Earth Force CEO Vince Meldrum talks with NYLC CEO Amy Meuers about reimagining service learning as a pathway to democracy. They unpack NYLC’s new Ignite framework, explore the deep connections between service learning and Environmental Action Civics, and share how youth-led, community-centered action builds real impact—and belief in democracy.

Learn more NYLC here: https://nylc.org/

Listen to the NYLC podcast: https://nylc.org/power-of-young-people-podcast/

Hosted by Vince Meldrum, President/CEO of Earth Force, this episode is a replay of a 2025 EAC Week event. It features Cory Manning, previously at the City of Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency and Kelly Moses from Denver Public Schools’ Sustainability Office. Together, they unpack a youth-led climate grant program funded through Denver’s Climate Protection Fund and designed in partnership with Earth Force. 

The conversation explores how students—many at the elementary level—are driving real climate solutions in their schools through human-centered design, project-based learning, and authentic collaboration. From school gardens and waste reduction efforts to conference travel and new green teams, the episode highlights what’s possible when young people are trusted with resources, decision-making power, and support to lead climate action in their communities.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Earl of the University of Delaware shares research that reframes how we understand youth participation in civic life. Drawing her research and others, she highlights the many ways young people are already engaging—through advocacy, community action, and organizing—often while navigating constraints created by adult systems and expectations. 

The conversation explores how common assumptions about young people can shape program design and decision-making, and why approaches that emphasize youth agency and adult partnership tend to be more effective. Listeners working in schools and youth-serving spaces will find this episode useful for reflecting on how structures, language, and support systems can better align with how young people actually engage. *Replay from the 2025 EAC Week

In this end-of-year roundtable episode, the Earth Force team reflects on the people, books, and ideas that continue to shape Environmental Action Civics. Program staff and special guest CEO Vince Meldrum share influential people and ideas—from youth–adult partnerships and problem-posing education to data equity and organizational focus—and discuss how these ideas show up in our trainings, partnerships, and community of practice.

This conversation highlights the power of collective learning, the importance of staying grounded in purpose, and the many voices—educators, youth, partners, and researchers—that inform and strengthen this work.

People & Resources Mentioned:

• Lauren Gibson – Youth–adult partnership research and practice

• Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire

• Data Equity Deck by Data + Soul (with Evan Kuras)

• Active Citizenship Today by the Constitutional Rights Foundation

• Kit Ambrose – Earth Force board member

• Anna Brown – Earth Force Board Chair and former Youth Advisory Board member

Key Themes:

• Youth–adult partnerships

• Problem-posing vs. banking models of education

• Community-connected learning

• Data equity and culturally responsive practice

• Focus and clarity in organizational mission

Thank you to the Earth Force community for another year of learning, partnership, and impact!

Earth Force Program Manager Taylor Ruffin and Chief Program Officer Alyssa McConkey dig into how Environmental Action Civics creates joyful, inquiry-driven learning experiences that strengthen youth–adult partnerships and deepen student agency. They highlight the often-unseen moments that make the EAC process meaningful and fun for both students and educators.

Grounded in the 2025 Colorado Science Conference theme of “joy in science,” this episode celebrates how centering fun and authentic engagement ultimately leads to stronger projects and more empowered young people!

This episode features Rachel Arbor, founder of Gaia Scholastic and a recent Presidential Innovation Award winner. Krysten, SJ, and Rachel dig into what interdisciplinary learning really looks like, why it matters for environmental literacy, and how Rachel’s journey—from informal ed to district-wide environmental leadership—inspired the creation of Gaia Scholastic. Tune in for a conversation about creativity, climate anxiety, and bringing environmental learning into every classroom.

Show links:

1. Gaia Scholastic homepage
2. Gaia newsletter
3. SubjectToClimate homepage
4. NY Hub
5. Rachel Arbor's research on students

Today, we’re dropping into a recent Community of Practice gathering all about getting started — Step 1 of the Earth Force Process: inventories. You’ll hear how educators guide students to look closer at their communities and uncover the stories behind local environmental issues. To learn more and get connected to the free Community of Practice visit earthforce.org!

Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing look at how early civic experiences can spark lifelong leadership. Alyssa McConkey talks with Amelia and Bridget—college students who first experienced the EAC education method as seventh graders and now serve on the Earth Force Board of Directors.

They share stories from their early projects, how those experiences shaped who they are today, and the lasting ripples of youth-led action. Enjoy!

In this episode, we talk with Brekke Bounds, Executive Director of the Environmental Education Association of Illinois (EEAI), about how environmental action civics sparks change that extends beyond the classroom. Brekke shares the story of a water monitoring project at Libertyville High School, where students combined science and civic action to address local water issues. 

In this episode, we use Ripple Effect Mapping to trace the ripple effects of this project—revealing how one student-led effort can influence teaching practices, community partnerships, and environmental outcomes across Illinois.

Tune in to our interview with 7th grade science teacher Carrie Lankford at Red Lion Area Junior High School in Red Lion, PA. She's entering her second year of teaching with Environmental Action Civics and shares her insights along the way!

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