Join a Climate Group
When we come together, we can accomplish extraordinary things. Join the growing number of people who, in their different ways, are taking action to find solutions to the climate crisis.
There are many ways you can get involved, depending on what you’re good at, and what you care about. There are also different types of groups to join, from global organizations to local community groups. Some focus on particular climate related issues, like nature, politics and justice. You may also choose to act through a group you are already a part of - a student group, faith group, or sports team - by encouraging them to participate in climate initiatives.
Find a group working on issues and solutions that matter most to you, and choose how you would like to get involved.
tips
There are many climate groups who would welcome your skills and support. Below are some ideas to get you started.
If you're a parent or grandparent who wants to help protect the future for our kids, support initiatives focusing on parents, kids, and families. Examples include Our Kids Climate group, Science Moms and Fridays for the Future. If you're worried about under-represented voices and the disproportionate impact, you could try groups like Climate Justice Alliance, Intersectional Environmentalists and Indigenous Environmental Network. If you love animals and the natural world, support a conservation organization whose work to protect and restore nature also protects the climate. Examples include WWF, CI or TNC.
There are many great organizations that might be available in your area, and unfortunately we can’t name them all. To find more, try searching for a few key words that matter to you and the location you live in. For example, you could search for “climate action” and your favorite sport, hobby or skill and the city or region you live in.
Climate expert Dr. Ayana Johnson suggests a simple exercise - think about what needs to be done, what you’re good at and what brings you joy. Climate groups around the world need people with all sorts of skills and experience - design, art, education, languages, storytelling, writing, and more. Every skill helps! Think about what you love and do best and find a group that’s right for you.
If you are already a member of a group that may not deal directly with climate issues (yet), consider encouraging them to do so. One way is to join larger climate networks. For example, student groups can participate in the World Wide Teach In, sports teams can join the Green Sports Alliance, faith groups can unite through Green Faith, and LBTQIA+ groups can reach out to Queers x Climate.
If you’re having trouble finding a group, you can always start your own. Many national or global groups will provide you with the resources and guidance to set up a local chapter.
benefits
By taking action on climate, you will be part of one of the most important moments in history. As Dr. Erica Chenoweth from Harvard University says “We should never underestimate the power of community organizing and mass mobilization. When people join together to express their power, remarkable change can happen.”
When you connect with others to demand changes that go beyond your own home, you amplify your individual power. Through your group, you will be connected to more resources and made aware of local opportunities to bring about change.
Joining a group can also help give you that extra courage, motivation, and support needed to take action on climate. You’ll meet people with similar priorities and interests, so you might find that it’s a lot more enjoyable getting involved as a team.
text reprinted with permission from Count Us In