Citizens' Climate Lobby

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  

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, co-hosts Peterson Toscano and Erica Valdez explore the theme of climate change and its impact on Antarctica. They interviewed Elizabeth Rush, author of “The Quickening, Creation, and Community at the Ends of the Earth,” who shares her experiences and insights from a research expedition to Thwaites Glacier. They also spoke with Brett Cease, Vice President of Programming for Citizens' Climate Lobby, who traveled to Antarctica and shared his observations. Additionally, they discuss sustainable fashion, resilience, and the Great School Electrification Challenge. For full show notes, photos, and transcripts, visit www.cclusa.org/radio Journey to Thwaites Glacier with writer Elizabeth Rush Elizabeth Rush joined a research expedition aboard an icebreaker in 2019 and headed for Thwaites Glacier for 54 days. This remote and deteriorating glacier is critical in understanding global sea level rise. Her book documents this journey, weaving together the awe-inspiring encounters with icebergs and the intense efforts of scientific labor.  A Deep Feminist Rewriting of Antarctic History During her time on the icebreaker, Elizabeth embraced her role as writer-in-residence to shift the narrative focus. Antarctic history, often dominated by tales of conquest by wealthy, white men from the Global North, is ripe for reexamination. Elizabeth spent considerable time engaging with the ship's diverse crew members, including engineers and cooks from the Philippines, whose stories are usually overshadowed by scientists' stories. By doing so, she highlights the essential labor that makes scientific discovery possible and challenges the traditional narrative that has long defined Antarctic expeditions. Life Aboard the Icebreaker Elizabeth's account transcends typical adventure narratives, offering a glimpse into the daily realities of life on a research vessel. The absence of the internet and the close quarters created an environment of authenticity and camaraderie among the crew. This unique setting allowed genuine interactions and reflections that are rare in our every day, digitally-saturated lives. A Thoughtful Dialogue on Climate Change and Parenthood "The Quickening" provocatively explores the intersections of climate change and the decision to bring children into the world. Elizabeth tackles this complex topic not by dictating what to think but by inviting readers to engage in a thoughtful dialogue. The narrative steers clear of simplifying the issue to mere carbon footprints, instead enriching the discussion with nuanced perspectives on regeneration and balance. About Elizabeth Rush Elizabeth Rush is a distinguished author known for her impactful exploration of climate change and its effects on communities. Her acclaimed book, “Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore,” was a Pulitzer Prize finalist and has garnered praise for its deeply felt portrayal of frontline communities facing environmental challenges. Rush's writing is characterized by her commitment to listening to marginalized voices, whether they are those affected by climate change, the melting glaciers of Antarctica, or individuals excluded from environmental conversations. "Rising" has been lauded as a vital contribution to the discourse on climate change and sea levels, earning acclaim from publications like the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune. Rush's work extends beyond her book, with her writings appearing in prestigious publications such as Orion and Guernica. Rush has received numerous fellowships from institutions like the National Endowment for the Arts, National Geographic, and the Andrew Mellon Foundation. Currently based in Providence, Rhode Island, she teaches creative nonfiction at Brown University while living with her husband and two children. This is the fourth time CCR has featured Elizabeth Rush on the show. She also appears in Episode 26 In Deep Water, Episode 29, Truth, Fact, and Cli-Fi, and Episode 47, Eco-Grief in a Time of Coronavirus Mourning.  Brett Cease's Antarctic Adventure Brett Cease, Vice President of Programming for Citizens' Climate Lobby, shared his enlightening journey to the Antarctic Peninsula. His voyage on the Ushuaia, a research vessel turned expedition ship, offered firsthand insights into Antarctica's harsh realities and stunning beauty. Navigating through towering waves and enduring 24-hour daylight, Brett's expedition highlighted the Southern Ocean's raw power and unpredictability. The trip provided an up-close view of the continent's dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife, including several species of penguins. Penguins and the Impact of Climate Change One of the most striking aspects of the journey was observing the effects of climate change on local wildlife. The Adelie penguins, in particular, suffer as rising temperatures cause the sea ice they depend on to form later and melt earlier each year. Brett vividly described the overwhelming smell of penguin colonies, a mix of old cigarettes, ammonia, and rotten shrimp, illustrating the less glamorous side of these adorable but squalid creatures. Ice Loss and Its Global Implications The voyage underscored the dramatic ice loss in Antarctica, with the continent shedding approximately 150 billion tons of ice annually. Witnessing these changes was humbling and a stark reminder of the urgent need for global climate action. Resilience Corner Tamara Staton explores the surprising relationship between puppies and climate change. Through her experience with her puppy, Mica, Tamara highlights how pets contribute to our well-being, from reducing stress to promoting physical activity and combating loneliness. She emphasizes how the positive effects of pet ownership can indirectly support climate action by fostering healthier, happier individuals. Tamara invites us to consider pet ownership or pet-sitting as a means of experiencing these benefits.  To learn more about building resilience in the face of climate challenges, visit the Resilience Hub. Share your resiliency questions with Tamara via email at radio @ citizensclimate.org or you can text or leave a message at 619-512-9646. CCL Youth Corner with Veda Ganesan Veda tells us about the Great School Electrification Challenge, an initiative spearheaded by CCL National Youth Action Team that aims to transform schools into hubs of sustainability by advocating for the electrification of various systems, including HVAC, transportation, and energy sources like solar panels. Through the stories of youth teams in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Dallas, Texas, Veda showcases the grassroots efforts to engage school boards, policymakers, and the community in adopting clean energy practices. Highlighting the recent success of the Cincinnati team in getting their electrification resolution unanimously passed, she encourages listeners to join the cause and participate in the challenge.  Veda Genesan is a high school student from Texas and the host of the Sustainable Cents podcast.  Good News Erica Valdez shares the adverse environmental effects of the fashion industry, as it uses resources and generates emissions to produce, package, and transport clothing. The good news is there are many groups taking action and bringing this issue to light. Erica highlights the Scrounger’s Center for Reusable Art Parts (SCRAP), a nonprofit center for creative reuse in San Francisco.  Through after-school programs like Sustainable Fashion Design for Teens, SCRAP educates students about the environmental effects of the fashion industry and teaches them how to reuse and revitalize clothing materials. This program empowers young people with hands-on workshops and educational sessions. It also provides a space to learn and process climate information and connect with other young advocates. SCRAP is a perfect example of how important individual and collective action is and how creative it can look. Monthly Question If you could advocate for the climate through art, what kind of art piece would you create?  This can be music, dance, film, writing, or other mediums you've used in rural climate work. We want to hear about it. Please email your answer to radio @ citizens climate.org. You can also text or leave a voicemail at 619-512-9646. Tell us your story of using art in your climate work. Listener Survey We want to hear your feedback about this episode. After you listen, feel free to fill in this short survey. Your feedback will help us make new decisions about the show's content, guests, and style. You can fill it out anonymously and answer whichever questions you like. You can also reach us by email: radio @citizensclimatelobby.org   

