Spring 2026

The Mission: The Future Climate Collective (FCC) Student Leadership Team (SLT) will be the formal youth voice of FCC at Portland Metro Area City Halls. The goal for SLT is to bridge the gap between youth climate action and municipal policy, ensuring that climate literacy and project based learning are recognized as essential civic infrastructure. Through direct advocacy at public city council/committee meetings and building relationships with district-level government leaders, science and data backed youth-led climate initiatives advocate for public funding. 

Code of Ethics: As representatives of FCC, SLT’s must commit to upholding the mission, vision, and values of FCC. These standards define FCC’s work to empower youth for a climate literate and climate-ready future. We, as FCC SLT’s must be:

1. Non-partisan

   1. We ensure that climate solutions should be rooted in science, equity, and community wellbeing. Non partisan civic participation and leadership is not rooted in aligning with political parties, campaigns, or partisanship. 

2. Data-driven

   1. We use accurate, science based, peer reviewed information and data in all advocacy, briefings, testimonies, and public communications. We verify all data and information with FCC staff, Climate Professionals, and academics. 

3. Accountable and Professional

   1. We honor our commitments and expectations of being a SLT. We represent FCC responsibly, maturely, and professionally in all civic and community spaces. 

4. Respectful & Inclusive

   1. We treat all individuals with dignity regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or class. Uplifting frontline and historically marginalized communities reflects FCC’s commitment to equitable and accessible climate education, community-rooted solutions and environmental justice.  

5. Collaborative and Growth-focused

   1. We contribute to the supportive team culture, engage fully with FCC’s values, and approach challenges with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continuous lifelong learning. 
      

Program Goals: Construct a team of 6-12 high school students to advocate and represent FCC at City Council meetings and City Committee meetings. SLT’s influence the Portland Metro City Councils, Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), and District-level leaders to support youth-led climate initiatives. 

Program Structure: SLT’s will be assigned district liaison roles for specific Portland Metro geographic districts to build relationships with their local Councilors, along with a FCC Climate Professional for direct one on one mentorship and guidance. Monthly meetings, professional workshops, and mentorship sessions provide SLTs with the skills, data, and opportunities to advocate with City officials for youth-led climate initiatives. 

Student Commitment and Goals: SLT’s must attend monthly community meetings, workshops with their FCC Climate Professional mentor, and dedicate time each month (5-10 hours) to volunteering. SLT’s serve on 1-year terms. SLT’s will provide City Council and Committee public session testimony, climate education advocacy, and comments on Portland Clean Energy Fund investment plans for youth-led climate initiatives. Workshops, educational sessions, and FCC Climate mentorship build upon student passion for the environment to fully prepare students for public action climate advocacy. 

“The Deal”: Students dedicate time, ideas, and a passion for climate advocacy to promote youth-led climate initiatives. FCC will give Climate Professional mentorship, opportunities to access the FCC network, professional development skills, and opportunities to add material to their personal portfolios.