The Pinole interns got a unique experience to present to Pinole City Council this past week! The interns prepared a detailed presentation, focused on CLIC frameworks. The interns shared how the city could improve their strategies to help the environment. This included increasing climate literacy in schools by mandating climate education, reducing plastic, and increasing cheaper sustainable options. The interns delivered the presentation to the city council board members and the mayor, after a round of public comments, and were received very well! The council members commented on how impressed they were with the Earth Team interns, and noted how we all need to be doing more to protect the environment. Other citizens also commented on the usefulness of the presentation, and how relevant this issue is right now. Interns were also able to discuss tire and road wear particles, as one of the councilmembers was specifically interested in raising awareness about this issue.
In addition to our presentation, interns also received an “Earth Day Proclamation” to recognize their important work healing the environment. After the event, all of the interns were so excited to see the proclamation, and very proud of their work. Intern Dominique said that “I really liked how the council was actually super interested in what we have to say even though we are high school students, they gave us a bunch of opportunities to keep doing what we do.” Intern David said that he “learned more about the procedures, and the city council was very encouraging, good to present to them and get feedback.” Intern Laila said that “I liked being able to see the council, and hearing the other public comments. I felt very professional.”
Overall, this was great experience for the interns to learn about their local government, gain public speaking experience, and share their knowledge from over the past year.
