Why we train the next generation of leaders
By Courtney Johnson | September 15, 2023
Here I am with some of our summer interns, Nathan, Kenji, Fiona, and Olivia. Photo by Megan Gleason.
Nearly 20 years ago, I was a first year law student looking for an internship that would show me what it’s like to be a real-life lawyer and help me do good in the world. I met Crag co-founder Ralph Bloemers at a school event and he invited me to volunteer during the semester. That’s right – I started at Crag as an intern! I remember feeling so grateful to see a nonprofit environmental law center in action, and for the mentorship I received at that early stage in my legal career.
At Crag, mentoring the next generation of advocates has always been a fundamental part of our mission. In our “Emerging Leaders Program,” every year we focus on developing the leadership of individuals from varied backgrounds who demonstrate a passion for justice and a desire to pursue a career in public interest environmental work. Our summer interns this year are an amazing group of young people from high school, college, and law schools across the country who are helping us scope new cases, prepare legal research, and find fun and exciting ways to share more about our work on social media and our website. And all the while, they are learning about the key elements of our work to protect our environment now and for the future.
I have no doubt that they will all continue to do great things in our community. Former interns have gone on to become attorneys at Greater Hells Canyon Council and WildEarth Guardians, development managers at other nonprofits like the Denver Indian Family Resource Center, and founders of new organizations like the Climate Defense Project.
Now, more than ever, there are smart and passionate young people seeking the opportunity to be agents for change.
To be effective, new advocates need hands-on practice and strong mentorship. Thanks to your support and Crag’s dedicated staff, we get to help mentor the next generation of environmental advocates.
So many of our staff are former interns or legal fellows! Photo by Mirifoto.
Courtney Johnson, Executive Director
Since joining Crag in 2008, Courtney’s legal work has focused on protecting the health of coastal rivers, from gravel mining in the rivers of the south coast to addressing proposals for fossil fuel exports along the Columbia at Astoria. When she is not working, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband and dog on the beaches and rivers and in the mountains of Oregon, hiking, skiing, and biking.