Next SECS Meeting This Wednesday at 6:30! 🌱

Happy Monday, SECS! Exciting news – the latest edition of the Green Observer has been published! Go here to read the wonderful contributions from our very talented members.

This week, our SECS-y working groups will continue fighting the good fight. Feel free to check out whatever group interests you, and make sure to bring a computer! Be sure to continue saving your empty milk jugs for an upcoming workshop organized by Solidarity Gardens.

Fossil Free Addendum will be continuing to finalize plans for a trip to Springfield on November 12th.

Divestment Referendum (Action) will continue outreach on their divestment petition (sign below)!

Media is painting their banner this week!

Education is making dessert dirt cups for their upcoming Franklin Middle School teach-in this Friday!

Solidarity Gardens will begin to plant seeds in the air pruner beds.

Circular Fashion Expo is continuing work on their speech.

 Our next meeting is Wednesday, November 6th at 6:30 p.m. at the Channing Murray Foundation (1209 W. Oregon Street).

🚨WAIT, THERE’S MORE!🚨

Sign our Divestment Referendum Petition!

Sign this petition to show your support for Fossil Fuel Divestment at the University of Illinois! Use your Illinois email when signing and follow the Fossil Free Illinois instagram for more divestment based content. You can scan the QR code above or click here. Share it with your friends!

Keep An Eye Out For our Potluck on November 20th!

During the meeting on November 20th, we will be collaborating with other environmental RSOs to host a potluck before heading home for break. More news to come!

Come to Fossil Free Friday!

This Friday, from 2-3 pm at Channing Murray, FFF will be continuing outreach on divestment!

Show up on Wednesday! Go green or go HOME!

Have something to submit to the newsletter? Fill out this form.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Apply for the Environmental Leadership Program!

The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) is a cutting-edge program launched by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment (iSEE) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The program is designed to prepare Illinois undergraduates for leadership roles in the sustainability field. The application deadline is now November 6th, 2024. Reach out to alums of the program and SECS members Michael Gergeni, Raphael Ranola, or Rudy LaFave ([email protected]) with any questions. Apply and get more information here!

Sign These Petitions

Go here and here to sign petitions urging Congress to protect the climate and protect workers from dangerous heat conditions caused by climate change.

Win Money to Make A Climate Justice Short Film

Between September 9, 2024 and January 10, 2025, submit a short film concept grounded in a current issue involving climate justice or how climate change intersects with social justice, presenting it in a way that leaves the audience feeling hopeful. The top 2 pitches will receive $10K to create their films, mentoring sessions from film professionals, and the grand prize winner (selected from the top two) will win an additional $2k in cold hard cash—just what your wallet needs! Head here for more information.

Help birds stop dying!

The UIUC Bird Strike group is made up of some awesome students who are looking to reduce bird deaths caused by window collisions. Go here for more information or if you’re interested in volunteering!

Join the Climate Grief Group

Feeling the weight of climate change? You're not alone. Many of us are struggling with grief, anxiety, and a sense of loss as we watch our planet change. The Climate Grief Group is a safe, supportive space where we can talk openly about our climate-related emotions and learn how to cope together. We'll explore our feelings, build resilience, and find ways to turn that grief into positive action. Let's connect, heal, and support each other as we work towards a more just and sustainable future. This group meets virtually on Tuesdays between September 24th and October 29th at 1pm and is led by a licensed, climate-aware therapist. Pay what you can. Register here.

Visit TORIIS and take action

TORIIS.earth is an organization that makes transparent the University of Illinois Systems investments and visualizes this data through an environmental lens. Throughout TORIIS, you can explore in depth the University of Illinois Systems’ investments, understand the scope and impact of its investments in the fossil fuel industry, and take action by signing the open letter requesting fossil fuel divestment from the University of Illinois.

Listen to the SECS talk
Listen here to our sustainability-focused podcast, the SECS talk! The most recent episode’s guest is Lina Avalos, a student at UIUC and an environmental justice advocate from the Southeast side of Chicago.

Contact Us!
President — Rudy LaFave (he/him)
[email protected]
Vice President — Claire Sullivan (she/her)
[email protected]
Treasurer — Averhy Sanborn (she/her)
[email protected]
Secretary — Julia San Miguel (she/her)
[email protected]
Action Co-Coordinator — Trey McCallister (he/him)
[email protected]
Action Co-Coordinator — Gabi DalSanto (she/they)
[email protected]
Media Officer — Sophia Beem (she/her)
[email protected]
Community Chair — Joya Weissman (she/her)
[email protected]
Land Management Chair — Liam Henry (he/him)
[email protected]
Outreach Coordinator — Izzy Wilder (she/her)
[email protected]
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer — Fatima Naveed (she/her)
[email protected]