As adults, one way to support young people in our lives is to dispel the misconception that only adults’ voices matter and that only they can make change. – Sergio Morales
This summer, UT graduate student Sergio Morales has been working with the PCC to organize trainings on a community storytelling and advocacy tool called PhotoVoice. Below, he shares more about how his upbringing in coastal cities in Mexico and Texas shaped his perspective on climate justice, as well as his tips for how adults can support youth climate leadership.
Tell us a little bit about where you grew up. How did your upbringing shape your interest in climate justice and community engagement?
I call Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, and Houston, Texas, my home. Both cities are next to the coast and are heavily affected by the increasing threat of hurricanes due to climate change. Acapulco was recently devastated by Hurricane Otis and Houston by Hurricanes Harvey and Beryl. Most notably, it was historically marginalized communities and those overlooked in decision-making processes that were the most affected. Seeing these dynamics when natural disasters occur in both of my home cities influenced me to view climate justice through the lens of those most affected, especially communities in the Global South.
Who have been some of the influential family members, mentors, or thinkers along your academic and career journey?
I always refer back to something meaningful my aunt Laura has told me, and this is the outlook I carry career-wise: “Yes, there are going to be a lot of doors that will close in front of you, but there will also be a lot of other ones that will open.” Despite facing numerous barriers due to being a low-income first-generation immigrant, these words have helped me continue moving forward by continuing to knock on doors. They have led me to the many amazing community engagement opportunities I have been part of.
What drew you to urban planning and greenspace planning, in particular?
My interest in urban planning stems from my childhood experiences living in low-income areas in Acapulco and Houston, as well as noting the infrastructure and resource disparities between different parts of the cities. I always wanted to understand why these things happen and how cities work. I was drawn to greenspace planning precisely because of my interest in the environment and through greenspace community engagement projects. I am especially interested in engaging with Latinx communities to make greenspaces more accessible and so they can be essential decision-makers in planning processes.
What is PhotoVoice? What makes it a powerful tool for community organizing?
PhotoVoice is an interactive way to raise awareness about community issues through photography and storytelling. First, it encourages people to go out and explore their communities by taking pictures. Second, PhotoVoice focuses on everyday experiences and can make visible things that otherwise would be overlooked. Finally, the PhotoVoice process, from sharing stories to establishing community priorities, is done collectively and helps create community among participants. If you want to learn more, it is not too late to sign up for our second workshop on August 3rd!
Previously, you collaborated on a PhotoVoice project for high school participants in the Rio Grande Valley. Based on those experiences, how do you think parents/guardians and other adults in the community can be allies to young climate leaders?
One of my main takeaways from the Pharr, Texas PhotoVoice project is youth empowerment. Many students mentioned how, before the project, they were not as civically involved with their communities because they did not think their voices mattered since they were not adults. However, at the end of the project, many students said that they realized their voices matter and were eager to become more civically involved in their communities. As adults, one way to support young people in our lives is to dispel the misconception that only adults’ voices matter and that only they can make change. At the same time, folks should also let young people know of opportunities, resources, and tools such as PhotoVoice that they can use to amplify their voices.