You don’t have to be an adult to be a climate leader, according to the Community Environmental Council (CEC).

Students in grades 6-12, who care about the future of planet Earth, can put their passion into practice now by joining the CEC and 805 Action for a free Youth Climate Workshop, the CEC said.

The workshop will be 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at CEC’s Environmental Hub,
 1219 State St., Santa Barbara.

“In this workshop, we’ll focus on climate policy advocacy and how to create lasting, impactful change,” event organizers said.

The afternoon will include interactive activities; conversations with local climate leaders; and a panel with Santa Barbara elected officials.

Moderated by Ethan Maday of 805 Action, the panel will feature Santa Barbara City Council Members Oscar Gutierrez and Meagan Harmon; and Nadra Ehrman of the Santa Barbara County Board of Education.

Students can ask questions and learn more about how policy decisions affect the environment and our communities.

The workshop will offer free food, and CEC can provide community service hours for qualifying students.

“Students will leave with new friends, inspiration, and tools to start or boost their climate action journeys,” CEC said.

To register, visit https://cecsb.org/youth-climate-workshops. A permission slip is required for youth under 18.