Student Activist Leads the Way Towards a Healthier, More Inclusive Environment

Published May 13, 2020
By Valerie Rose Palacios

Finding your calling in life is no simple or easy feat. It’s a journey that is shaped by our experiences, values and passions. 

 

For student activist Amber Va, her calling was discovered at a young age.  

 

Amber Va (she/they) is a non-binary transfeminine, first year student pursuing a degree in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at CSU, Long Beach. 

 

When Va is not doing freelance photography, writing poetry, planting trees, or trying out new foods as a self-proclaimed foodie, she dedicates her time and energy to working toward a healthier, more inclusive community. 

 

Back in 2014, Va began her activist journey with the Long Beach Environmental Alliance (LBEA). Encouraged to join by her uncle and co-founder of LBEA, John Kindred, Va was one of the original members of the organization. As part of the organization, Va was involved in the advocacy and community engagement efforts that led to the ban on Styrofoam in Long Beach.

LBEA
Amber Va with Long Beach Environmental Alliance

 

Other organizations she has been  involved with  include the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, Lifeworks, Khmer Girls in Action, Building Healthy Communities, Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network and Long Beach Forward. On campus, she is involved with Queers and Allies and the Kambodian Student Society. 

 

With Khmer Girls in Action, she helped raise $200,000 in citywide youth resources and took on a leadership role in acampaign urging LBUSD schools to provide access to gender neutral restrooms. ABC 7 LA’s cool kids segment recognized Va for helping to protect the ocean with Surfrider and LB Environmental Alliance. Los Angeles LGBT Center also recognized her for her contributions as a youth leader and mentor.

GSA Network
Amber Va with Genders and Sexuality Alliance Network

 

 Impressed by her leadership and dedication to promoting healthy, sustainable communities, Long Beach Forward nominatedVa to be emcee for their 2020 People’s State of the City event. 

As a person who cares deeply about environmental and social activism, Va was thrilled to be a part of the People’s State of the City.  “Seeing the community come together as one really helped me forget that I’m nervous,” said Va. The People’s State of the City was a powerful event that allowed local organizations to share information about their work and missions and engage community members who want to get involved.  Environmental justice issues, including air pollution, sewage spills, and health of our beaches, were discussed.

Va is proud that she was able to balance her responsibilities as a full-time student with her community activism and hopes to inspire other students to get involved with organizations both on and off campus.  

 

Get Involved

  • Find an issue important to you. There are several causes to get involved with - such as homelessness, beach clean ups, natural landscape conservation work, animal rights, environmental work.
  • Practice public speaking. Try talking to family, friends, peers, and/or coworkers about issues and solutions related to our natural environment. 
  • Vote. Participate in the upcoming 2020 Presidential Election on November 3, 2020. Check here to see if you are registered to vote . Remember, you can also “vote” with your dollar. Choose companies and products that reflect your values and contribute to a healthier environment.
  • Gain knowledge. Learning is a journey; not a destination. Learn about policies, civic leaders, issues, solutions, and practices that affect our natural environment and our communities.