2026-2027 Roots Rising Action Council
Do you care about your community and want to make a difference? Are you interested in environmental justice, leadership, and creating positive change? Join Roots Rising Action Council, a paid year-round youth leadership program where you’ll build skills, explore careers, and take action on issues that matter to you.
Roots Rising empowers young people to become environmental leaders through hands-on learning, leadership development, community engagement, and advocacy. You’ll connect with other youth, meet professionals, participate in field experiences, and help shape solutions for your community.
What you’ll do:
- Learn about environmental justice, climate change, and community health.
- Build leadership, public speaking, and teamwork skills.
- Learn how advocacy, organizing, and public policy create change.
- Explore environmental careers.
- Help plan and lead community events and youth engagement activities.
- Work with other youth to identify local environmental issues and develop solutions.
- Earn a monthly stipend while building skills for college, careers, and civic leadership.
No experience needed—just curiosity, commitment, and a desire to make a difference.
Program dates: August 2026–July 2027
Kick-off training: Aug. 17–19, 2026
Monthly meetings: Second Saturday of each month from Sept. 12, 2026 to July 11, 2027.
Time commitment: Approximately 7–10 hours per month.
Location: Minneapolis, with occasional field experiences throughout the Twin Cities.
Stipend: Participants receive a monthly stipend for meeting participation and program activities.
Who can apply: Youth from Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Twin Cities communities entering grades 8–12.
Environmental Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Environmental Initiative values a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign- born residents, and veterans to apply for open positions.