Chispa Arizona and LCV hosted an art activation at the Grand Canyon in August.
Originally published by Chispa LCV and reposted with permission.
Happy Latine Heritage Month! We know this year hits different.
Our heritage is our power, and it is under attack. The constant targeting of our people, ICE raids terrorizing our families, and a recent Supreme Court ruling making it ok to racially profile our communities are all meant to diminish us. But we aren’t going anywhere. We will continue to fight, grow our movement, and celebrate our work y cultura, as acts of resistance.
We want to mark all the organizing we’ve done so far this year, and acknowledge that the fight continues. So let’s take some time to celebrate our beautiful existence and climate justice work this Latine Conservation Week from September 13 to September 21, and throughout our Heritage Month through October 15!
Read on for ways to get involved and keep showing up for our people and Madre Tierra!
Chispa National is proud to be celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. During Latino Conservation Week and Latine Heritage Month, we will mark our environmental justice work and progress so far and our continued work ahead with a new video launch and in-person screenings near you. From an idea a decade ago to now, five state programs and clean bus work in dozens of states, Chispa’s work is possible because of you, our members, and supporters. Stay tuned for more screening details and giveaways!
National Voter Registration Day is next week, a holiday to honor our democracy. Since its kickoff in 2012, National Voter Registration Day and its team of thousands of partners have worked to get over 6 million Americans registered to vote in time for their next trip to the ballot box. Each September, partners from all over the country hit the streets for a day of coordinated field, digital, and media action focused on growing our shared democracy. Register to vote or become a partner here.
Cleaner air = healthier kids. As kids go #backtoschool, we’re celebrating zero-emission electric school buses improving air quality and helping our kids breathe easy, from reducing asthma attacks to helping students miss fewer days of school. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program has more than TRIPLED electric school buses across the country, helping 1,000+ school districts provide a #CleanRide4Kids. But demand is overwhelming; for every application awarded, two more are waiting for funds.
Every child deserves to go #backtoschool in a zero-emission school bus! If you want to help your school’s buses go electric, check out the latest guidance on how to access one key funding source: the 45W tax credit, which provides school districts up to $40,000 per school bus. Through elective payment, school districts can now claim these tax credits as a check. As we explained in our recent webinar, the 45W tax credit for electric school buses is available for any vehicle purchased before September 30th, 2025. For more information, check out our fact sheet.
Here are a few highlights of the work Chispa state programs completed this summer and their events coming up this month. Visit Chispa LCV for the full details!
Art at the Grand Canyon, August 29: Chispa Arizona and LCV hosted an art activation as part of the multi-state Protect Our Public Lands campaign. The event featured two large tents with art painted by Phoenix artists Jesse Yazzie and Cora Quiroz. “This painting focuses on movement and travel, particularly focusing on Indigenous people who have traveled across sacred lands long before borders,” said artist Cora Quiroz. “It is about the land we get to experience today, and a reminder that public land connects us to our history and culture.”
Poderosas State Summit, September 15-16: The Poderosas State Summit in Phoenix, Arizona will feature testimony from powerful changemakers, including Vianey Olivarria from Chispa, Arizona. These changemakers are turning passion into purpose through advocacy, organizing, and tech-driven solutions to protect our people and the planet.
Rise with the Sun, September 21: Arizona Mountain Mamas, Chispa Arizona, and Reinas who Hike will hold a morning hike and community gathering to honor Ironwood Forest National Monument as part of Latino Conservation Week.
National Public Lands Day, September 27th: Conservation Colorado will hold a day of craft beer, community, and conservation in honor of National Public Lands Day. The event will include remarks from Colorado State Representative Rick Taggart, and $1 from every beer sold will go directly to Colorado BHA and Conservation Colorado to support ongoing advocacy.
Baltimore Monthly Meeting, August: Baltimore City Board of Education Commissioner Ashley Esposito joined Chispa Maryland to discuss the importance of equitable school bus electrification. Electric school buses can reduce harmful air pollution, protect children with asthma and other respiratory conditions, and create healthier school environments.
Home Electrification Workshop, August: Chispa Maryland co-hosted a workshop with the Montgomery Housing Partnership to educate residents on the importance of home electrification. The workshop covered practical steps for upgrades, resources, and how electrification can reduce harmful emissions, lower utility bills, and improve indoor air quality.
Save Energy Nevada/Ahorra Dinero Nevada Website, September: Chispa Nevada and its partners launched a new Spanish-language website to help Latino families learn how to take advantage of energy and cost-saving programs. AhorraEnElectricidadNV.org provides information on state, federal, and utility resources that can help families make their homes more energy-efficient and save money on their electric bills.
EcoMadres 2nd Annual Summit, September 12: Chispa Nevada Program Director Audrey Peral joined EcoMadres for their Second Annual Summit. This year’s theme “From Heat to Hope: Forging Climate Solutions Through Community”— highlighted the climate and health challenges facing Latino families, including extreme heat, air pollution, and rising energy costs. The event featured community stories and calls to action from state climate champions, health professionals, public figures, and more.
Sol y Soul: Black and Brown Unity Hike, September 21: Chispa Nevada is partnering with BlackPeopleHikeLV, Izzy and Friends, Somos Votantes, the Nevada Environmental Justice Coalition, the Nevada Conservation League, and Climate Action to host Sol y Soul, a collaborative community event celebrating Latino Conservation Week. The event will bring together Black and Latino communities through a shared experience of nature, wellness, and collective healing in Mt Charleston.
Chispa Texas Organizing Summit, September 6-7: Chispa Texas joined Com Action Works, Air Alliance Hou, and Hip Hop Caucus for an Organizing Summit to build knowledge, strengthen relationships, and create a foundation for stronger, more effective community advocacy.
Victory for the Texas Coast: After Chispa helped collect nearly 400 signatures and messages from across Texas, Corpus Christi leaders voted against the harmful Inner Harbor Desalination Plant – a major step to protect coastal communities and ecosystems. But the fight is not over. Chispa Texas will continue pushing for salinity standards to protect our bays, estuaries, and communities.
Happy Latine Heritage Month! In these tough times, we’ll keep fighting, choosing joy, and continuing to work on behalf of our comunidades. This special month and always, we invite you to keep showing up for our communities, defending Madre Tierra, and building toward a just, sustainable future for all.
En solidaridad,
Estefany with Chispa
Dec 19, 2025
Dec 3, 2025
Nov 10, 2025
Oct 31, 2025
©2026 League of Conservation Voters