TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Momentum was within the air earlier this month as I joined over 200 younger conservationists at Montgomery Bell State Park in Tennessee for the third annual American Conservation Coalition Summit, a gathering of younger conservatives working to handle vitality and conservation challenges by native motion and coverage engagement.
Over three packed days, we tackled points with optimism, traded concepts for sensible options, and constructed connections over area day actions, s’mores, and hikes within the nice open air. I couldn’t assist however consider Florida, the place our financial system and lifestyle are interconnected with a wholesome atmosphere.
In comparison with the previous summits in D.C. and Salt Lake Metropolis, this one had a wholly totally different vitality. Assume extra summer time camp with a function than a convention with buttoned-up fits. The setting might have modified, however the core thought of the summit was the identical: no fear-mongering, only a shared sense of optimism, and a drive to search out revolutionary options to challenges within the conservation and local weather sectors.
That optimism issues as a result of the nationwide dialog is usually dominated by extremes. With ACC, I’ve seen a extra balanced strategy, one which conserves our land whereas empowering communities to thrive. This steadiness resonates in Florida, the place defending our surroundings and financial system go hand in hand.
One query saved buzzing all through the summit: “Why?” We mirrored on why we joined this motion and why our work with ACC issues. These questions have been entrance and heart in a breakout session led by Kacey Shriner, ACC’s Alumni and Younger Professionals Program Director, the place she shared methods for constructing sturdy branches and internet hosting impactful occasions. Understanding our “why,” Kacey emphasised, is the inspiration for creating momentum that lasts lengthy after the summit ends.
I additionally reconnected with a former ACC staffer, now a state consultant from Ohio, who spoke on a panel with different younger elected officers. Seeing him deliver his ACC expertise into workplace was inspiring, a reminder that abilities and information gained by ACC can translate instantly into efficient policymaking and neighborhood influence.
As a Floridian, my “why” has at all times been clear. From our sandy seashores and clear springs to the agricultural sector that depends on wholesome soil and water, the atmosphere is the spine of our state’s lifestyle.
That’s why I’ve spent years constructing coalitions in my communities to unfold ACC’s message and take motion, like organizing seaside cleanups, planting mangroves, and bagging shucked oysters to revive reefs. Native efforts could seem modest, however when replicated nationwide, they form public consciousness and coverage alike. That’s the ripple impact ACC fosters, connecting grassroots efforts into a bigger motion for conservation. In Florida, these small actions, whether or not restoring reefs or cleansing seashores, strengthen communities and construct a extra resilient financial system.
As a member since 2019, this marked my third time gathering with fellow ACC members from throughout the nation. Every summit leaves me with renewed function and higher geared up to deliver new concepts residence to Florida. The relaxed, “summer time camp” ambiance made it simple to attach with attendees and audio system in ways in which don’t at all times occur in a extra formal setting.
The summit wrapped up with a last dinner. From the stage, ACC President Chris Barnard snapped a selfie of a sea of inexperienced, a whole lot of attendees sporting “Make America Stunning Once more” hats. The ocean of inexperienced wasn’t only for the cameras; it was a snapshot of a motion that’s rising in measurement and spirit.
I left Tennessee with new concepts to place into observe in Florida and a strengthened sense that actual progress in conservation comes from dedication, teamwork, and significant motion. The summit confirmed that younger conservatives throughout the nation are placing concepts into motion, and the work we do in Florida and past can have a measurable influence. Right here in Florida, meaning the whole lot from conserving our seashores clear to strengthening our hurricane resilience, and that’s work we will all be a part of.
Luke Strominger is a Florida-based coverage skilled and lively member of the American Conservation Coalition.
