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Audio transcription:
On September 7, a bill was introduced in the Michigan State House of Representatives regarding how climate change is taught in public schools.
A major axis of The law project is the creation of a working group. The body would have 13 members with a wide range of expertise, including representatives ranging from the Michigan Association of Science Teachers to the Forest Resources Division of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Illustration by Nyla Rybarczyk of Voices of Youth Kalamazoo. Please see the artist statement below.The main objective of the working group will be the creation of an environmental education program. This program aims to prepare students to address climate challenges and prepare them for a more climate-conscious future. This will also help teachers improve their knowledge and teaching skills on the subject.
Jace Bylenga is a West Michigan regional organizer with the Michigan League of Conservation Voters.
Illustration by Nyla Rybarczyk of Voices of Youth Kalamazoo. Please see the artist statement below.He said he was excited to have younger students getting involved in these subjects.
“It’s going to help people get out,” Bylenga said. “It’s going to help teachers get more training and just help to see the climate crisis as a sector-wide issue.”
State Rep. Julie Rogers, of Kalamazoo, introduced the bill. She said she had been passionate about climate issues since she was a child and education from a young age was vital.
This was created by Lexi Tuley of Voices of Youth. Please see his artist statement and biographical note below.“We’re facing a climate crisis, so I think it’s important to teach these concepts because of these facts,” Rogers said.
Asked about the future of the bill, the Democratic lawmaker said the committee was working to incorporate comments shared during its hearing in early October.
“We are working on some updates and changes to the bill. And I look forward to presenting this to the president for review and, hopefully, for a vote very soon,” Rogers said.
Illustration by Nyla Rybarczyk of Voices of Youth Kalamazoo. Please see the artist statement below.The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education. Rogers said she is optimistic about the bill and excited about its journey. It would need to pass the House and Senate to become law.
For the latest bill news, visit Michigan Legislature – House Bill 4961 (2023).
Harper Horvath produced this piece as part of the first-ever audio component of the Voices of Youth Kalamazoo program, offered in fall 2023. Harper is a high school senior at Portage Central High School. She is a member of a youth climate coalition group in Kalamazoo called Ardea. After graduation, Harper plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study environmental sustainability. His mentor for this project was Michael Symonds, an intern at WMUK’s Report for America and a graduate of Western Michigan University.
LExi Tuley is an 18 year old high school student from Loy Norrix High School. Lexi enjoys reading and crocheting, as well as video games. Right now, Lexi has to choose between playing the new Spiderman game or sleeping, and it’s a tough choice. Lexi joined Voices of Youth Kalamazoo for the second time in this cohort because they enjoyed their first program so much.
Artist Statement:
I chose to represent my interest in climate change through mixed media. I created the design on recycled cardboard using collage, colored pencils and paint pens. To show the effect humans are having on Earth as population and industry increase, I have drawn versions of Earth that appear to be dying a little more with each phase – each earth with less and less dynamism.
Nyla Rybarczyk17 years old, is a high school senior at Parchment High School.
Artist Statement:
“I CAN’T HEAR YOU” is a piece I created to start a conversation about teenagers’ lack of awareness of environmental issues. The supports were made of cardboard and gluing materials, felt, paint, etc. I thought it was important to depict a teenager in his bedroom who is quite distant and too focused on his phone to notice what’s right in front of him. The walls are representative of Michigan State House Bill No. 4961, which focuses on teaching skills related to environmental education, climate change and healthy living. This topic will always be important to me, so thank you Voices of Youth for the opportunity to join the conversation.
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