As an Honors Political Science student at Las Positas College, environmental protection is a topic that deeply interests me. This spring semester I am interning with Tri-Valley CAREs focusing on nuclear policy and environmental justice. On Friday, February 27, I joined board member Mary Perner to table at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival and Eco Fair at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore.
Before the film screenings, we had a wonderful opportunity to connect with representatives from other organizations across the Tri-Valley and the Bay Area. It was also a great chance to introduce visitors to the work of Tri-Valley CAREs and share information about our environmental programs and other efforts. Many attendees stopped by our table to learn more about Livermore Lab’s environmental impacts, the environmental justice issues we work on in the community and the ongoing work our organization has been doing for decades.
The film screening and eco-fair was partially organized by the Tri-Valley Non-Profit Alliance’s Environmental Roundtable that Tri-Valley CAREs participates in. The film festival included two film sessions featuring fourteen inspirational short films. Each film told powerful stories about ordinary people who are making extraordinary efforts to protect the natural world, wildlife, and their communities.These films reminded all of us the urgency necessary to confront the social and environmental problems affecting the modern world. The main goal of the film festival was to show people that nature needs our help.
The films featured activist groups working on cleanups and environmental justice that reminded me of Tri-Valley CAREs’ work. One film that especially resonated with me told the story of a father and his young son who share a passion for discovering new species of insects. Together they explore forests and trails while documenting the insects they encounter during their camping trip. It was a touching reminder that a love for nature can be passed from one generation to another, and that it is important to help children experience and understand the natural world.
Another highlight of the evening was a panel discussion held before the film screenings, which brought together climate experts and youth activists to share their perspectives on environmental challenges and solutions. During the panel two students from the Tri-Valley participated in the discussion and shared their environmental justice perspectives with guests.
Among the panelists was Malana Schreiber of Amador Valley High School. She is a great example of an active and involved student. During the panel she spoke about why it’s important for students to take an active part in environmental justice and create a new generation of youth activism. Malana had emphasized that young people have the ability to raise awareness and mobilize communities to address pressing environmental issues. Malana is only in high school but already has experience organizing social and environmental justice protests with other Amador school students.
Another panel participant, Greta Fick-Furlotte from Livermore High School, highlighted the importance of youth voices in climate discussions. She encouraged young people to stay engaged in community conversations and advocate for policies that protect the environment for future generations. During the discussion, she also suggested simple lifestyle actions such as participating in “Meatless Mondays,” encouraging people to reduce meat consumption at least one day each week.
Events like the Wild & Scenic Film Festival remind us that meaningful environmental change happens when communities come together, share stories, and inspire one another. The evening left me feeling motivated to continue working toward environmental protection and community engagement.
I am grateful to be involved with Tri-Valley CAREs. You can stay connected by signing up for our newsletter, attending community events, volunteering, and supporting programs like our Youth Environmental Photo Contest. By uniting we can make our community much better– cleaner and safer for us and future generations.