Two Lone Star College-CyFair students hope to inspire others with their message on environmental activism and civic engagement at the Bayou Land Conservancy’s upcoming Wild and Scenic Film Festival.

After attending the 2018 Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Meeting, an eye-opening conference about college organizations taking action in their communities, Honors College students Luis Flores and Vanessa Lindsley created a short film “How to Make An Environmental Impact on Your Campus.”

This film shares tips on environmental activism that’s applicable to students at campuses across the globe. It provides steps to use as a foundation for approaching issues to be addressed on college campuses. 

“As a film student, I was excited to have an opportunity to do a project like this, where Luis and I could combine our strengths to share our message to others hoping to make a change on their campus,” said Lindsley, who is interested in pursuing a multimedia career. “The film medium especially can be really effective, so to me, getting to show our message where we might inspire even one person is amazing.”

Flores said the practice of activism, engagement and initiative are valuable tools for successful promotion of issues, concerns and even topics that are unfortunately undervalued by a majority like the environment.

“We saw the film as an opportunity to both address environmental issues and educate others about civic engagement,” said Flores, who hopes to become a biotechnologist. “Inclusion in the festival will help promote the idea of civic engagement being practiced across the nation.”

A lack of concern to do something about environment issues, such as climate change is often due to attitudes of “not my problem right now.” However, these two students are taking steps to make a difference this year.

In addition to the college’s bioblitz, a multi-day event for observing the local wildlife and learning more about organisms and plants on campus, plans are under way for a campus-wide event to cover the steps of civic engagement.

“Change can only happen when people realize their own power,” said Lindsley.

This fall they hope to raise awareness and build relationships as well as a following to make an impact on campus and in the community. This week their film is one of 12 that will be featured in the Houston area festival Aug. 30 at Star Cinema Grill in Vintage Park.

“Movements and change cannot happen with just one person,” Flores said. “It takes a collaboration of people.”

For information on student events at LSC-CyFair, go to LoneStar.edu/Cyfair.