Citizens in Charge

Students are learning the power of initiative and referendum.

At the University of Berkley student Rachel Barge co-created the Green Initiative Fund, a student fee referendum put on the university ballot asking students to pay $5 a semester for a sustainability fund.

The Green Initiative Fund successfully secures more than $2 million over ten years - $200,000 annually - for environmentally sound projects at the university, such as clean energy, sustainable transportation, improved energy efficiency, water conservation, student “green” internships, and improved recycling and composting programs.
For her hard work and leadership Rachel was reward with the Brower Youth Award.

Rachel is perfect example how initiative and referendums (I&R) can help bring attention to issues important to local communities.

SURVEY: Does your local community or municipality have a local initiative and referendum (I&R) process?