Citizens' Climate Lobby

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landscape in the United States, prior modeling about the effectiveness of policies like a carbon price has become outdated.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/

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): 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: 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/

In this episode of Citizens Climate Radio, listeners hear stories, insights, and innovative approaches to tackling climate change. From the unique perspective of a climate change comedian who marries humor with serious environmental advocacy to the empowering tales of youth activism at the global COP28 summit, this episode showcases diverse methods of engagement and action. Highlighting the importance of resilience, space for mental and emotional health, and the groundbreaking work of package-free shopping, it will inspire you while providing you with practical guidance. A Climate Change Comedian? Brian Ettling shares his compelling journey from a park ranger to an influential climate change comedian, a story that encapsulates the essence of turning gloom into bloom. With seventeen years of experience as a seasonal ranger in the majestic landscapes of Crater Lake National Park and Everglades National Park, Brian shares how a simple yet profound question about global warming from a park visitor sparked a drastic shift in his career path and life purpose. “Excuse me, all-knowing ranger,” a visitor said. “I have a question.” I smiled, humbly curious and certain I had the answer. “What’s happening with global warming in the Everglades?” Wait. What?! I knew nothing about global warming, and visitors hate when park rangers tell you, 'I don’t know. Brian spent time researching the question and was shocked by what he discovered. The information I learned scared me. What the (bleep)! Because of climate change, sea level was expected to rise at least three feet in Everglades National Park by the end of the 21st century. The sea would swallow up most of the park and nearby Miami since the highest point of the park road is less than three feet above sea level. UGH, I hate you, climate change! This pivotal moment led him to deeply research climate change, eventually inspiring him to merge his passion for environmental advocacy with his unique sense of humor. An amateur video on YouTube led to two national television appearances on Comedy Central’s Tosh.0. Daniel Tosh introduced America to the goofball who became the Climate Change Comedian. Brian's narrative is a vivid testament to the power of individual transformation and the role of creativity in addressing serious global issues. He illustrates this by recounting defining moments in his journey, and he invites us to experience the journey complete with silly sound effects and a musical score. Brian Ettling is a dynamic climate change communicator from Portland, Oregon, with a deep history of engagement with Citizens Climate Lobby (CCL). Over the years, he has worn multiple hats within CCL, including legislative liaison, co-chapter leader, and Missouri State co-coordinator. His dedication is evident in his attendance at nine CCL international conferences in Washington, D.C., where he served as a breakout speaker. Additionally, Brian has contributed his insights at the Canadian National CCL conference, showcasing his unwavering commitment to climate advocacy. For a complete transcript and more, visit https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/podcast/episode-92-theres-something-funny-about-climate-change/ Resilience Corner Tamara Staton explores the nuanced relationship between space—both physical and emotional—and climate advocacy. Tamara emphasizes the importance of creating space for rest and reflection to enhance effectiveness in climate activism. She illustrates this with personal anecdotes, suggesting, "When I create space, I enable presence and perspective... Creating space widens our window of tolerance, allowing us to respond with grace, ease, and courage to the challenges we face." She underscores the critical balance between passionate activism and the need for self-care to sustain long-term engagement in climate work. Tamara Staton is the Education and Resilience Coordinator for Citizens Climate Education. Get more tips and resources by visiting The Resilience Hub on...

In July 2007, CCL founder Marshall Saunders asked Sam Daley-Harris to coach him on starting the first CCL chapters. Sam continued to coach CCL leaders over the next 7 years. Sam founded the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980, co-founded the Microcredit Summit campaign in 1995, and founded Civic Courage in 2012. The completely revised and updated edition of Sam’s book, Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy, was released on January 9, 2024. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (6:32) Sam Daley-Harris (23:06) Q&A Discussion (26:47) Election Engagement (38:22) February Actions February Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/910966189 Sam's Book: https://reclaimingourdemocracy.com/ Environmental Voter Project: https://www.environmentalvoter.org/

Join Citizens' Climate International Executive Director Joseph Robertson for training that will provide a summary of the main impacts, takeaways and results of this past December's gathering of the UN Conference of the Parties in Dubai. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:38) CCI Contributes To Global Policy (10:34) Pre-COP 28 Diplomatic Insights (19:08) The UAE Consensus (29:03) COP28 Voluntary Commitments (37:04) On the Way to Baku (COP29) Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/cop28outcomes CCI Article: https://citizensclimate.earth/cop28