From Local Awareness to Climate Action: A Journey with TCI

Project Summary

Catherine, a young climate advocate from Kennebunk, Maine, transitioned from local environmental awareness to broader climate action through participation in TCI’s programs, eventually becoming an intern with the organization where she works to provide resources that help others engage in climate advocacy regardless of their location.

Detailed Story

Growing up in a coastal community that serves as a climate change “hotspot,” Catherine witnessed firsthand how ecological changes were affecting her town’s culture, economy, and infrastructure. These local observations sparked her interest in environmental protection and led her to recognize the need for broader societal shifts in addressing climate change. Catherine’s journey began with participation in two of TCI’s programs, which aligned with her belief that educating youth and equipping them with tools for climate action is essential for creating meaningful change. She later joined TCI as an intern, where she focused on expanding the organization’s national outreach by compiling resources that are accessible to individuals regardless of geographic location. Catherine’s story emphasizes the importance of tailoring climate action to fit individual lifestyles and means, demonstrating how her own climate journey evolved with support from TCI and educational institutions like Kennebunk High School (KHS) and the University of New Hampshire (UNH). By sharing her experience, she hopes to encourage others to find their own path to climate advocacy, highlighting that effective climate action can begin with local awareness and grow into broader engagement through organizations like TCI.

Impact Statement

Participated in multiple TCI programs, joined TCI as an intern, compiled climate action resources for national use, and created a model for how young people can progress from local awareness to broader climate action.