My name is Manolo Avalos. I am a graduate of OPRF High School and a freshman at Triton Community College. I am also an environmental activist (I don’t like to call myself that, but it is true). If you have children or maybe grandkids, I get that you might be scared about what the incoming administration in Washington D.C., has said about our future and our climate crisis.
I am here to tell you that local actions matter now more than ever.
Currently in Oak Park, there are openings on the Oak Park Village Energy and Environment Commission and we need the entire table to be filled at their meetings. We also need people making public comments on what our community should do to protect our future. So do not be afraid to apply.
If you are busy, I get it, but consider joining a group like Oak Park Climate Action Network (opcan.org) which can be as low or as high a commitment as you choose. Even just making public comments at board meetings and commission meetings makes a difference. The village and the people who serve on its boards want to hear from you. The Oak Park Climate Action Plan requires the input of residents.
As a member of the River Forest Sustainability Commission, I can tell you that we would much rather listen to community members’ concerns for the future and suggestions of ways we can act than just talk to fellow commissioners about stuff like how much people are using the electric vehicle charging stations.
So let’s hear from you!
Manolo Avalos
River Forest