Honoring and recognizing Sunrise Movement Philadelphia for their outstanding work and contributions to the fight to confront climate change and ensure that the generations to come have a sustainable future.

WHEREAS, Sunrise Movement is a movement of young people dedicated to ensuring that everyone has access to clean air and water, full pantries of food, affordable housing, free public transportation, good and meaningful jobs, vibrant community centers, and lives filled with joy; and

WHEREAS, This work is guided by their founding principles, including growing power through organizing in communities, being rooted in what they’re fighting for, continuing the journey to become better organizers, leaders, and people; and

WHEREAS, Nationally, Sunrise Movement has redefined climate politics, ensured the passage of historic climate legislation, and continued to transform communities. Sunrise Movement strives to build a coalition around climate change, which is a vital step in the climate action towards clean energy; and

WHEREAS, Sunrise Movement Philadelphia, the local chapter of the national movement, is a group of young Philadelphians dedicated to stopping climate change and winning a Green New Deal that ensures every Philadelphian has access to good jobs, stable housing, clean air and water, and green community spaces; and

WHEREAS, The young people organizing with Sunrise Movement Philadelphia have proven their dedication to an equitable, sustainable future by supporting legislative efforts to fund libraries and rec centers, create renewable energy, ensure access to fresh food, build affordable housing, stop gun violence and more. This has led to growth in the clean energy sector and the addition of quality jobs offering family sustaining wages; and

WHEREAS, Due to the continued advocacy and education from Sunrise Movement, legislation across the state addressing the climate crisis has gained momentum. Pennsylvania House Bill 103, commonly referred to as “Solar For Schools,” championed by State Representative Elizabeth Fiedler in partnership with Sunrise Movement Philadelphia, will create a grant program to help school districts across Pennsylvania fund and install solar panels on school grounds; and

WHEREAS, The future of youth-driven community organizing for neighborhood facilities, fresh food, stable housing, clean air and water, green community spaces, and renewable energy sources is bright; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors and recognizes Sunrise Movement Philadelphia for their outstanding work and contributions to the fight to confront climate change, and ensure that the generations to come have a sustainable future.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Sunrise Movement Philadelphia as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.

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