Citizens' Climate Lobby

CCL wants all candidates to move climate to the top of their policy agenda so (1) plan for lots of folks to attend campaign events this summer, (2) prepare for the events by crafting effective questions to ask, and (3) get to know and educate candidates on CCL, whether they are doing campaign events or not. Join this training to walk through CCL's main goals heading into the election season picking up steam and how we can engage with candidates and members of Congress ahead of the election. Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/candidate-event-slides Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/264 Sample Town Hall Questions: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/350 Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:53) Types of candidate events (5:56) Learning about all candidates (9:02) Developing strategic questions (12:45) Sample Questions (18:36) Working with incumbents (21:20) Staying nonpartisan and bipartisan

Get to know Rachel Kerestes, CCL's incoming Executive Director! More information about Rachel here: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/news/ccl-new-executive-director/

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, hosts Horace Mo and Erica Valdez bring together diverse voices to discuss current efforts to address climate change. Horace Mo speaks with Ann E Burg, a celebrated author known for compelling historical novels for young readers, about her newly published novel “Force of Nature–A Novel of Rachel Carson” which opens a new door for readers to experience the life of Carson, a well-known environmental pioneer in the US, by reading her field notes and Ann’s innovative writing. Erica Valdez discusses the American fossil fuel divestment movement, highlighting the work of younger generations. She has a conversation with Aly Horton, another student taking the initiative to promote the fossil fuel divestment movement on their campus at Northern Arizona University. In the Resilience Corner, Tamara Staton speaks on mastering the banjo and how this uniquely relates to addressing climate change. Finally, we have a Good News story from Peterson Toscano regarding South Africa's energy supply. Ann E Burg Explores Rachel Carson’s Life In this episode, author Ann E Burg dives into her latest work, “Force of Nature.” This novel is inspired by Rachel Carson’s groundbreaking environmental book Silent Spring. It is beautifully illustrated by Sophie Blackall. After World War II, DDT became a common pesticide in neighborhoods and farms; however, it had dire consequences for ecosystems, entering the food chain and harming various species. This alarming situation inspired Rachel Carson to write and publish her now-famous book, “Silent Spring”, in 1962. Ann E Burg tells us how Carson’s book "explored DDT but also started with a fable for tomorrow. It suggested what life would be like if spring came and no birds were there to sing." Ann E. Burg considers Rachel Carson a role model for her scientific rigor and environmental advocacy. Carson’s ability to illuminate the beauty and complexity of nature-inspired Burg to see the world differently. This novel, “Force of Nature,” is not merely a recounting of Carson’s life but an immersive experience of her world. Burg hopes readers will see the world through Carson's eyes and appreciate the interconnectedness of all life. About Ann E Burg Ann E Burg’s debut novel, “All the Broken Pieces,” was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, a Jefferson Cup award winner, and an IRA Notable Book for a Global Society, among its many honors. Her subsequent novels in verse have garnered multiple awards and starred reviews. “Serafina's Promise” was named an ALA Notable, a Parents' Choice Gold Award Winner, and an NAACP Image Award finalist. “Unbound” won the New York Historical Society Children's History Book Prize, the Christopher Award, and an Arnold Adoff Poetry Honor. “Flooded–A Requiem for Johnstown” was a Bank Street College Claudia Lewis Award winner, a Bank Street College Best Children's Book (with outstanding merit), and a Junior Library Guild selection. Before becoming a full-time writer, Burg worked as an English teacher for ten years. She lives in Rhinebeck, New York, with her family. To learn more about Ann E Burg, visit her online at anneburg.com The Student-Led Drive for Fossil Fuel Divestment Erica Valdez discusses the fossil fuel divestment movement, highlighting the efforts on her campus, Northern Arizona University (NAU). Climate change is a human-caused phenomenon in which the fossil fuel industry plays a significant role. Erica dives into what divestment is and how it may be one of the most effective steps that institutions can take to slow climate change. Erica invites Aly Horton, president of Fossil Free NAU, a student-led group demanding complete divestment. Aly explains the club's efforts and goals to hold the university accountable to its environmental commitments. Aly and Erica also discuss recent pushback from the university administration. Nevertheless, Fossil Free NAU remains determined to continue its mission because it is just a small chapter of an international movement. Although it may be difficult, many institutions have already divested from fossil fuels. Aly shares inspiring advice to organizers worldwide who are working towards divestment. Resilience Corner For this month’s Resilience Corner, Tamara Staton draws parallels between her desire to master the banjo and the overwhelming task of addressing climate change. When practicing banjo, she faces common emotional barriers like fear, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and information overload. We also face these barriers when we talk about climate change. Tamara discusses why it is important to recognize these feelings, encouraging listeners to embrace imperfections and persistent efforts. To learn more about building resilience in the face of climate challenges, visit the Resilience Hub. You can also email Tamara at radio @ citizensclimate.org or text or leave a message at 619-512-9646. Good News! Peterson Toscano shares a good news story from Limpopo Province, South Africa, wh

