Program Summary
Timeline
Application opens: May 20, 2022
First-round Selection decisions: June 24, 2022
Application closes: June 30, 2022Program starts: July 1, 2022
Program ends: August 31, 2022
The Indian Green Leaders Academy is an online program which will run from July 1-August 31, 2022. It is part of a broader initiative led by 10 Billion Strong which aims to train 1 million green leaders in 36 key countries by 2030.
The program will be conducted in English and is focused on preparing emerging youth leaders to understand key environmental issues, develop leadership skills, and learn how to use civic engagement to effectively address environmental challenges.
We seek to enroll 50-75 university-aged leaders from across India.
Ecopeace Teen Cafe
This program is a joint initiative of 10 Billion Strong and Ecopeace Teen Cafe
Ecopeace Teen Cafe believes in the power of teenagers. Their mission is to educate younger generations to lead a sustainable lifestyle by creating educational programs and providing necessary resources. Ecopeace Teen Cafe is a project run with the collaboration of United Religions Initiative and Earth Charter International.
Program Co-lead
Greshma Pious Raju
The program will be co-led by Greshma Pious Raju, a peacebuilder from India who is actively involved in interfaith dialogues, and environmental peacebuilding among youth. She is the founder of Ecopeace Teen Cafe, an online dialogue and transformative education platform for teenagers. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from the University of Kerala. She completed her MA in International Peace Studies from the United Nations University for Peace, Costa Rica. The multi-cultural environment, green campus, and true spirit of peace equipped her with skills and helped to gain a deep understanding of peace and conflict studies. The interest in environmental peacebuilding and sustainability developed during her internship at Earth Charter International. She came back to India after her graduation and working with various organizations and schools to promote peace and harmony. She served as Youth Ambassador of the United Religions Initiative for several years. Now she is exploring new paths to strengthening interconnectedness among youth through online platforms. She believes that small acts of love and compassion lead to big changes in the global community.
In Support of the Sustainable Development Goals
Driving Collective Impact
Our ultimate goal is to advance environmental quality. As part of our values to support individual agency and allow participants to lead in their local context, we support impact towards environmental outcomes that align with any of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land)
Flexible Online Learning
Supporting Leaders During Challenging Times
The program content will be available via an online learning management system (LMS) called Crew. Participants will login to access readings, course lectures, and submit reflections and short assignments.Participants can complete their work at any time that works for their schedule. This asynchronous learning methodology will allow flexibility for participants who may have unstable internet access. However, we ask that participants be able to devote 1-2 hours for coursework each day.
Participants who join the program will work towards the following outcomes:
Gain an understanding of the most pressing environmental issues impacting their communities and the planet.
Develop personal and civic efficacy, as well as key social connections to support environmental actions.
The following environmental literacy, leadership, and civic engagement topics will be addressed:
- South & Southeast Asia Regional Environmental Overview
- Circular Economy
- Conservation
- Climate Change, Climate Adaptation, and Climate Mitigation
- Plastic and Air Pollution
- Leadership
- Social Innovation & Transformative Action
- Civic Engagement
- Environmental Movement Building
- Stakeholders and Systems
We will also plan to arrange several non-mandatory group calls for those who would like to interact with their peers and program leadership.
The target audience: youth aged 18-28, though the upper age range is flexible. We're prioritizing applicants who have an interest and ability to drive environmental change in their communities.
Eligible Countries: India
Key requirements:
Ability to commit to 2-4 hours per week to complete course readings, videos, and assignments.
Internet access and the ability to access course content.
Strong English language skills.
Demonstrated interest in addressing environmental challenges.
Demonstrated interest in being a thoughtful member of our program and commitment to completing the program content.
