Sunrise Movement Sees Green New Deal on the Horizon

Varshini Prakash Helps Fossil Fuel Divestment Student Network

Varshini Prakash was born and raised outside Boston, Massachusetts. She became involved in the climate movement as an undergraduate at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Prakash joined the UMass Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign early in her time at UMass and was its leader for two years. In spring 2016, the campaign prevailed after a two-week mass escalation involving more than 700 students, faculty and alumni in spring 2016. Thirty-two people were arrested after peacefully refusing to leave the Whitmore Administration Building.

For the last three years, Prakash has coordinated fossil fuel divestment campaigns at regional and national levels with the Fossil Fuel Divestment Student Network. She supports campaigns across the country through training, mentorship and strategic guidance. Prakash also supported the launch of the Sunrise Movement, which is building an army of young people to counteract climate change and create millions of quality jobs in the process.