Citizens' Climate Lobby

Aimee Witteman w/ Rewiring America | August 2024 Monthly Speaker | Citizens Climate Lobby

August's Speaker was Aimee Witteman, Rewiring America VP of Investment. Witteman is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Department of Energy, former Energy Foundation Vice President for States & Regions, former Director of U.S. States Policy at the Climate Imperative Foundation, and spent a decade at the McKnight Foundation designing and leading their climate grantmaking program aimed at decarbonizing the Midwest economy and embedding democratic participation and racial equity into the Foundation’s climate portfolio. Earlier this year, Witteman led the launch of Invest in Our Future, with $180 million in philanthropic pledges over three years, to leverage the more than $1 trillion in recently-enacted federal funds to tackle the climate crisis and make the American economy stronger, cleaner, and more equitable.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Recent Highlights
(17:08) Aimee Witteman w/ Rewiring America
(38:30) Q&A Discussion
(42:30) CCL's August Actions Review

August Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet 
Pre-Call Video:   https://vimeo.com/996798212 
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/august-monthly-call-slides 
Electrification Campaign: https://cclusa.org/its-electric 
Rewiring America Calculator https://cclusa.org/ira-calc 
Log Your Attendance:  https://cclusa.org/log-meeting 

CCL Training: Hosting A Front Porch Ribbon Cutting

In and around the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) this month of August, Rewiring America and Citizens’ Climate Lobby are teaming up to organize Front Porch Ribbon Cuttings! What’s a Front Porch Ribbon Cutting? It's a fun event designed to showcase the impact of the IRA by treating homeowners who've installed clean electric machines with the same pomp and circumstance as a big, new manufacturing facility might get upon opening. We want to cut a ribbon in front of heat pumps, EVs, induction stoves, and heat pump water heaters that have been installed across the country thanks to the IRA.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(3:35) Welcome & Background
(4:56) Sample Toolkit
(16:48) Press Release Walkthrough
(22:28) Summary

Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/front-porch-ribbon-cutting   
Press Release Template: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/359 
Front Porch Ribbon Cutting Planning Toolkit (copy): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bqBY74_gZAXr3YHcsruD7IdZ6pdBJ4FcTgoWBJAG1l0/copy  

Click to log your training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP00000030I1YAI

CCL Training: Home Electrification and Efficiency Opportunities from the Inflation Reduction Act

Join CCL's Research Coordinator Dana Nuccitelli for a training that reviews why building electrification is important, updates on the incentives available to homeowners through the Inflation Reduction Act, the benefits of each technology, and details regarding the applicable tax credits and rebates.  Electrifying our homes and other buildings is a win-win-win.  We can reduce our monthly energy bills by switching to more efficient electric technologies.  We can improve our families’ health by reducing the amount of fossil fuels we’re burning in our homes and the associated air pollution they create.  And of course doing so will also reduce climate pollution and thus slow global warming.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(3:53) Why Go Electric?
(12:15) Diving Into Home Benefits
(28:27) Electric Vehicles
(34:45) Solar, Batteries and other updates

Electrification Campaign Month: https://cclusa.org/its-electric 
Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/ira-homeowner-slides 
Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/528 

CCL Training: CCL's Electrification Campaign Overview

Join CCL's VP of Programs Brett Cease for an overview of CCL's Electrification Campaign we're gearing up for the whole month of August. Brett will overview the campaign goals, support resources, and materials CCL has created to help facilitate thousands of conversations. Throughout August CCL is talking to people in communities across the country about electrifying their homes. Why? Because we want everyone to know there are cutting edge clean energy options available right now — and there are ways to save money on them, too.

Skip ahead to the following section(s):
(0:00) Intro & Agenda
(2:09) Background
(5:46) Conversation Starters
(13:33) What Resources Are There?
(26:32) Additional Support

Presentation Slides: https://clusa.org/electrification-campaign-slides  
Campaign Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/electrification-month 

CCL Podcast: Crafting Compelling Personal Climate Change Stories

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 James Earl Hollywood III shares his motivation for climate action. A father of nine from Maryland, James highlights how environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalized communities and underscores the importance of inclusive and collaborative climate solutions. James shares, "Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it's a human rights issue that affects every aspect of my life." 

About James

James Earl Hollywood III is a dedicated husband, father of nine, minister, and author with a profound commitment to social change and community empowerment. Currently pursuing a doctorate in Social Leadership. James combines his extensive academic background—including degrees in Criminology, Public Administration, Communications, and Implementation Science—with his passion for advocacy and leadership. He has been actively involved with organizations such as the Citizens' Climate Lobby, Americans for Prosperity, and various advisory groups, leveraging his expertise to drive meaningful change. Known for his dynamic leadership and ability to inspire others, James continues to make a positive impact through his work, striving to create a better, more equitable future for all.

If you want to share with us why you work on climate change, let us know. Contact details below. 

