Brain Trust

The Active Voice’s Brain Trust is a collaborative space for environmental leaders to shape the future of youth-led climate action. Centered on authentic empowerment, the Brain Trust brings together passionate changemakers to help us create TAV’s youth internship program. Members offer their lived insight and advocacy experience to help turn climate despair into action—at the Capitol, in media, and in our communities. Our network of environmentalists explores discussion questions, shares personal stories and insights, and embraces the diverse perspectives everyone brings to the table.

Our Partners

The Brain Trust welcomed representatives from the following organizations, as well as high school and college students. We greatly appreciate Eastern Connecticut State University for offering to host our summer meetings.

Content

We explored key themes, guiding frameworks, and exercises that will serve as foundational elements of our program. These components reflect the values, goals, and needs of young environmental leaders and will play a central role in shaping the program’s structure and impact.

Support

We discussed how to best prepare students for real-world opportunities and challenges. Ideas included incorporating mock interviews, power mapping exercises, resume building, and career guidance to equip our interns with the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to navigate professional and advocacy spaces.

Cooperation

We emphasized the importance of fostering a collaborative relationship with our partner organizations. We explored how hosting interns can offer mutual benefits, with interns supporting relevant legislation, promoting the organizations’ initiatives, and offering educational support.

Testimonials

Rhea Drozdenko

River Steward, CT River Conservancy

“Effective and powerful environmental advocacy requires young people. The Active Voice empowers them, gives them the tools, and helps them navigate the system.”

Allison Pilcher

Policy Director, CT Roundtable for Climate and Jobs

“The Active Voice meets young people where they are and empowers them to take a more active role in shaping the issues that are most important to them and their futures.”

Kellyn Kolber

High School Student and TAV Member

“This program is critical in getting young people involved in public policy and allowing their voices to be heard. There are so many young people with a passion for environmental protection, with no outlet to express it. We need to be in front of legislators, not behind computers.”

Lilliana Sarju

Policy and Outreach Coordinator, CT League of Conservation Voters

“The younger generation is missing at the table, this group would help them get there. It unites them together to have a stronger voice, and teaches them how to use it.”

Dr. Sarah Walters

Professor of Public Health, Eastern CT State University

“The Active Voice is important because students (and most adults) don’t know the basics of civil engagement.”