Join us live from D.C. as over a thousand CCLers converge to work together on climate solutions and meet with Congress! Flannery Winchester, CCL’s Senior Director of Communications, will host this call and will be joined by former CCLers who now work in Congress. Our old friends will talk about what life is like on “the other side” and give invaluable perspectives on CCL and lobby meetings. We’ll also give you a fly-on-the-wall experience of conference life as we walk the halls of the Omni Shoreham chatting to CCL staff and interns along the way. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Highlights (7:34) Conversation with CCL Alum Hill Staffers Morgan and Kesten (27:50) Q&A Discussion (30:58) CCL's April Actions (33:35) Rachel's Message to CCL! June Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet Summer Conference: https://cclusa.org/summer Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/954652376

This training is designed for those who wish to learn more about leading a lobby meeting with a member of Congress or staff. In this training, we review the role of a lobby team leader, how they assign team roles, coordinate practice times and how to handle other special situations. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:18) The Importance of Leads (12:08) Advance Planning (15:41) Meeting Planning Suggestions (32:10) Practice Scenarios (39:41) Final Considerations Presentation Slides: http://cclusa.org/lobbylead Training on CCL Community: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/working-with-congress/lobbying-401

Join CCL's Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Pendergrass and Senior Director Jenn Tyler for a training that will provide up to the moment insights on the dynamics in Congress and how we can most effectively use our time in meetings to support our agenda. This is a recommended training for any CCL volunteer planning on being a part of their group's Summer 2024 Lobby Meeting (as well as Lobby Training #1 - CCL's Summer 2024 Primary & Secondary Asks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqaxAhygXpo ) Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:51) Primary Asks Review (17:46) Secondary Asks Review & Leaders Letters (22:29) Legislative Landscape Q&A Discussion ( https://vimeo.com/949937535/709b52da77 ) Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/legislative-plan-slides CCL Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/459

In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio episode, Rob Hopkins, one of the founders of the Transition Town movement, shows us how playful imagination can lead to real-world solutions, and you will discover how a life-sized whale made of plastic bags brought a community together to pass groundbreaking legislation. Artist Carrie Ziegler shares her extraordinary project that mobilized hundreds of schoolchildren to make a powerful statement about plastic pollution. In the Nerd Corner, Dana Nuccatelli tackles the big question: is a carbon price still effective in a post-Inflation Reduction Act world? Rob Hopkins, Time Traveler and Creative Climate Change Campaigner Rob Hopkins, co-founder of the Transition Network and Transition Town Totnes, and author of several influential books, including “The Transition Handbook” and “From What Is to What If: Unleashing the Power of Imagination to Create the Future We Want,” believes that playful imagination is crucial for tackling climate change. An Ashoka Fellow with a PhD from the University of Plymouth and two honorary doctorates, Rob encourages communities to adopt sustainable practices that promote self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship. "My work is about finding positive solutions to climate change," says Rob, who also engages in printmaking in his spare time. His approach to climate activism is deeply rooted in the power of imagination, urging people to envision a future where collective action has transformed our world for the better. One of Rob's most innovative techniques involves time travel exercises, where he guides participants to imagine themselves in the year 2030 or beyond, a time shaped by years of dedicated environmental efforts. "I always remind people, ten years is actually a long, long time in terms of things that can happen," he explains. Participants universally envision a cleaner, more content, and more connected world through these exercises. Rob's ability to inspire others by helping them create a "new north star" in their lives, where a low-carbon future feels "delicious and irresistible," makes his perspective both inventive and motivating. As he puts it, "We need to cultivate and nurture in people the most profound longing for a low-carbon future." Rob Hopkins hosts the podcast From What If to What Next, which explores imaginative solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges. You can learn more about Rob, his books, and the Transition Town movement by visiting his website. You can watch the film, Transition 2.0 for free on YouTube. It is “an inspirational immersion in the Transition movement, gathering stories from around the world of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” Additionally, check out his latest projects, the Ministry of Imagination Manifesto and Field Recordings from the Future. Rob's forthcoming book, “How to Fall in Love with the Future,” is set to be released next year. In November 2022, Rob was honored as an Honorary Citizen of Liège in Belgium. Connect with Rob and explore his innovative approaches to climate activism at robhopkins.net. Collaborative Art Meets Activism: Carrie Ziegler's Whale Project Sparks Change Carrie Ziegler is a collaborative artist based in Olympia, Washington, whose passion lies in creating large-scale art projects that inspire positive change. By working with schools, nonprofits, and local governments, Carrie brings together hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individuals to address environmental and social justice issues through art. One of her most impactful projects involved creating a life-sized gray whale made entirely of plastic bags and trash, engaging over 900 children and adults. "I decided to do a project around that," she explains, reflecting on her mission to end the use of single-use plastic bags. "We created this whale, this life-sized gray whale out of plastic bags and other trash." This incredible undertaking educated participants about marine biology and plastic pollution and became a powerful symbol in the community, helping to shift public opinion and inspire legislative change. Carrie's work is a testament to the power of art in activism. The whale, modeled after a real whale found with plastic in its stomach, was publicly unveiled at the annual Procession of the Species celebration, where thousands witnessed its impact. "There were actually council members who invited me to bring the whale to their city council meetings," Carrie recounts, highlighting the project's role in successfully implementing plastic bag bans across local jurisdictions. However, her work's true success lies in the personal empowerment it fosters. "There were kids, particularly middle school kids, who talked about how they felt personally responsible for that ban on plastic bags," she shares. Carrie's projects provide participants with a sense of ownership and accomplishment, proving that collaborative art can indeed change the world. Visit Carrie Ziegler's website to learn more about her insp

