By Jordan Howes, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy

A new chapter of the Sunrise Movement has taken root in Huntington, West Virginia, bringing youth-led climate activism to the forefront of local advocacy efforts. Led by high school student London Donahoe, the recently formed hub is focused on mobilizing young people to push for policy-driven environmental change in the region.

Donahoe, an organizer and student at Huntington High School, launched the Huntington hub in January 2025 after participating in political advocacy during local elections. After concluding the election cycle, Donahoe sought to continue the momentum which led him to Sunrise, a national movement advocating for the Green New Deal and systemic climate solutions, amongst other things.

“We’re trying to fight climate change, and we believe that advocating for policy is a much more effective way than just simply recycling or using a reusable water bottle. We believe in actual [policy] changes,” Donahoe shared when referring to the organization’s efforts toward public policy and government action.

The Huntington chapter currently has 20 to 25 members, with a mix of high school students, college students and other community members. Though it is primarily geared toward people under the age of 35, the group welcomes anyone interested in the movement.

Unlike traditional environmental groups, the Sunrise Movement prioritizes grassroots organizing, using direct action and advocacy to push for progressive policies. While national Sunrise leadership provides guidance, local hubs, including Huntington’s, have the autonomy to create their own events and initiatives. 

Recently, the chapter hosted a discussion titled “How to End an Oligarchy,” aimed at educating participants about the “overreach of power by billionaires,” as Donahoe describes, and how young people can work to combat these challenges.

Donahoe said one of the challenges facing climate activism in West Virginia is a lack of infrastructure for local engagement. While national groups frequently organize in the state, there are fewer opportunities for West Virginians themselves to organize long-term efforts. The Huntington hub aims to change that.

“We’re the first Sunrise hub in the state,” Donahoe said. “I think there’s a lot of potential. West Virginia is at the front of green energy and how to combat climate change-like discussions. I mean, we’re known for coal. I think we can use our reputation,” Donahoe explained when talking about utilizing Sunrise to energize West Virginians to get involved. 

Despite the challenges environmental action often faces in West Virginia, Donahoe remains hopeful. One particular experience that reinforced his commitment to organizing came during a recent community outreach event.

The Huntington chapter of the Sunrise Movement recently conducted a cleanup at the Huntington City Mission. This is an event that Donahoe described as “often scrutinized by politicians and seen as something that needs to be moved or defunded.” 

Following the day’s work, an employee of the Huntington City Mission shared that they have worked there for many years and had never seen it so clean. 

“This gives me so much hope. I just really felt like what we did made an impact. And it wasn’t just, you know, we picked up some trash, but we also made people feel like this is people’s home,” Donahoe shared. “It might not seem that big, but it really can make an impact on the people that are residing at the [Huntington] City Mission, or go there for meals, or whatever it may be. Or just the people that work there. They deserve a space that is clean.” 

For those looking to get involved in environmental advocacy, Donahoe’s advice is simple: take action and don’t get discouraged by negativity.

Donahoe’s main emphasis is that those looking to get involved in environmental advocacy do not need to reinvent the wheel. “There are so many organizations that are doing things. And if you can, just like, organize a group to go join in on something that somebody else is doing. I think that is incredibly helpful,” he said. 

“Also, just don’t read the Facebook comments,” he joked, referencing the backlash many climate activists face online. “If you’re organizing and you’re involved in environmental advocacy, you’re actually doing something, and you’re trying to make a difference. It really doesn’t matter what other people say, because you know deep down that you’re doing what’s right. You’re helping people. You’re helping our planet. So just stay the course and don’t get in your head about the Facebook comments.” 

As the Sunrise Huntington hub continues to grow, its members hope to expand outreach efforts and engage more of the community in climate advocacy. 

For more information or to get involved, follow @sunrise.huntington on Instagram or visit the national Sunrise Movement website.