A group of environmentally conscious youngsters at J.L. Crowe Secondary School are joining fellow students around the world tomorrow to demand government action on climate change.
The Fridays for Future Trail team have organized a peaceful protest march in downtown Trail on Friday. They will start their walk at 11 a.m. from the corner of Victoria Street and Bay Avenue to City Hall and are rallying local support for a cause which remains close to their hearts.
Inspired by fellow activists who want and need to make a difference, today, “for the love of life,” the local arm of the global youth led movement is calling on the communities of Trail and Rossland, young and old alike, to come out in their droves to support their efforts and get behind the generation who want to protect their futures and prevent irreversible change.
“Change doesn’t happen without people demanding it and the power of the people is always stronger than the people in power,” says Grade 11 Crowe student Agnes Hamill. “Together we can make a big difference, get heard at government level and empower others by giving them a voice as well as a forum to stand up, speak out and take action.
“We would love to see parents, teachers, schools, and businesses join young local people and support our protest in what ever ways they can. It’s time to act! If you’re concerned for the future, make your banners, go on strike and join us on our march on Friday,” she adds.
Meeting on the corner of Victoria Street and Bay Avenue, protesters will walk through downtown to City Hall. It is hoped that the mayor will address the gathered strikers to share council’s vision for a carbon free future in the city and its plans to shift away from fossil fuels.
“It’s amazing to see young people stepping up and taking on a leadership role on such an important issue and we hope to get a great turn out from the local community on the day who share their concerns,” says Geoff Harrison, Youth Action Network co-ordinator for Trail, who together with Andrew O’Kane, a volunteer at West Kootenay EcoSociety is one of the “adult allies” assisting students with their strike.
If any local businesses want to join or support the march, offer refreshments to protestors, or post up a “Closed for climate strike” poster please contact Trail YAN.
You can follow and like Trail Climate Action on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Trail-Climate-Action-106956814085986/ and register your interest, sign up and share the event here: Trail Climate Strike. To find out more, contact trail_yan on Instagram, @TrailYAN on Facebook or visit www.fridaysforfuture.org