This September, Planeteer Alliance funded eight youth-led Meetup Events across the globe, engaging over 80 young people in important climate conversations.
For over eight years, Planeteer Alliance has given young people the tools and resources to turn their impatience for change into action for the climate and planet. The program supports Planeteers hosting Meetups four times a year. These four opportunities focus on different components of climate based on the original Planeteer elements; WIND, FIRE, WATER, and EARTH.
This month’s meetups focused on the FIRE element where Planeteer Hosts discussed issues such as renewable energy generation and the transition away from fossil fuels. These conversations educated community members and encouraged them to take action. Though every meetup was hosted in a different region, they were united in their goal of engaging the community in meaningful climate action.
Oluwatoke Faeji, a Planeteer from Nigeria, focused her Meetup on educating community members on the FIRE element, finding that many were unaware of the agency they have to influence a transition away from fossil fuels. “Not every participant had a prior knowledge of renewable energy but every participant left with an added knowledge of what renewable energy is,” she shared.
In July 2024, Oluwatoke also hosted a FIRE Summit – a larger Planeteer Alliance-sponsored event that occurs annually. Oluwatoke was able to learn from her experience as a leader and host a Meetup that built off the work they began that weekend.
The opportunity to apply for Meetup grants not only gives Planeteers the ability to gather community members in meaningful conversations but also allows them to demonstrate the professional skills they gained from Planeteer Alliance. Through the Meet Up Host experience, they learn about budgeting, pitching, event planning, and reporting on grant funding– skills that can be used in future professional endeavors and beyond.
What else is happening at Captain Planet Foundation? We’re excited to share that the next round of Planeteer-hosted Meetups is coming in November, with a focus on the WIND element. These Meetups will explore circularity and tackle climate challenges such as fast fashion, plastic pollution, and e-waste.In addition, we’re in the midst of the Season of Solutions, where Planeteer leaders (ages 10-25) from across the globe are crowdfunding for their Climate Solution Campaigns. Each project kicks off with a $50 investment from Captain Planet Foundation. Once the campaign raises at least $200, CPF will match those funds, doubling the impact. Check out this year’s Season of Solutions projects HERE!