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Navigating the realm of student-run organizations often poses challenges, from high turnover rates to the struggle of sustaining long-term projects amidst competing interests. But what can a grassroots, student-led environmental group accomplish in under a year? According to Michelle Angkasa and Celine Isimbi, the founders of the University of Waterloo* Climate Justice Ecosystem, quite a substantial amount when focused on a collective goal.
Their journey commenced in the Winter semester of 2023 with a simple idea: organizing a coalition for a campus climate strike. Recognizing the interconnectedness of various campus initiatives, Michelle and Celine aimed to unite these efforts under a shared umbrella, advocating for climate justice. Through organic collaboration and dialogue with the campus community, they unearthed a spectrum of concerns—from food insecurity to indigenous sovereignty—that intersected with climate justice.
In June 2023, the UW Climate Justice Ecosystem took root with a core group of eight organizers, setting their sights on hosting a climate rally that September. To solidify their mission and values, they meticulously crafted a set of demands, reflecting the diverse array of issues affecting the university community. Despite the challenge of student turnover, Michelle and Celine structured their group to accommodate fluctuating membership, ensuring continuity in their endeavors.
In their journey to organize the UW Climate Justice Ecosystem and orchestrate the campus climate strike rally, Michelle and Celine found support from the Youth Harbour Assembly Grant, which provided crucial funds for hosting in-person events that bring young climate activists together to collaborate and connect. This grant bolstered their efforts, allowing them to expand their reach and impact within the university community while navigating the challenges of student-led organizations.
As the rally approached, the duo spearheaded meetings, forged partnerships, and tirelessly drafted an open letter to convey their collective vision. Garnering over 200 signatures and endorsements from six campus groups, their efforts underscored the resonance of their message within the community. By prioritizing education and fostering dialogue, they bridged the gap between climate justice and intersecting concerns such as housing and mental health.
“The big challenge of student-led movements is that a university setting comes with a high turnover rate,” Michelle Angkasa reflected. “There is no institutional memory of previous efforts led by students who are no longer actively involved on campus.”
The rally itself served as a platform for diverse voices to address pressing issues, attracting a diverse audience of students, faculty, and community members. With the culmination of the rally and the open letter, Michelle and Celine’s legacy extends beyond their tenure. The UW Climate Justice Ecosystem now stands poised to champion initiatives such as divestment from fossil fuels, embodying the spirit of grassroots activism.
As Michelle and Celine embark on new chapters post-graduation, their journey underscores the transformative power of collective action. In a time marked by apathy and daunting challenges, their story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the ripple effects of mobilization in the pursuit of climate justice.
* The University of Waterloo rests on traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Their campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River.