Investing in youth for a just and sustainable future
Roots for the Future reflects Environmental Initiative’s commitment to youth leadership, environmental justice, and systems change. This high school internship, formerly known as Northside Safety NET, piloted for two and a half years, and created a space for young people to build skills, connect with environmental careers, and drive community change.
However, as with any meaningful work, growth requires reflection. After the pilot phase, we made the intentional decision to pause the program to better meet the needs of the youth and communities we serve.
Why we hit pause—and why it matters
Stepping back allowed us to carefully assess the program and consider how we could build something even better. Given Northside Safety NET’s critical gaps in sustainability, staffing, funding, and geographic reach, it felt essential to redesign the program in a way that would:
- Develop a consistent, trauma-informed,* and culturally- relevant curriculum.
- Strengthen workforce development components like outside internships, mentorship, and job shadowing.
- Expand access beyond North Minneapolis to create a broader regional impact.
- Clarify our long-term vision rooted in environmental justice and community empowerment.
The result was a new, more valuable program built on the lessons we learned from working with our interns in the pilot phase.
A new vision
The redesigned Roots for the Future internship is built on a foundation of intentionality, equity, and sustainability. The program aims to nurture young leaders, open doors to green careers, and co-create systems change alongside historically excluded communities.
Key improvements are:
- Structured, multi-year learning tracks: Youth will move through Exploration, Impact, and Legacy stages, building skills over time.
- Expanded geographic reach: The program will serve youth from across the Twin Cities for a broader impact.
- Environmental entrepreneurship and youth advocacy: Youth will engage in real-world projects that connect environmental action with economic opportunity and civic leadership.
- Stronger support systems: The program will use trauma-informed practices,* hands-on community projects, and year-round programming to ensure deeper engagement and success.
These updates create a powerful, youth-centered model for environmental leadership that is scalable, equitable, and rooted in community.
How you can help
We are seeking both monetary and in-kind support to bring this program to life.
- Monetary contributions will directly fund youth stipends, staff salaries, supplies, transportation, and operational needs.
- In-kind support is equally vital and can include:
- Access to facilities or event spaces.
- Transportation services.
- Internship placements or job-shadowing opportunities.
- Guest speakers or mentors.
- Donated supplies and resources.
Every dollar, every partnership, and every resource helps us build a future where young people are equipped to lead, advocate, and thrive in an environmental justice movement that belongs to them.
Contact Sacha Seymour-Anderson to discuss how you can help us grow the leaders of tomorrow or donate online today.
*Trauma-informed training for youth explores how trauma can affect thoughts, emotions, and behavior, both in themselves and others. This training creates space to explore and process experiences in a supportive, empowering way. It encourages self-awareness, builds emotional resilience, and fosters empathy, helping youth recognize the impact of systemic and personal challenges they may face while learning healthy ways to cope, lead, and support one another.