Northern Michigan University will host its inaugural Environmental Action Week from September 17–29, 2025. The series is designed to highlight the role of activism and advocacy in addressing issues of sustainability, climate, and the environment.
Organizer Ryan Stock, Assistant Professor and Director of the Illume Lab, emphasized that while NMU has held sustainability summits and Earth Week events in the past, this new effort places advocacy at the forefront. The schedule features twelve events that approach activism from multiple perspectives. Offerings include a policy writing session, workshops in power mapping and grassroots organizing, craft-based “artivism,” mindfulness for social change, and discussions on conflict and civility.
A musical dimension is part of the week as well. Professor and musician Sarah Mittlefehldt will lead a workshop on protest songs, drawing inspiration from folk traditions and artists who used music to rally for social change. The session will feature local songwriters sharing their craft, performing, and inviting participants to join in community music-making. Mittlefehldt sees music as a powerful complement to traditional advocacy, one that can reach hearts as well as minds.
Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Mittlefehldt and Stock about the week's events:
Both organizers stressed that Environmental Action Week is not only about education but about building momentum for future action. They hope the series will strengthen NMU’s culture of sustainability, provide practical skills for advocacy, and inspire movements for positive change.
Environmental Action Week is sponsored by multiple academic departments and supported by student organizations including Tomorrow’s Voices, EcoReps, Queers & Allies, and Conservation Crew. All events are free and open to the public.
For more information, visit the NMU Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences website.
