We are the local, college hub of the national movement organization the Sunrise Movement. Sunrise’s goal is to stop climate change and create millions of fair jobs in the process, inspired by movements to create programs like the New Deal in the 1930s. The organization is building an army of young people determined to make fighting climate change an urgent priority of the public, ending the corrupt influence of fossil fuels executives on politics, and electing leaders who stand up for the wellbeing of all people’s and communities.
Wesleyan’s hub was established in 2019 when a few Wesleyan students participated in a sit-in at Nancy Pelosi’s office demanding swift and direct climate action from the democratic party. Since then, the group has expanded effort from the national to the state and local level as well. By attending protests, phone-banking and canvassing for Green New Deal candidate, and working with local officials to pass climate legislation, the hub advocates for decisive change on the front of climate policy. Sunrise absorbed the Wesleyan club formerly known as “Climate Action Group” in Fall 2020.
This organization previous was focused on addressing climate and environmental justice concerned within Wesleyan’s campus, while Sunrise Wesleyan initially focused on climate action in a larger context. Now, the group takes action toward improving climate efforts at the school level and at the policy level, both within and beyond the Wesleyan campus. Sunrise Wesleyan is a supportive and invigorating environment for anyone who wants to be a part of making the world a safe and just place for all.
