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.

2026-2027 SFS Board Members

HELENA DETISCH

Policy Director & Co-Omaha Operations Director

Omaha Central ’28

ELENA HILEY

Community Engagement Director & Co-Omaha Operations Director

Omaha Central ’28

KANELLA SCHULTZ

Communications Director

Westside ’27

ROBIN WALKER

Conservation Director

Westside ’27

JASMIN TAMANG

Co-Social Media Director

Omaha Northwest ’27

CHASE PARSON

Co-Social Media Director

Bellevue East ’28

TALLULAH LUETTGER

Lincoln Operations Director

Lincoln East ’28

Previous directors and board members can be found at https://omahastudentsforsustainability.org/alumni/