Citizens' Climate Lobby

In this month’s Citizens’ Climate Radio episode, host Peterson Toscano and the CCR teams introduce a fresh approach to climate change storytelling by exploring personal stories as metaphors. While these stories are not explicitly about climate change, they reveal truths and perspectives that resonate with our climate work. Join us to discover how personal narratives can enhance and diversify our stories about climate change. You will also learn expert storytelling tips to apply when telling stories about climate change. For a full transcript and more, visit www.cclusa.org/radio Using Personal Stories as Metaphors Peterson challenges us to use personal stories, which hold significant meaning and energy for us, as metaphors for climate change. These stories, often about transitions, conflicts, or breakthroughs in our lives, can draw powerful parallels to our climate efforts. You'll hear two compelling stories from the Citizens' Climate Radio team members Erica Valdez and Horace Mo, each reflecting personal growth and resilience. Horace's Story: A Journey of Friendship and Belonging Horace Mo shares his experience of moving from China to the USA as a 16-year-old. Navigating a new culture and language, Horace found support and friendship in his roommate Kai, who helped him overcome language barriers and cultural differences. This story of adaptation and support mirrors the collective effort needed in climate work, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual aid. Horace reflects, "My English ability soared like a rocket with the help of Kai and other students at school. For the first time, I sensed a personal belonging to the school community." Erica's Story: Confronting Hidden Challenges Erica Valdez recounts her high school friend Sophia's (not her real name) struggles with college applications due to her parents' undocumented status. Erica's story highlights the hidden challenges marginalized communities face, drawing a parallel to the often-overlooked impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. It emphasizes the need for empathy and support in both personal and climate-related contexts. Erica notes, "Witnessing her stress made me ask, how many people are going through something similar?" Making Climate Connections Peterson tells a story about a toxic, abusive relationship and reveals how this personal relationship mirrors society’s relationship with fossil fuels. He also encourages listeners to see the climate connections in Horace's and Erica's stories. Both narratives reflect themes of fear, support, and overcoming obstacles—common experiences in the climate movement. We can create more relatable and engaging narratives that resonate with diverse audiences by relating personal stories to climate issues. Peterson emphasizes, We need stories that reveal the power of climate change solutions. We need stories that unveil the driving force behind our efforts in addressing climate change. We need stories that unveil the driving force behind our efforts in addressing climate change. Stores that unearth how climate change affects some people differently than others. Stories that will inspire us to keep going. Nerd Corner: The Economic Impact of Climate Change In the Nerd Corner, Citizens’ Climate Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli discusses the economic impacts of climate change. Using lizards as an analogy, Dana explains how extreme weather events and shifting climates can stunt economic growth, emphasizing the urgent need for swift climate action to mitigate these effects. Dana states, "Most economists agree the faster we act on climate change, the better it will be for the economy. That's especially true if we use a market-based solution like putting a price on carbon pollution. That way, we can see the true price of products, including their climate costs, like a chameleon turning off its camouflage." Why Climate? Featuring James Earl Hollywood III In the new segment, Why Climate?, volunteer...

In CCL, we transform what people think possible for Congress to do on climate, and in the process transform what people think possible for themselves to accomplish. Regardless of the motivation or skills a person brings when they join CCL, we succeed when we help them take the next step as part of our movement: Because empowered volunteers help us reach our big organizational goals. CCL's VP of Programs Brett Cease and Alabama group leader Debbie Chang will host a training that walks volunteers through the Transformational Organizing guide and describe its five pillars to help us strengthen our leadership development and capacity throughout the organization. Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/transformational-organizing-slides CCL Resource Page & Guide: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/222 Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (6:18) 1st Pillar: The Pyramid of Engagement (11:19) 2nd Pillar: The CCL Way (21:13) 3rd Pillar: The Conditions that Motivate (30:39) 4th Pillar: The Elimination of Blame (37:51) 5th Pillar: The Empowerment of Volunteers

Ben Pendergrass, CCL's Vice President of Government Affairs, celebrates our national summer conference and our 442 June 11th lobby meetings, gives us a legislative update, and reviews the impact of your June phone calls about the PROVE IT Act. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Highlights (6:32) Conversation with CCL Alum Hill Staffers Morgan and Kesten (18:53) Q&A Discussion (36:10) CCL's July Actions Review July Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/983273670?share=copy

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...

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...

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): 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...

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/