What We Do
Our programs
How many young Greta Thunbergs, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez’s, or Vanessa Nakates are there in central New Mexico? How do we find them, train them, and mobilize them as the next generation of leaders and change-makers in the face of the climate crisis?
For over 35 years, Talking Talons Youth Leadership has provided enriching environmental education and leadership programs to New Mexico Youth.
Beginning in 2022, Talking Talons developed a new Climate Leadership Project. The goal is to provide a continuum of support to students who are passionate about addressing climate change, staying engaged with them from 5th grade through 12th grade and connecting them with training, resources, mentorship, and leadership opportunities that will set them up for success and empower them to take action on issues they care about.
The challenges of climate change that we face at all scales of society are urgent and complex. The next generation of leaders will need many tools at their disposal in order to approach these challenges in an innovative, strategic and interdisciplinary way.
This includes knowledge of science and history, an understanding of politics and activism, skills in technology, media, and leadership and teamwork skills. These young leaders will need to think systemically and know how to identify the leverage points where they can make a difference.
Through the continuum of Talking Talon’s new program, students will have a chance to grow these skills while learning about a variety of career paths and ways of engaging with socioenvironmental issues.
The Climate Leadership Project will support the work of our community partners and strengthen our collective ability to tackle the challenges of climate change by mobilizing local youth to become a powerful, innovative and effective generation of leaders and problem solvers.
Current Programs
Elementary School
Students at Apache, San Antonito, and A. Montoya Elementary Schools (Albuquerque Public Schools) are part of an afterschool club that is focused on Connecting to Nature, Leadership, Team-Building, and Climate Action. These young environmental investigators get their hands dirty and explore a wide range of topics related to climate change. The two primary club goals are to build a Climate Action Team and encourage each student to find their specific environmental interest, whether that be Forests, Oceans, Farming, Animal life, Biodiversity, Architecture, etc
Middle School and High School
Students at Kennedy and Roosevelt Middle Schools are enjoying after-school clubs, Nature Saturday at the Tijeras Creek Bio-Zone, and Junior Youth Conservation Crew workdays, also at the Bio-Zone. The middle school event has a more extensive focus on each student’s specific environmental interests and potential career paths, deepening their leadership skills and embracing greater climate action.
workforce development
Talking Talons Youth Leadership participates in the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps program annually. This program provides entry-level summer jobs to high schoolers and young adults, giving them a head start on their careers in conservation. Talking Talons Youth Leadership supports the NMYCC as an integral component of our Longitudinal Program Model, which supports youth in their environmental interests from age 10 to 25.
During the summer our YCC program partnered with the Friends of the Sandia Mountains (FOSM), the Village of Tijeras, Bernalillo County Open Space, and the City of Albuquerque Open Space to create and maintain hiking trails, culling out invasive species and general land stewardship activities.
New Initiatives
Junior Youth Conservation Corps is designed for middle school youth who are interested in working outdoors to improve the Tijeras Creek environment.
Youth Climate Leadership Council supports the planning & implementation of a Central New Mexico high school student-led council that will support young Climate Change Leaders.
Youth Climate Summit builds community between high school students across New Mexico by bringing them together for a day at the Explora Museum with environmental speakers, climate change activities and discussions, and team-building. The Summit is for high schoolers and facilitated by college students.
Our Funders
