By Alejandro Ganaza, 2024-25 Florida District Governor 
Youth play a pivotal role in the current climate crisis we face worldwide. What many don’t realize is the perspective that newer generations can bring to the table as we become more involved within our communities. Our efforts are prevalent — whether through monthly beach cleanups or fundraising to support environmental campaigns and our international partnerships — but they’re only the beginning.
Key Club International provides an inclusive environment for servant leaders to grow and stay informed of vital social justice topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion when confronting oppressive systems. Within the world of environmental and sustainable development lies a pressing concern: the absence of youth voices. 
But we’re increasingly seeing the downfall of greenwashing strategies and the baby steps taken to confront ocean acidification, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss — just to name a few climate issues. The steps we each take collectively shape our homes, schools and communities for the better. By reusing materials and being more conscious of our eco-footprint, we create a cleaner future for our planet and health. Amplifying our voices through service initiatives and caring for the community around us, we develop a vision to truly foster an equitable volunteering space. Together, we are resilient and have the capacity to inspire and change so many individuals’ lives. 
As a past lieutenant governor and current governor in the Florida District, I have participated in the groundwork to bridge gaps in our communities. I’ve spoken to families about plastic pollution, collaborated with international organizations on county-wide cleanups and emphasized in Washington, D.C., the need for youth to be at the seat of important decisions — the very same decisions that will affect them the most in the future.
Global issues require local solutions! The day-to-day activism
Key Clubbers partake in is the antidotes to the barriers we must break. Key Club has allowed me to see this impact firsthand. My home club and I volunteered to challenge hunger in my community by packaging hundreds of donations for families and food pantries. We brought in guest speakers to free community engagement events and rallies planned and presented by youth. My vision is still an equitable future where everyone, no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or other characteristics, helps one another.
The baby steps Key Club International can take to amplify the generations ahead and look towards a sustainable tomorrow are what I challenge you all to think about. What small steps in your community can you take today?
Let’s bridge the education gaps, advocate for our passions and work together for the future!