environmental Science teacher at Princeton High School, PGC ambassador Aurora Yuan, as well as mentors Ken Kurtzig and Meredith Soden, plus a team of 10 students, Harmonie created PYCW.
Through daily independent challenges, educational forums and community action events, area youth will explore climate change topics and participate in hands-on activities.
Remaining activities include:
March 15
Independent project: Research environmental justice (EJ) issue in the Tri-State Area
3-3:30 p.m.: World Wildlife Foundation – Endangered populations and climate change
4-5 p.m.: NJSCA Community Action Leadership – EJ problems in New Jersey
7-9: PYCW Leadership – “Tambien la Lluvia” movie screening
March 16
TBD: Princeton University Indigenous Environmental Activists presentation
2:45-3:30 p.m.: Democrats in Action – How to phone bank and phone banking session
4 p.m.: Insect Eating Club – Climate change and sustainable food
March 17
Independent project: Sewing reusable masks
March 18
TBD: Tower Opinion Editors – Environmental journalism
6:30-7 p.m.: PYCW Leadership – Blackout poetry
March 19
11:20-11:50 a.m.: PYCW Leadership – Virtual strike
2-3 p.m.: Cool Blooded Club – Reptiles and climate change
4-5: PYCW Leadership – Hinds Plaza Strike
March 20
12-3 p.m.: PYCW Leadership – Clothing Exchange
7:30-9 p.m.: PYCW Leadership – Catching the Sun movie screening and letter writing
March 21
Independent project: Zero waste collection
TBD: Friends of Princeton Open Space – Tree planting
7-7:30 p.m.: PYCW Leadership – Closing session