Amid a climate crisis, 10 local teens gathered at the La Grange Village Hall at noon on Feb. 19 to rally for President Joe Biden to declare a nationwide climate emergency. 

The group of students partnered with Sunrise Movement, a nationwide organization that encourages political action for environmental concerns. The organization promotes petitions, letters to lawmakers, campaigns, and rallies. There are chapters across the nation, including in LaGrange. The organization’s overall goal is to encourage the federal government to take more action on climate legislation and justice. Annaliese Dorchinez ‘24 is an avid Sunset Movement activist who helped organize the local rally.

“We really wanted to have our voices as young people be heard, and make some noise. I don’t think you see young people protesting a lot,” Dorchinez said. “The goal is really to get Biden’s attention and have him declare the climate emergency.”

Declaring a climate emergency would invoke temporary presidential powers in order to minimize use of fossil fuels and aim for more renewable energy, according to an article in the New York Times. Emergency Powers are applied in these times of crises and often create exceptions to typical presidential power regulations.

After many chants and speeches at the village hall, participants took to the sidewalks. 

“I think my favorite part was when we were speaking to people walking by and spreading the message even further,” Will Taylor ‘24 said. “From what I could tell, the community really supports our movement.”

While the rally took place at the village hall, rally-goers crafted signs and stickers to distribute to pedestrians throughout the downtown area to expand their reach. 

“People were really curious and took the stickers,” Dorchinez said. “I think we definitely achieved our goal of bringing attention to the movement.” 

Although the event was widely received, the group plans to expand even further and host guest speakers from the area in future rallies. Additionally, a higher attendance rate is expected at future rallies.

“[The rally] was my first time getting involved with this group,” Elpida Cios ‘24 said. “I think it was a super cool experience and a great way to spread awareness about something that means a lot to me, and I hope there are more opportunities like this with Sunrise [Movement] in the future.”