In celebration of Earth Day, six local organizations promoting climate action will host “Youth for Climate Policy,” a free webinar designed to show youths how they can effectively influence local government leaders to address climate change. This program will take place on Zoom on Friday, April 21, from 5 to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but pre-registration is required at tinyurl.com/Youth4ClimatePolicy.

Presented by Sustainable San Mateo County, and cosponsored by 350 Silicon Valley, Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action, Acterra, Citizens’ Climate Lobby and Peninsula Clean Energy, the program will offer practical tips on how to connect with leaders at the city, county and state levels, advocate for policies at local government meetings and organize groups to lobby for climate action.

Student leaders of local youth climate organizations will discuss their political action experiences, and four former mayors of local cities will explain how policy is made at the local level. Those participating include California State Senator Josh Becker, student advocates Jayden Wan of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action and Shayna Blum of Cascade Climate Action, and former Mayors Georgi LaBerge (Redwood City), Mark Olbert (San Carlos), Kirsten Keith (Menlo Park) and Terry Nagel (Burlingame).

Ample time will be provided for Q&A, and questions can be sent ahead of time, if preferred. All attendees will have a chance to win gift cards for sustainable products at the end of the program.

For more information, contact event@sustainablesanmateo.org.