Staff Spotlight: Ernesto Garza and the Our Water Activist program
As the new West Michigan Campus Organizer, Ernesto Garza is helping us grow our presence on college campuses and engage young Michiganders in the fight for climate action and conservation. He works closely with Michigan LCV’s Our Water Activists (OWA), a grassroots program that empowers high school and college students to engage in environmental advocacy across Michigan.
Michigan LCV West Michigan Campus Organizer Ernesto Garza speaking at last year’s Climate Rally For Our Future in Lansing.
Ernesto got his start as an Our Water Activist himself and is a perfect example of how the program is helping build the next generation of environmental leaders committed to building a more sustainable future.
Ernesto (far left) with Senator Gary Peters and other Our Water Activists at Michigan LCV’s Detroit Gala.
Growing up in Detroit, Ernesto was aware of the challenges facing Michigan’s environment and communities, but his journey in the world of environmental advocacy and organizing began when the climate crisis first impacted him at home.
“I was really motivated by the wildfires in Canada a few years ago,” Ernesto recalls. “It was the first time I felt personally impacted by the climate crisis, seeing the effects firsthand, and it was a turning point for me. I realized I couldn’t just sit back and watch anymore – I needed to be part of the solution.”
Ernesto (second row behind the young woman with the megaphone) during the Climate Rally For Our Future in Lansing last September, marching with other students from all over Michigan in support of climate action.
That determination led Ernesto to explore how he could get involved and make a difference. As a student at Grand Valley State University, he joined Our Water Activists, and after two cycles in the program, found himself leading as a student organizer speaking at rallies and getting fellow young people involved.
“Myke King and Daniel Rivera introduced me to Michigan LCV, and they helped get my foot in the door,” Ernesto says. “I hadn’t planned on getting this involved, but once I did, I was hooked. I loved the work and the people, and that’s what motivated me to switch my major from wildlife biology to (a double major in) environmental sustainability and political science.”
Ernesto’s time in the Our Water Activist program and now as a member of Michigan LCV staff has been full of transformative experiences, including campaign trips across Michigan. One standout moment was a trip to Marquette, where Ernesto had the opportunity to knock doors in support of State Representative Jenn Hill and make public comments before the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC).
Ernesto (far left holding a door hanger) with other Our Water Activists and Michigan LCV staff with State Representative Jenn Hill during OWA’s trip to Marquette to canvass.
“Engaging with communities, meeting new people, and having real conversations opened my eyes to the power of this work,” Ernesto says. “It’s about more than just spreading awareness – it’s about building connections, learning from others, and being part of a movement that cares deeply about the environment and each other.”
Participating in the Our Water Activist program continues to be an invaluable experience for young Michiganders and their personal and professional growth. The program has pulled back the curtain and shown them the ins and outs of environmental advocacy and political organizing with real-world experience on how environmental and political advocacy intersect.
Ernesto (far right) with Michigan LCV staff, Our Water Activists and Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
For Ernesto and other Grand Valley State students, their experience inspired them to help create the Youth Climate Council at GVSU – the first student-run campus organization Michigan LCV is affiliated with across the state – and Ernesto now proudly serves as the group’s first president!
For new activists joining OWA, Ernesto’s advice is simple but powerful: “Stick with it. The people who got the most out of the program were the ones who stayed committed and put their best foot forward. It’s an incredible opportunity to gain real-world organizing experience, and it can open doors you never imagined.”