HOW WE GOT STARTED
The Promise Project was started in 2015 by 17-year-old Maddie Adkins. Passionate about taking climate action, Maddie also served as co-president of the CHS Environmental Club and a CGI board member.
The Promise Project was inspired by Our Children’s Trust which passed the nation’s first Climate Ordinance in Eugene, Oregon. But why did we want to implement this project in Carmel, Indiana? The answer is quite simple: Through the efforts of cities to become more sustainable, we become leaders for climate accountability even with a lack of statewide leadership.
The Promise Project goal is to ask public officials to keep their promise to protect the future for young people. Since the project started, several young people have stepped up to carry on….
2019 YOUTH LEADERS
Alex Workman (Senior)
Natalie Workman (Sophmore)
Jodh Pullela (Senior)
Teddy Rayhill (8th grade)
YOUTH ADVISORS
Maddie Adkins (college)
Jose Ortuzar (college)
Miranda Frausto (college)
Ben Rayill (college)
ADULT MENTORS
Louie Genduso
Jim Poyser
George Schenetzke
Leslie Webb
PRESENTATIONS TO YOUTH
Maddie presented the Promise Project to help answer questions for kids and parents. Presentations included…
DRAFTING THE RESOLUTION & MEETINGS WITH PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Youth Leaders drafted and submitted a Climate Resilience and Recovery Resolution and met with the mayor and city councilors to advocate for climate action, and to ask them to keep their promise to the upcoming generation.
ORIENTATION & MOCK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Youth Leaders held an orientation and mock City Council Meeting to prepare to testify in support of a climate resolution.
Who: Anyone who cares about the environment and wants to get involved! Invite friends, teachers, classmates, and troop leaders, etc. All ages are welcome to come and learn more about the Promise Project!
What: Beyond being a great way to come and see what The Promise Project is all about, participants will also have an opportunity to practice testifying during a mock city council meeting. This orientation meeting is a great way for kids to learn more, and see if they want get involved.
The City Council generally meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays at 6 p.m. People wishing to speak, should arrive by 5:45 p.m. to fill out and turn in a blue card. The meeting starts with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Then there is a recognition of employees/citizens, and approval of the minutes. After that, it will be open for people who wish to address the council. This is the opportunity for the kids to speak. The agenda deadline is 6 business days before the council meeting.
In February 2017, youth leaders testified in support of a climate resolution for the City of Carmel. Read more.