Maxwell Johnson

As the Central Organizer based in Stevens Point, Maxwell empowers community members, volunteers, activists, and partner organizations to advocate for climate solutions, protect drinking water, and expand the freedom to vote at all levels of government – now and for the future.

My story

I grew up in Rural, Wisconsin (that’s the name of my town) and spent my summers hiking the Ice Age Trail near my house or kayaking the Chain O’ Lakes and down the Crystal River.

After two years at UW-Stevens Point, I changed my major twice. I enjoyed learning, but nothing really clicked. But when I took an environmental ethics class to satisfy a school requirement I was hooked. I discovered my connection to the natural world. Up to this point, I knew I enjoyed the outdoors but didn’t understand how deeply. Ethics allow me to explore the intersection of the outdoors, environmental injustice, and domestic environmental policy. I declared a philosophy and political science major that semester and joined student government, 350 Stevens Point, and Citizen Climate Lobby.

In college, when I had the opportunity to lobby in Washington D.C. for national climate legislation, I jumped at the chance – twice. But while meeting with members of congress, discussing important legislation, and attending listening sessions, I felt this wasn’t the right way for me personally to manifest the change I wanted to see in the world.

After graduating I served as an AmeriCorps member at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) here in central Wisconsin. I organized the Clean Transportation Show and EV Charging for the annual Energy Fair. This is where I learned that policy is only one part of the puzzle to creating a more just future. Local organizing and community building is how I will make the biggest impact.

Following my time at MREA, I knew I wanted to continue the work of community building and fighting for the environment. I joined Wisconsin Conservation Voters in the summer of 2022.

Background

  • Member 350.ORG UWSP

  • Student Senator with UWSP’s Student Government

  • Bachelor of Science from University of Wisconsin Stevens Point 

    • Major in Philosophy (emphasis in Environmental Ethic)

    • Major in Political Science (focus on Environmental Policy)

  • Energy Fair Assistant, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (2022)

    • AmeriCorps Community Corps

Interests

In the summer you will find me building a fire in the rain, patching my raincoat, or using a shoelace to fix my bag strap 20 miles from camp. In the winter I enjoy canning, hot soups, reading, and shoveling the drive (it’s a great workout!).

I’m a conservation voter because climate change is the defining issue of this century and I want to make sure those who come after me are not inheriting a world devoid of natural beauty.

Favorite place in Wisconsin: Marl Lake near Rural, Wisconsin

Email: maxwell@conservationvoters.org