Join CCL's Vice President of Government Affairs Ben Pendergrass and Senior Director of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler for a training that will review the updates and context for CCL's Summer 2024 Primary and Secondary Asks as well as guidance for lobby teams as they plan their in-person meetings. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:38) Primary Ask: PROVE IT Act (15:11) Primary Ask: Clean Energy Permitting Reform (29:06) Secondary Asks (37:07) Leaders Letter and Final Thoughts Q&A Discussion ( https://vimeo.com/948787304/62252de422 ) Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/june-asks-slides CCL Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/185

Join CCL's State and Local Media Coordinator Charlotte Ward for a training that will provide a broad overview of the opportunities chapters have as we prepare for summer and our Summer Conference to engage with their local news media on climate solutions. Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/2024-media-opportunities

Sara Eyassu is CCL's Mountain West Fellow and is currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California majoring in environmental studies as a pre-law student. Last summer, she completed a teaching fellowship with Generation Teach where she taught environmental justice to rising sixth graders. This drive encouraged climate advocacy within higher education through membership on the Student Sustainability Committee of the Presidential Working Group on Sustainability in Education, Research, and Operations. She hopes to continue learning through collaborative efforts and equitable sustainability work. Sara will lead a "Youth Takeover" showcasing the work of CCL youth on our May call. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Highlights (4:51) Featured Campus Chapter at Pepperdine (7:54) CCL Youth Great Electrification Challenge (11:42) Youth Lobby Day at Washington (15:13) Climate GOAT campaign (18:48) Student Summit (21:50) Q&A Discussion (26:24) CCL's May Actions May Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet Register for the Summer Conference (June 8-11): https://cclusa.org/summer Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/944917487 CCL Youth Website and Great Electrification Challenge: https://youth.citizensclimatelobby.org/school-electrification/ CCL Higher Education Website: https://citizensclimatehighered.org/

Curve balls and objections cannot only stress us out but also potentially derail conversations. Equipping yourself with the skills to overcome these scenarios will lead to more informed discussions about the benefits of our policy and empower legislators and others to become partners in passing the climate solutions we need. Skip ahead to the following section(s): Introductions and Agenda (from beginning) Process For Overcoming Objections (4:19) What About China & India? (9:28) Concern for Low-Income Earners (13:29) Working Across The Aisle (18:38) Handling Challenging Questions Resource (22:36) Climate Skepticism (24:20) Difficult Situations (27:50) Final Review (33:54) Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/working-with-congress/lobbying-301 http://cclusa.org/handling-difficult-scenarios

This training is part of the “Working With Congress” training series, designed to empower you - an important member of our volunteer network - to be ready for lobby meetings, both in-district and in D.C. Learn about citizen advocacy, the advantages we hold as citizens in transforming our government and the policies we adopt, and hear stories from CCL volunteers around the country who demonstrate how citizens can build meaningful, long-term relationships with their congressional office. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:20) Marshall's Story of Empowerment (5:40) Our Opportunity (10:50) Stories Of Empowerment (14:06) The Constituent Advantage (23:55) Building Relationships CCL Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/working-with-congress/lobbying-101 Presentation Slides: http://cclusa.org/transformative-power

Join CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for our quarterly AMA series on April 30th! Dana will be joined by Dr. Lisa Patel, Executive Director of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health from the Stanford School of Medicine. A mom of two young children, Dr. Patel's climate advocacy is deeply rooted in a desire to create a healthier and more equitable future. To learn about Dr. Patel’s climate and health journey before the call here! More information: https://medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org/members-in-action/patel/ Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:00) Dr. Patel's Presentation (20:06) Q&A Discussion

Now that the Inflation Reduction Act has changed the climate policy and clean technology landscape in the United States, prior modeling about the effectiveness of policies like a carbon price has become outdated. Fortunately, a new report has been published to outline the emissions-reducing potential of several climate policies in a post-IRA world, including carbon pricing. Join CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training about this important new research. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:01) Pre-Inflation Reduction Act Policies (10:45) Hamilton-Brookings Research (24:43) Climate Leadership Council Report (30:57) Looking Ahead Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/post-IRA-carbon-price-slides