The CCL Government Affairs team is recommending that all chapters secure at least one letter from a trusted messenger to their member of Congress (MOC) and deliver the letter in a June lobby meeting. Folks in your chapter likely know local elected officials and these community leaders are very often trusted messengers to their MOCs. Or you can use our CCL Community training to identify and meet with CEOs and business owners who may be trusted messengers.  This training provides some ideas to start the process of identifying and recruiting allies in our communities. Some of the best tools for convincing friends their voices make a difference and walks us through how to start inventorying your group and potential allies who can support CCL's efforts at the national level. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:30) Why Grasstops to Influence your member of Congress? (4:00) What is a trusted messenger? (13:28) How to identify trusted messengers (19:17) Our editable template letter Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/trusted-messengers  CCL Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/273 

Join CCL for our April monthly meeting to hear more from our campaign partners Potential Energy about our focus for Earth Month on talking about climate change. For such a big challenge, we don’t talk much about climate change. All that silence means that climate change can feel less important to pay attention to than it really is. After all, if we’re not talking about it, how big can the problem be? For Earth Month, CCL volunteers are having climate conversations across the country with their friends, family, and communities. Our goal? 25,000 climate conversations that have a ripple effect, leading to more conversations in families, communities, and with elected leaders.  We'll be joined by Ernesto Alcantar, who leads Potential Energy's messaging, research and strategy across several topic areas, including extreme weather, electric vehicles, and nuclear energy. Before joining the team, Ernesto was a management consultant at Boston Consulting Group, where he led strategy and transformation work across sustainability, healthcare, and commercial banking. We'll also hear from Dr. Katharine Hayhoe about her best tips for having a successful conversation about climate change, learn more about how you can participate in the campaign and log your conversations. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Highlights (7:48) Ernesto's Presentation (30:20) Q&A Discussion (32:51) Dr. Katharine Hayhoe's Invite (43:00)  CCL's April Actions March Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet  Register for the Summer Conference (June 8-11): https://cclusa.org/summer    Pre-Call Video:  https://vimeo.com/933859918  Climate Conversations Campaign: https://cclusa.org/presentations  Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/potential-energy-slides  Potential Energy: https://potentialenergycoalition.org/  Science Moms: https://sciencemoms.com/ 

