Did you know that MNIPL is in the classroom helping students at the University of Minnesota build the climate justice movement? Julia Nerbonne, Analyah Schlaeger Dos Santos, Whitney Terrill, and raj setharaju work with students in two classes: The Global Climate Challenge: Creating an Empowered Movement for Change (GCC 3031) and Environmental Justice (SUST 4004).

This semester, students are engaged in several different environmental justice initiatives. Below are just a few of their projects!

1) Creating an international “Loss and Damage” campaign plan. Students are working with Julia to provide resources for congregations nationwide to explore the human rights implications of climate change and encourage the United States to take responsibility at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 27). Students will be piloting their “toolbox” at the Westminster Presbyterian Social Justice Forum at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 24, in Minneapolis.

2) Working with Whitney and Jothsna Harris to create and curate “climate stories” from the community.

3) Worked with a team of local organizations and community activists to promote a platform that links housing and energy justice. Students helped prepare for a convening, hosted at MNIPL, on Saturday, April 9, where they presented each of these topics using a human rights framework.

4) Working with Analyah Schlaeger Dos Santos and Ruhel Islam to create summer gathering spaces at the gardens located at Gandhi Mahal’s restaurant in Minneapolis.

5) Working with Joe Meinholz to hear and share stories from participants in the Line 3 pipeline resistance movement.

6) Working with raj Setharaju and City Council member Robin Wonsley to promote a municipal snow removal program that will center the needs of transit riders during Minnesota winters