RISE ABOVE PLASTICSÂ STUDENT SPEAKERS
 
WHAT?Â
Green Ambassadors of Environmental Charter High School have partnered with The Surfrider Foundation to create the Rise Above Plastics student speaker series to encourage Los Angelenos to curb their single-use habits.
Through the program, students learn about the impact of plastics on our lives and the environment, including plastic marine debris, chemicals and toxins. Students spread the word to their peers and communities by delivering engaging presentations and assemblies that encourage practical solutions.
In addition to learning about the inherent problems of living in a throwaway society, students learn the value of teamwork and polish their public speaking and presentation skills. They also collaborate with various student clubs and governments to brainstorm about school-wide solutions to the plastics problem.
SO WHAT?Â
In 3 years, nearly 100 students have participated in the program, delivering 50+ presentations to more than 8,000 students and community members, including:
- Local Elementary, Jr.High and High Schools
- Environmental Youth Conference, Los Angeles
- Local business, including: Google & IKEA
- Greener Voice, Manhattan Beach
- OTIS College of Art & Design
- Surfrider Foundation, West LA/Malibu & South Bay Chapters
- Tapped Screening with Venice Neighborhood Council
HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
YOUTH TRAINING:
Green Ambassadors at Environmental Charter High School train groups of 8 students who are interested in giving their own presentations in East Los Angeles.
EDUCATOR TRAINING
Green Ambassadors Institute, a program of Environmental Charter Schools, has designated an elective course dedicated teaching educators in the LA area how to stare Rise Above Plastics Student Speaker Groups of their own. Last year, 12 educators earned UCLA credit for taking a 2-day course on starting a Rise Above Plastics program in their own schools.Â
MORE INFORMATION:Â
Lindsey Jurca  310 490 6887 / ljurca@surfriderwlam.org
