MI Earth Month of Action: Our Power, Our Planet!
The Michigan Student Power Alliance (MSPA) is teaming up with the Earth Day Network as stewards for radical youth activism to scale infrastructure that expands the pipeline and power of youth voices and progressive politics in Michigan. One of the key things weakening our movements has been the separation of specific struggles from one another. Across location, identities and issues, our work is too frequently divided, undermining the strength of a true collective movement. In response to this weakness, we have come together to organize across Michigan to collaborate in resistance for transformative and equitable climate action through coordinated Earth Month actions on college campuses.
In the face of rollbacks on national climate action, we need to show up on the frontlines to hold the line while keeping the hope of our radical vision alive. We need to be prepared to utilize both defensive and offensive tactics to resist attacks against our communities on several fronts, including rollbacks on equitable climate action. The truth of the matter is that our global power consumption is not decreasing anytime soon; in fact, as populations and economies grow, so will our energy usage. Trying to meet demand with old school fossil fuels is not only unsustainable because they are finite resources and will eventually run out — but it is also extremely harmful to human and planetary health. Fossil fuels are the primary sources of dangerous greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to global warming and causing widespread environmental degradation. They are also linked to severe human health problems, from respiratory issues to cancer. In contrast, renewable energy is a game-changer that can provide cheaper and more sustainable electricity, doesn’t cause climate change, and is better for human health. Which is why we want you to join us to amplify Our Power, Our Planet.
Join us for our actions to demand transformative climate action this Earth Month at the following locations!
Michigan State University - TBA
University of Michigan - Our Power, Our Planet Rally | April 12th | 2-4:30pm | Diag
A student-led environment protest to demand environmental justice on a national level. We hope to make noise and inspire other schools to protest current laws and policies that infringe on ecological protection and justice, for the sake of our home. In particular, Trump’s executive order to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement. Organized by UMich AA Sierra Club.
Wayne State University - Plants for a Purpose: Earth Day Fundraiser | April 15th | 3-6pm | 5221 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202
College Democrats will be selling succulents and other small plants while discussing current environmental justice topics like Line 5, air pollution and asthma in Detroit, and access to clean water and air for all. We’ll be handing out stickers and other goodies with each purchase, so make sure to stop by! Plants will be 3-5$, and proceeds will go towards club operations and hosting events.
Western Michigan University - Kalamazoo Climate Action Rally | April 18th | 12pm-4pm | Heritage Hall
Students and community advocates from across Southwest Michigan will take to the streets in Kalamazoo demanding urgent climate action. They call specifically for protecting Michigan’s Clean Energy Future Plan, the shutdown of Enbridge’s Line 5 pipeline, and climate action from their schools and universities.
Albion College - Recycling at Albion College: Why We Don’t Do It, & Why We Should. | April 23rd | 4pm | Albion College Campus Quad
Albion College has no form of recycling and has seen no recycling initiatives. We hope to draw the attention of many at our school's “Day of Woden,” an end-of-the-year celebration where students, faculty, staff, and administrators are present. This demonstration will hopefully show, particularly our administration, that Albion College students want recycling infrastructure.
Michigan Tech - Earth Art and Music Festival | April 5th | 12pm-6pm | Memorial Union Building in Houghton, Michigan
On April 5th, Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action (KYCA) will be hosting an Art & Musical Festival—a community celebration centered around creativity, connection, and climate action. This event is designed to highlight our love and concern for the Earth through various artistic expressions, including live music, visual art, spoken word, and more. By blending art and activism, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations, ignite hope, and encourage positive action for a more sustainable future.
Oakland University - Earth Day Art Fair | April 9th | 11am-2pm | Oakland Center Habitat
Join the Oakland University Student Congress & Ecology Club for a showcase of art talent! This is an opportunity to share your art including photography, painting, sculptures, poetry, videos, and more! Prizes will be given.