Across the globe, countries and communities are experiencing the effects of a syndemic: the rapid increase of climate injustices and deterioration of our planet alongside the backsliding and growing disillusionment with democracy. The little-to-late emphasis of climate science and citizenship education within our schools continues to play catch up in the face of polarization, mis/dis/malinformation, and the lack of supporting resources, including teacher training and programmatic funding. However, an emerging model of school democracy has shown promise in combatting this syndemic: Green Schools Participatory Budgeting (SPB). Green SPB is a democratic process that centers student voice and choice in school improvement projects that focus on sustainability and climate justice. Through Green SPB, students collect ideas for school improvement projects, create project proposals for feasible ideas, campaign and deliberate on the different projects, and vote for which project(s) to fund and implement. Findings have shown a commitment to projects focused on sustainability, the outdoors, and mental health, as well as participating students exhibiting an increased understanding and appreciation of the characteristics of a democracy and how to participate. Join Arizona State University and Center for the Future of Arizona for an engaging presentation and free resources to implement Green SPB!
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