Especially with big tabling events for Earth Day and our annual conference coming up, many chapters may be in need of support in figuring out how to manage their local funds. This training will walk through various ways to raise and manage money in your group for things like chapter activities and conference scholarships.  Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:55) General Overview Considerations (5:20) Ideas for Conference Scholarships  (12:13) Managing Money At Group Level CCL Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/139 

Find out more: https://cclusa.org/conversations  For such a big challenge, we don’t talk much about climate change. All that silence means that climate change can feel less important to pay attention to than it really is. After all, if we’re not talking about it, how big can the problem be? For Earth Month, CCL volunteers are having climate conversations across the country with their friends, family, and communities. Our goal? 25,000 climate conversations that have a ripple effect, leading to more conversations in families, communities, and with elected leaders.  We'll hear from Dr. Katharine Hayhoe about her best tips for having a successful conversation about climate change, learn more about how you can participate in the campaign and log your conversations and highlight more resources that are available from Science Moms and Potential Energy. Join us for the launch of our big Earth Month campaign! Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:48) Background (9:56) How It Works (14:01) What’s Included? (21:31) The Guide: Heart, Head, Hands (43:15) Putting It All Together Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/climate-conversations-slides  

Join CCL's Diversity & Inclusion Director Karina Ramirez for a training that will provide an update on all of the Diversity and Inclusion initiatives CCL has been up to in the past year of our programming.   Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (4:05) Overview of Programs (10:01) Goals and Progress (19:28) Resources and Recommendations   Find out more: https://community.citizensclimate.org/diversity-inclusion-at-ccl  Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/di-updates-2024

Join us for a half hour recap of some of the best parts of CCL's 2024 Conservative Conference presentations and keynotes. We'll plan on watching shorter segments that sample highlights from through the conference's line-up of speakers. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:13) Neil Chatterjee (8:59) Grace Stanke (16:33) Catrina Rorke (23:08) Farm Bill Panel Watch more of the presentations and follow along with the slides at: https://cclusa.org/presentations  More about the 2024 Conservative Climate Leadership Conference: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/climate-change-conferences/conservative/ 

In this month’s episode of Citizens Climate Radio, Eileen Flanagan, a writer, social change teacher, Quaker, and activist, dives deep with host Peterson Toscano into four different roles people have traditionally taken in change movements. In addition, Erica Valdez and Horace Mo join Peterson for a vibrant discussion about their personal experiences in taking one of these roles.  See our complete show notes including links to guests, a full transcript, and possible action steps you can take. Visit www.cclusa.org/radio Finding Your Role  In Eileen Flanagan’s words, the four recurring roles in change movements include rebels, advocates, organizers, and helpers. One of the best ways to understand these four roles is through their different orientations. Eileen says, “The helpers’ orientation is: what can I do to improve things without messing with the system?” She mentions climate change helpers who take the initiative to help insulate houses or help put solar panels on a neighbor’s roof. A helper also prepares food for events, provides rides for volunteer lobbyists, and donates money to a climate organization.   Elieen further explains, “An advocate takes the role of trying to use the tools of the system to change things.” Advocates often capitalize on lobbying and lawsuits to convince elected officials and people in power to make decisions.  Good News Story Horace Mo in Chongqing shares a good news story about China’s new carbon trading regulations. If you have a good news story to share, email radio @ citizensclimateradio.org or leave a message at our visiting voicemail line: (619) 512-9646‬ Nerd Corner Citizens’ Climate’s Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli discusses the geeky world of permitting reform. Dana highlights climate research (and makes it understandable) for fellow nerds and the nerd curious! Visit The Nerd Corner to see the Chart of the Week, regular blog posts, and an active forum to connect with other nerds.  Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

The strength of CCL's chapters runs on volunteer leaders feeling empowered to make requests, especially requesting volunteers to participate.  This session, lead by Jean Ritok, former Group Co-Leader of the Raleigh Durham Chapter, takes you from your existing skill level in asking, to empowered asking.  It’s an avenue to partnership in your chapter, volunteers enjoying their participation and peace of mind that your chapter is humming. 

