About
Since 2000, the New Leaders Initiative (NLI) engages and supports the next generation of environmental and social justice youth activists to foster change in their local communities and beyond. A program of the Earth Island Institute, NLI provides innovative programming for youth leaders across North America aged 13-22. We offer a variety of annual programming including:
The annual Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership, the signature event of the New Leaders Initiative, recognizes six outstanding and emerging youth leaders aged 13-22 who are transforming the environmental movement. The award celebrates accomplishments across the full spectrum of the environmental movement, from protecting our seas, cultivating food sovereignty and security, to improving the air quality in frontline communities, and mobilizing youth around the climate emergency. Our annual winners join a growing network of Brower Youth Awards alumni representing inspirational youth leaders recognized for their sustainable projects, innovative ideas, and determination to make positive change.