About

What is Students for Sustainability?

Students for Sustainability (SFS) is a youth-driven organization founded in 2017 by high school students with a commitment to environmental activism in Nebraska. Inspired by figures like Greta Thunberg and movements such as Fridays for Future, SFS aims to combat unsustainable practices locally while advocating for environmentally responsible choices everywhere. Our group’s flagship event is an annual climate strike, drawing youth from across the Omaha metro area to rally around a specific environmental cause each year.

SFS has also recently broadened our activities, organizing additional events like concerts to raise funds for our annual lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., and initiatives to combat fast fashion’s environmental impact. One ongoing priority is implementing composting programs in metro-area schools, which has been largely successful. In 2021-22, SFS contributed to the drafting of the Omaha Climate Action and Resilience Plan, which was approved by the city council in 2024. In 2023, SFS collaborated with local activists to urge the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) to keep its promise to convert the North Omaha Coal Power Plant, known for its negative health impacts. In 2026, when the board voted following executives revealing the plant would not convert on time, SFS led opposition.

SFS’s advocacy has also led to the inclusion of climate-related goals in Omaha’s 2025 budget, a notable milestone as the original budget lacked climate language. In the 2026 Omaha budget, SFS got more than $100,000 added for parks funding, a major victory. In February 2025, SFS led the advocacy in support of State Sen. George Dungan’s LR22CA, commonly known as the Green Amendment. The press conference and rally was a major success and seen as a turning point for youth involvement in state politics. Beyond these local and state successes, SFS members participate in the Citizens Climate Lobby conference in D.C. each summer, lobbying for federal pro-environment legislation. SFS continues to play a vital role in shaping Omaha’s environmental landscape. We are optimistic about the progress that lies ahead, with the community’s ongoing support.

2025-2026 SFS Board Members

EVALINA SAIN

Executive Director

Columbia University ’29

STEVEN DICKERSON

Policy Director

Omaha Central ’26

VICTORIA BOGATZ

Communications Director

Bellevue East ’26

ALYSSA OSBORN

Board Member

Bellevue East ’26

CLAIRE BOSSMAN

Board Member

Bellevue East ’26

RUTH O’BRIEN

Board Member

Westside ’26

JASMIN TAMANG

Board Member

Omaha Northwest ’27

ROBIN WALKER

Board Member

Westside ’27

KANELLA SHULTZ

Board Member

Westside ’27

TALLULAH LUETTGER

Board Member

Lincoln East ’28

CHASE PARSON

Board Member

Bellevue East ’28

HELENA DETISCH

Board Member

Omaha Central ’28

ELENA HILEY

Board Member

Omaha Central ’28