Your members of Congress (MOCs) will be working in their district/state offices during the last week of March and first week of April. Join this training to learn more recommendations to help your MOCs keep the policies in CCL’s policy agenda front and center by dropping off material that shows climate policy has strong support in your district/state.  The ideal drop-off will help build your relationship with the office and demonstrate a steady drumbeat of climate activism and increased support for climate policy in the district.  Some ideas for your drop-off might include: -A bunch of signed constituent letter forms or a thank you card or photo signed by chapter members -A stack of letters handwritten by attendees during your February and March chapter meetings -A folder of newspaper clippings, letters to the editor, op-eds and earned media coverage of your chapter -A one-page summary of your district/state endorsement report or a show of support from a local leader -A creative idea of your own such as home baked goods, kids' drawings or postcards, flowers, etc. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:55) Why Is This Important? (7:43) What To Deliver? (12:11) Making The Delivery (17:38) Final Recommendations Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/march-dropoff  Log your drop-offs in Action Tracker at: https://cclusa.org/actiontracker  Constituent Comment Forms: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/236    Share your experience in the forums! https://cclusa.org/forums 

Citizens' Climate Lobby's Karina Ramirez and Drew Eyerly will present on "Understanding What You Don't Understand," which outlines the importance of working together while embracing differences. Andrew (Drew) Eyerly serves as CCL’s Conservative Outreach Director, where he lends a conservative voice and perspective to the organization’s mission while working to recruit, engage, and retain right-of-center volunteers. Prior to joining CCL, Drew served in the United States Army for 12 years as a Preventive Medicine Specialist and as a Medic completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Karina Ramirez (She/Her/Ella) joined CCL as a volunteer in 2017 and has served as CCL’s Diversity & Inclusion Director since 2018. In this role, she supports volunteers and staff working toward inclusion and belonging efforts. Karina is originally from Ecuador and lives in West Palm Beach, Florida. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Welcome and March Highlights (5:13) Karina and Drew's Presentation (17:42) Q&A Discussion (23:34)  CCL's March Actions March Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet  Register for the Summer Conference (June 8-11): https://cclusa.org/summer    Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/921303029  Join CCL's Diversity & Inclusion Action Team: https://community.citizensclimate.org/groups/home/2946   Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/march-2024-slides 

Researchers from MIT recently published a paper detailing all of the great benefits that would come from passing the BIG WIRES Act, and researchers from Vanderbilt published a study about the big role household electrification and efficiency will play in realizing the Inflation Reduction Act's climate pollution reductions potential. We also received an update about the status of the IRA's important home electrification and efficiency rebate programs that have been in development for the past year and a half. Join CCL Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training that will summarize all of this new information that's critical to CCL's clean energy permitting reform and building electrification & efficiency policy areas. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:25) Why Clean Energy Permitting Reform Is Essential (9:00) Problems To Solve w/ the BIG WIRES Act (18:28) MIT’s Evaluating the Impact of the BIG WIRES Act Study (35:00) Incentivizing Household Action Study- Up to 40% of Emissions Reduction from the IRA Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/BIG-WIRES-updates-slides  CCL Community Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/events/item/24/15092  MIT’s Evaluating the Impact of the BIG WIRES Act Study: https://ceepr.mit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MIT-CEEPR-RC-2024-01.pdf   Incentivizing Household Action Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421524000120?via%3Dihub#abs0015 

Learn how to get your conservative-friendly Op-Eds and LTEs in your local publications and how to craft impactful messages for conservative areas in this panel moderated by CCL’s State and Local Media Coordinator, Charlotte Ward! Hear from our expert panelists: Mary Anna Mancuso, Contributor at The Hill & RepublicEN EcoRight Leadership Council Member Karly Matthews, VP of Communication at American Conservation Coalition Nathan Crabbe, Editor at The Invading Sea Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (5:34) Panel's recommendations (31:25) Q&A Discussion (51:38) CCL Support Resources Helpful resources:  CCL Community: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources#media-relations  RepublicEn: https://republicen.org/  The Invading Sea: https://www.theinvadingsea.com/  American Conservation Coalition: https://acc.eco/