Sustainable Leaders in Action

SLIA youth team members helped organize and lead the Climate March & Rally on October 26, 2024

Sustainable Leaders in Action, or SLIA, is the youth-led branch of Sustainable Contra Costa. Made up of both high school and college students, SLIA uplifts and cultivates a network of over 50 amazing young activists and provides them with opportunities for professional development and camaraderie. Together, they raise widespread awareness and mobilize meaningful climate action throughout Contra Costa County.  

Are you interested in sustainable living and climate advocacy within our community and beyond? Do you want to be part of the next generation of environmental activists?

Then join SLIA, Sustainable Contra Costa’s youth-led team, to: 

• Earn 3-5 volunteer hours per month
• Learn about activism (no prior experience needed!)
• Gain professional skills and non-profit experience

Visit our Linktree or check out our “What is SLIA” video on the SCOCO Youtube channel to learn more about our team. SLIA welcomes all new members to help expand our reach into as much of Contra Costa County as we can to work toward sustainable communities. We appreciate your support!

Our Projects:

Bi-Monthly Newsletter: Articles are researched and written by SLIA members on sustainable topics, recipes and activities. Graphics also created by SLIA.

Cleaner Contra Costa Challenge: SLIA works together to promote the Desafío de limpieza en Contra Costa and to educate youth on how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and encourage cleaner living in our communities.

Climate Career Chats: Quarterly virtual webinars created and led by SLIA members featuring professionals from careers in the environmental fields. The Climate Careers Chats program is funded and co-hosted through our partnership with the Contra Costa County Library.

Fundraising & Finance: This newly formed project will explore ways to raise funds to support SLIA through fundraisers, sponsors and partnerships. 

Graphic Design: Since all of our projects include graphics in some way, shape or form our team has plenty of opportunities to make art. Beyond digital materials, we are also venturing into video creation and editing. 

Policy & Advocacy: SLIA takes on advocacy projects that we are passionate about in our community- like the No Drilling Contra CostaInitiative.

Internships: 

Sustainable Contra Costa offers internships for members of the youth team for the duration of the academic school year. This year, there are eight intern positions: Chair, Vice Chair, Public Relations (x2), Climate Careers Chats, Graphic Design, Newsletter, and Fundraising & Finance. Each intern is responsible for steering their own committees. They lead projects, coordinate tasks, and work with SLIA members to create all of the amazing programs we put on throughout the year. Interns are also paired with a SCOCO staff member to mentor them throughout their internship.