Your Voice Is Powerful, Use It to Make a Difference 📢

Dear Community,

My name is Analisa Wood. I am a junior at Columbia University studying computer science and EcoRise’s first youth Board Member. I’m writing to remind you that your voice is powerful, and your actions—no matter how small they may seem—can contribute to a larger change. I learned this lesson in high school when I was appointed as a member of the inaugural San Antonio Mayor’s Youth Engagement Council for Climate Initiatives. Today, I serve on the EcoRise Board of Directors because I believe in the transformative power of environmental education and the ways in which EcoRise brings this to life for more than 175,000 students each year.

I am driven by the conviction that youth voices are essential in discussions regarding sustainability, climate justice, and education. We bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a sense of urgency to addressing environmental challenges. Being a member of the Youth Climate Council and EcoRise Board has allowed me to use my voice and take an active role in the issues that directly affect the future of my generation.

EcoRise has served 218 Youth Climate Council members since 2020, and we recently welcomed two new cohorts in Austin and San Antonio. These students are gaining a deeper understanding of environmental issues, learning 21st-century skills, and exploring career pathways that have a positive, lasting impact on our planet.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. In honor of this national day of giving, I’d like to ask you to use your voice as an EcoRise community member and make a donation to strengthen our youth programs or invite a loved one to join our movement. All gifts made this week will help bring the education, agency, and growth I’ve experienced to even more youth in 2025. This is also a special time to donate because our Leadership Circle Matching Fund is currently tripling contributions.