This blog is about how a 14-year-old CAF member with a decade of organizing experience launched a campaign to hold the candidates in Washington’s governor’s race accountable to the young citizens they seek to represent.
Bodhi K., a member of CAF since age four, has often leveraged his skills through the Legal & Policy Theory of Change. He started with CAF at age four as a vocal advocate in the Shell No coalition and, in 2018, joined with twelve other youths in suing Gov. Jay Inslee to create and enforce more robust climate policies.
At Climate Action Families, we engage all six Climate Justice Theories of Change: Personal Transformation, Solutions Deployment, Community Organizing, Cultural Influence, Healing People & the Planet, and Legal & Policy Work. There are so many ways to contribute to a better world! We encourage young people to engage in work they are drawn to and will exercise their unique gifts through diverse projects, campaigns, and coalition work.
This year, Bodhi K. turned his attention to Washington’s gubernatorial election. He launched a campaign that calls on all primary candidates to address the concerns of Washington’s Youth by answering climate-related questions. With a decade of civic advocacy under his belt, Bodhi is a seasoned CAF organizer who understands the importance of holding elected officials accountable. His campaign is a powerful reminder to candidates that young people are a significant part of the constituency, and he hopes to empower more young people to engage politically.
Answering to Youth is an issue of justice and equality. Although citizens under 18 cannot vote, they deserve clear answers from those responsible for safeguarding their futures. Our institutions must be staffed by people committed to stewarding the laws and policies that bring us closer to transforming our world at the speed that justice and science require.
“I organized the questionnaire project because it’s important for people, especially young people, to know what their potential governors will do on issues that affect their future. I was really happy working alongside many members of CAF as we drafted questions, compiled questionnaires, and finally sent them out to all 25 of 28 candidates who made their email available.”
– Bodhi K. (age 14)
While many eyes are on the presidential campaign, we face critical elections in Washington State. This is the first time we’ve had a competitive gubernatorial race in twelve years. Washingtonians face a crucial vote on Referendum 2117, which, if passed, will irradicate the climate policy the legislature established in the Climate Commitment Act. Bodhi’s campaign highlights how critical Washington electoral outcomes are to stewarding comprehensive and actionable climate policies to ensure we meet our commitment to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Key facts about Washington State’s climate goals:
- The Climate Commitment Act (CCA) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, 70% below 1990 levels by 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Transportation emissions, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gases, need to be cut by at least 25%.
- The electricity sector must achieve 100% clean energy by 2045 by phasing out coal and increasing renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power.
- Industrial emissions need substantial reductions through improved efficiency and technology.
Regrettably, candidates’ willingness to engage with Youths’ call for accountability has been disappointing so far. We are grateful to the five candidates who have responded – Chayton Inman, a Democrat; Jim McDaniels, a Republican; Michael DePaula, a Libertarian; Andre Stackhouse, a member of the Green Party; and Jeff Curry, an Independent.
You can read their responses here.
CAF received an email from the office of Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who said he is working on a response, but ballots are already in hand and due August 6th. Ferguson is among the four leading primary candidates who did not prioritize engaging with the young citizens who will live through the long-term impacts of current climate policies.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we do not make endorsements; however, we are committed to supporting Youth advocacy, holding leaders accountable, and advocating for the urgent changes needed to address the climate crisis.
