Policy Perspective: An Environmental Intern’s Experience with EcoVP

Many don’t consider the impact that art can have on an individual’s thoughts, opinions, and even value systems. As a young woman with an emphasized environmental value system, I was never intrigued with the creative side of environmental advocacy. I thought it to be more a reflection of society than a concrete way to solve the issues at hand. That was part of the reason I applied to do this internship— because I didn’t have prior experience in the field. As an environmental policy major, I was feeling very uninspired to continue fighting for environmentalism when big corporations and governments remained unmoved in their policy-making practices and regulations.

The EcoVoice Festival shifted that mindset for me. While it appeared to be a simple project on the surface, the festival touched me in ways that I wasn’t previously exposed to. The political reality that my work typically existed in was cracked. Throughout the festival, it amazed me how much impact a piece of art or music could have on, even someone like me, who has extensive knowledge of ecological systems. During the Friday event, the presentation of indigenous poems and songs caused me to feel heartache and reignited a passion for environmental justice. On Saturday, the Mass of the Endangered stole the show. Emotional chords and a stunning, intricate graphic of the interconnectedness of nature helped ground me. It reminded me that in being an environmentalist, I am not only for fighting for the Earth but myself as well. Even on Sunday during the Eco-Sing Along, when Louise Kelly went around in the circle and validated everyone’s feelings before her songs, there was an intrinsic comfort at that moment. That intrinsic comfort is something I believe we also feel while being in nature.

*Saturday Concert for New Mass of the Endangered*

Of course, there were some logistical hurdles like the apprehension to digital programs or lower participation rates than we expected. However, the conversations and connections I made with other individuals, both in the environmental field and not, I will carry with me long past this internship is completed. There’s something unique about being able to experience the intersectionality of environmental advocacy at a young age and it’s something I want to center in my future professional and personal involvements. Kirsten and Thomas have helped reignite my spark, and I hope to continue attending and supporting the EcoVoice Project well into the future.

Policy Perspective: An Environmental Intern’s Experience with EcoVP

“I can’t make them see what I see, but I see it”