Kids for the Boundary Waters in Washington, D.C.
Amplifying Youth Voices
On this trip, my job was to document their experiences through photos and videos, as we navigated the halls of DC. One of the most powerful moments of the trip was watching these young advocates share their stories with directors at the U.S. Forest Service. The personal stories deeply affected the staff, as they realized that the future of the Boundary Waters needs defenders now more than ever.
Personal storytelling holds incredible power. For instance, the kids shared with Minnesotans Rep. Betty McCollum and Congresswoman-elect Kelly Morrison how the Wilderness has influenced their lives. For some, the Wilderness empowered them and gave them self-confidence, respite, or an awareness of the world outside of themselves. For others, protecting the Wilderness is a matter of deep cultural and spiritual connection. Across backgrounds and differences, every story hinged upon a shared vision: a Boundary Waters forever protected from sulfide-ore copper mining.
Additionally, participants posed insightful questions to Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone Manning at the Department of the Interior, asking about everything ranging from what Director Stone Manning was most proud of in her tenure at the BLM to how she achieved her professional career. Each person brought their unique perspective and experiences to the discussion.
In the quieter moments—whether sharing meals, visiting the Smithsonian museums, or strategizing as a group—I saw how much this experience meant to everyone involved. It wasn’t just about the work; it was about building relationships, fostering a sense of shared purpose, and feeling both empowered and included in affecting change.
Inspiring the next generation
In addition to their advocacy work, the group had the chance to explore the Capitol, experiencing the history of law and policy-making firsthand. They toured the iconic rotunda, stood on the steps of this historic building, and even visited the House and Senate chambers, where countless decisions shaping our nation have been made.
For many of the kids, seeing these spaces in person deepened their understanding of how democracy works and their own role within it. They walked the same halls as past advocates, feeling the weight of history and the possibilities of the future.
What this means for our work to defend the Boundary Waters
The Boundary Waters is a national treasure, spanning over 1.1 million acres of interconnected lakes, rivers, wetlands, and forests. It’s a place where people can reconnect with nature and find peace in its pristine beauty. However, this Wilderness faces an ongoing threat from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining, which could cause irreversible damage to its ecosystem.
This trip to Washington, D.C., was part of Save the Boundary Waters’ ongoing effort to defend the Boundary Waters. Our long-standing relationships with key legislators and agencies have been critical in securing protections in the past, and they remain central to our work moving forward.
Looking Ahead
As we left Capitol Hill, I reflected on the passion and dedication of these young advocates. I have never been so impressed by a group of young people. Their determination is a powerful reminder of why we fight to protect places like the Boundary Waters. Advocacy is as much about education as it is about action, and when we come together, we can make a real difference in policymaking.
If you love the Boundary Waters, join us in this effort. Together, we can ensure this Wilderness remains a place where people can paddle quiet waters, hear the call of loons, and experience the beauty of an unspoiled landscape.
TAKE ACTION
Contact your U.S. Senators with the link below:
“Some of the most impactful lobbying I’ve been subject to is from young people, from kids. In fact, even a very Minnesota-centric Save the Boundary Waters crew. When young people come to Washington...it’s extraordinarily impactful to us because [we] recognize our service to the public… Real leadership means we’re making decisions to preserve, protect, and enhance the futures of kids and grandkids. That’s something to keep in mind, that your voices do matter.”
U.S. Representative Dean Phillips in 2022
About the author: Megan Wind serves as the Creative Content Manager for Save the Boundary Waters, where she crafts compelling visuals and stories to inspire action for wilderness protection. A passionate advocate for the Boundary Waters, Megan joined the organization in 2017 and moved to Ely two years ago to immerse herself in the community and landscape she works to defend. An experienced advocate, Megan recently completed her sixth lobbying trip to Washington, D.C., amplifying the urgent call to preserve America’s most pristine and vulnerable wilderness.