Climate advocacy is a sophisticated playground. Volunteer, and you will be inspired, stretched, and educated. Are you drawn to working at the national, state, or local level? Do you love to write manifestos or phone bank or guide tours or produce benefit concerts? Whatever your talents, there is an organization for you in the Hudson Valley. Here are a few local climate solutions organizations to check out.
Citizens’ Climate Lobby is an international grassroots environmental group that trains and supports volunteers to build relationships with their elected representatives in order to influence climate policy. CCL believes that putting a price on carbon emissions is the most powerful policy tool we have, and that empowering citizens to engage in nonpartisan, respectful dialogues with legislators is the way to achieve it. Citizensclimatelobby.org
Climate Reality Leadership Corps
Part of an international network of thousands of citizens trained by Al Gore to deliver a science-based, empowering presentation and raise their voices, the Climate Reality Leadership Corps of the Hudson Valley and Catskills is one of the strongest chapters in the nation. Become a speaker or support others in convening forums and demanding real change. Climaterealityproject.org/training
Climate Smart and Clean Energy Communities
New York State programs that help local governments take realistic steps such as installing EV chargers, building retrofits, and solar initiatives. Towns enroll and qualify for funding based on campaign and project achievements that range from installing EV chargers to running Repair Cafes. Climatesmart.ny.gov
Environmental Voter Project
How annoying: lots of environmentalists don’t vote. The Environmental Voter Project has been changing that with big data, thoughtful messaging, and neighbor-to-neighbor outreach. They target winnable local and state elections and mobilize phoners to turn out environmental voters, with success. Environmentalvoter.org
Flagship statewide organization protecting natural resources. EANY is currently leading a brilliant campaign to enshrine the right to clean air and water and a healthy environment in New York’s constitution, which will be decided by voters this November (so vote, y’all). Eany.org
The people-power behind passage of the historic Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, NY-Renews is a 200-plus member coalition representing every part of the state and multiple facets of climate action. They are currently fighting for the Climate and Community Investment Act to raise $15 billion per year from corporate polluters for investment in frontline communities and creation of green jobs. Nyrenews.org
A statewide campaign to speed the shift to a clean energy economy through education, advocacy, and organizing, including leadership on the Transportation and Climate Initiative. If you are getting up to speed on the issues, look no further than the teach-in archives on their website. Nyforcleanpower.org
Tackling the disconnect between New York’s commitment to renewables and the expansion of a fracked gas power plant in Newburgh, this coalition brings together major environmental organizations and truly grassroots partners. Stoptheplant.org
