By Gio Arteaga
Environmental Advocacy Club is a community service and community-style club at Westmont designed to bring students together to promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness. Shyanne Connover, the founder of Environmental Advocacy, helps promote a space for like-minded individuals to connect and collaborate on various ecological initiatives, saying, “Our goal here in Environmental Advocacy club is to teach students about what it means being a sustainable civilian, and to educate students on Westmont’s campus about ongoing issues we as humans face on a day-to-day basis.” As Connover says in her statement, her club’s primary purpose and goal is to educate members about sustainability and empower them to take meaningful action, all while fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment.
One of Environmental Advocacy’s standout initiatives was a recent trip to Santa Clara Park, Alum Rock Park, where students and community members gathered to learn about local conservation efforts and participate in hands-on restoration projects. They went into creek and river beds along Alum Rock Park to pick up trash and maintain the beauty and character of the park. This field trip reminded the participants–students, parents, and community members– about collaboration’s importance in addressing environmental challenges. By encouraging participation in such explorations, the Environmental Advocacy Club provides students opportunities to connect with nature, develop leadership skills, and cultivate a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. As the club grows, it remains dedicated to inspiring future generations to advocate for a more sustainable world.
