Celebrating our Stories of Change Program
The goal of our Stories of Change Program is to cultivate and communicate stories of young people taking climate action across the United States, inspired by programming, events and toolkits from The Climate Initiative (TCI). From creating and leading climate action projects that engage and inspire communities to asking pointed questions to policy and decision makers, high school and college-aged youth are leading their communities in building a more sustainable future.
The Climate Initiative’s (TCI) Changemaker Awards celebrates and elevates educational climate stories on a national platform.
The Changemaker Awards will award both individuals and groups/teams of youth across U.S. regions and territories who submit the most impactful climate action stories according to our Awards Criteria. The awards include grants for education/self-selected goals, furthering climate action work in communities and within schools, and special opportunities for expense-paid climate action experiences through TCI. These stories will serve as inspiration and actionable examples to other youth looking for meaningful ways to start conversations and climate action projects within their own communities and beyond.
Meet the 2022 1st Place Changemaker Award Recipients:
Maya Lis & Compost For All Team!
About two years ago, as I sat on my floor amidst the pandemic thinking, I couldn’t get the picture of the deteriorating environment out of my mind. I felt that with the lack of composting accessibility within Orlando, it was time to take a stand. So, I began planning a nonprofit aimed to reduce greenhouse gasses while improving soil and water quality throughout Orlando Florida. I entered the TCI Hackathon which gave my team a wonderful opportunity to come up with a thorough plan.
From the competition, although unsuccessful, we went on to receive funding and were able to begin the non-profit.
Today, Compost For All Corp. is a 501 (c)(3) certified nonprofit with over 500 composter sales and has educated over 10,000 people on the power of composting!
Learn more about Compost For all here: Compost For All Website
Changemaker Awards Judging Criteria
Submission Categories: Individual & Group
Formats: Video (URL), Podcast/Audio Files, Written, Imagery/Photo
Story of Change Climate Action Area(s): Oceans, Weather, Climate Equity and Justice, Energy, Footprint, Species, Other.
Story of Change Specific Topic: Sea Level Rise, Ocean Warming and Acidification, Soil and Beach Erosion, Climate Equity and Justice, Alternative/Renewable Energy, Carbon footprint, Transportation, Consumption, Plastics, Wildfires, Drought, Flood, Invasive Species, Pollinators, Species Extinction, Other.