Good News: CCL's Successful Climate Conversations Campaign

Tamara Staton, CCL’s Education and Resilience Coordinator, reports on the success of CCL’s recent campaign, which sparked over 27,000 climate conversations across all 50 states. This grassroots effort demonstrates the power of personal engagement in driving climate action and raising awareness. Tamara concludes, "Each conversation is a step towards greater awareness and collective action." Read more about how CCL volunteers are breaking the silence around climate change. Find out about other actions and monthly campaigns by visiting CCLUSA.org/action.  

Stay Connected and Share Your Story

Peterson invites listeners to share their personal stories and how they connect to climate change. Whether through social media, public speaking, or personal conversations, sharing these narratives can inspire and motivate others in the climate movement. Consider submitting your story to Citizens Climate Radio. See contact details below. 

Listener Survey

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Join the Conversation

Engage with other listeners and share your thoughts on our social media channels. Follow and connect with us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.

Tune in next month for more inspiring stories, expert insights, and actionable climate solutions. Together, we can make a difference, one story at a time.

We Want to Hear from You

• Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org
• Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646 (+1 if calling from outside the USA.)

Shoutouts to the following people and groups for the ways they promote us through social media: On X (FKA Twitter): Michael Cooper, the Arkansas chapter of CCl, Frances Stewart, M.D, Robert D. Evans, Bill Nash, Jane Haigh, 1.5, CCL Alameda, CCL Bellevue, Washington, and Jean Lloyd Larson. On TikTok:  Linda Jay Reed, JackAsh007, Jan Cleveringa, Climate Countdown, The Green Journey, and Dr. Dana R. Fisher. 

Next Month

Dr. Dana R. Fisher wrote Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action. She will tell us about her book and read from it. We will also include students from Bucknell University who created soundscapes of how they feel about climate change. Plus, there are new installments of the CCL Youth Corner, the Resilience Corner, and our latest feature, Why Climate? 

Production Team:

• Written and produced by Peterson Toscano, Horace Mo, Erica Valdez, Dana Nuccitelli, and Tamara Staton.
• Technical Support: Ricky Bradley and Brett Cease
• Social Media Assistance: Flannery Winchester

Music is provided by epidemicsound.com

 

CCL Training: Transformational Organizing Guide

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 VP of Government Affairs | July 2024 Monthly Speaker | Citizens Climate Lobby

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 Training: Strategies For Attending Candidate Events

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

Meet & Greet CCL's New Executive Director: Rachel Kerestes

Get to know Rachel Kerestes, CCL's incoming Executive Director! More information about Rachel here: https://citizensclimatelobby.org/blog/news/ccl-new-executive-director/ 

CCR Exploring Rachel Carson’s Life and The Divestment Movement

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 of an international movement. Although it may be difficult, many institutions have already divested from fossil fuels. Aly shares inspiring advice to organizers worldwide who are working towards divestment.

Resilience Corner

For this month’s Resilience Corner, Tamara Staton draws parallels between her desire to master the banjo and the overwhelming task of addressing climate change. When practicing banjo, she faces common emotional barriers like fear, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and information overload. We also face these barriers when we talk about climate change. Tamara discusses why it is important to recognize these feelings, encouraging listeners to embrace imperfections and persistent efforts.

To learn more about building resilience in the face of climate challenges, visit the Resilience Hub. You can also email Tamara at radio @ citizensclimate.org or text or leave a message at 619-512-9646.

Good News!

Peterson Toscano shares a good news story from Limpopo Province, South Africa, where earlier this month he was staying in a game reserve. He reflects on the progress in South Africa's energy sector since his previous stay, highlighting the severe scheduled power outages known as load-shedding issues caused by unreliable coal-powered plants. He notes that significant changes have occurred since President Cyril Ramaphosa raised the licensing threshold for private power generation, leading to over 1,000 registered renewable energy projects. These projects, primarily solar and wind, are now providing nearly 4,500 megawatts of new capacity, significantly reducing power outages and transforming the country's energy landscape.

Take a Meaningful Next Step

Each month, we will suggest meaningful, achievable, and measurable next steps for you to consider. We recognize that action is an antidote to despair. If you are struggling with what you can do, visit our Action Page

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 

Special Thanks to the following people and groups for the ways they promote us through social media: Robert D. Evans, Pete Marsh, Bill Nash, 1.5, EG Hibdon, Mats Söderlund, Justin D’Atri, and last month’s guest, Rob Hopkins.Earthbased.Soul, FCWC, CCL Alameda, Alaska, and the CCL Young Conservative Caucus. 

We Want to Hear from You

• Email: radio @ citizensclimate.org
• Text/Voicemail: 619-512-9646

Production Team:

• Written and produced by Horace Mo, Erica Valdez, with assistance from Peterson Toscano.
• Technical Support: Ricky Bradley, and Brett Cease.
• Social Media Assistance: Flannery Winchester.

Music is provided by epidemicsound.com

Social Media:

Follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok.