The Sessions
Day 1 - Speaker Panel on Climate Issues
During the opening session of LEAP, participants of LEAP heard from a panel of climate experts (Michelle Drucker, Douglas Ruley, David Kelly, and Claudia Akel) regarding various climate issues in their communities and how to tacjle them with proactive legislation. Participants gained a greater understanding of topics such as food waste and composting , incinerators and trash management, plastic wastage, and more.
Day 2 - Learning More Climate Issues and Bill Writing
During the second session of LEAP, participants heard from a variety of speakers, including Mayor Rachel Strietfield of North Bay Village. Joshua Jomarron and Scarlett Lanzas touched further upon the environmental issues we face, and Theresa Pinto and her law cleark, Juliana Gorina touched upon the process of bill-writing. This includes the differences in bills at the state level compared to those at the level of local governments.
Day 3 - Bill Writing
During the third session of LEAP, participants were divided into groups according to specific bill topics, such as addressing single-use plastic waste and reducing food waste. Building on the knowledge and insights they had gained from the previous two sessions, the groups collaborated to draft two comprehensive pieces of legislation. These proposals were supported by a strong foundation of data, research, and a deeper understanding of the environmental challenges at hand, demonstrating both their critical thinking and commitment to creating impactful solutions.
Day 4 - Debate and Public Speaking
During the fourth session of LEAP’s 2025 Summer Program, participants finalized their two pieces of legislation and shifted their focus toward preparing effective presentations. The session featured a public speaking workshop led by Professor Uzma Khan of the University of Miami, who provided valuable strategies for delivering confident and persuasive speeches. After completing their presentations and designing their corresponding PowerPoint slides, participants engaged in practice rounds, presenting to their peers for feedback and refinement. This preparation set the stage for the following session, where they would present their proposed legislations to a panel of city officials and honorary guests.
Day 5 - Final Presentations
The final session of LEAP’s 2025 Summer Program was a resounding success. Participants proudly presented their proposed legislations to an esteemed panel of officials and guests, including Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson of the City of Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Micky Steinberg, Pinecrest Councilmember Ariel Meyer, and Teddy Lhoutillier, Sustainability Director at the University of Miami. Following the presentations, the officials offered constructive feedback, sharing both practical advice for strengthening the bills and guidance on the next steps toward transforming these proposals into laws and ordinances at the local and state levels. This closing session not only celebrated the participants’ hard work but also empowered them with tangible pathways to continue their advocacy beyond the program. Congratulations everyone!!