Citizens' Climate Lobby

CCL Training: 2024 Conservative Climate Leadership Conference Highlights

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/ 

CCL Podcast: What is Your Climate Change Role?

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

CCL Training: Empowering Your Requesting Workshop

 

 

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. 

CCL Training: Planning Your March Drop-off Member Of Congress's Local Office

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 

Karina Ramirez and Drew Eyerly | March 2024 Monthly Speakers | Citizens' Climate Lobby

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 

CCL Training: New Research on the Benefits from the BIG WIRES Act

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 

CCL Training: Crafting Impactful Conservative Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor

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/ 

There's Something Funny About Climate Change

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 CCL Community.

NEW! The CCL Youth Corner

The Citizens Climate Lobby Youth Corner introduces a vibrant platform where middle and high school students across the USA amplify their voices on climate action. Host Veda Ganesan highlights their proactive efforts to make their voices heard at COP28. She shares the important role CCL Youth volunteer Vinay Karthik played at the international conference in Dubai. In the next Youth Corner, you will learn about The Great School Electrification Challenge.

Dig Deeper: Check out the CCL Youth Blog.

Veda Ganesan is the producer and host of CCR’s new Citizens Climate Lobby Youth Corner; it is a project of CCL Youth. Veda also hosts Sustainable Cents podcast. 

Good News 

Damon Motz-Storey (they, them) shines a spotlight on the Realm Refillery in Portland, Oregon, a pioneering package-free grocery store. It exemplifies sustainable shopping by offering a wide variety of bulk goods, from flour to laundry detergent, all without disposable packaging, presenting a compelling model for reducing single-use plastics and living one's environmental values.

Damon Motz-Storey is an active climate advocate and the Oregon Chapter Director of the Sierra Club, dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

In other Good News, Peterson Toscano highlights two innovative climate change exhibitions in New York City museums. At the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design showcases the intersection of design and sustainability, featuring Solar Ivy, a system of small solar panels resembling leaves that generate energy from sunlight and wind. Additionally, the Climate Museum in SOHO focuses entirely on climate change, currently featuring “The End of Fossil Fuel," and encourages visitors to engage in actionable steps toward environmental advocacy.

If you have a Good News Story to share, contact us: Radio @ CitizensClimate.org

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 need help with what you can do, please take a look at one of the following next steps. 

• If you are in middle or high school, visit CCLUSA.org/Youth to learn about their Great School Electrification Challenge!
• If you are a college student, you can get involved with CCL Higher Education and the College Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement. You can learn how you can jumpstart a campaign on your campus.
• Sign up for monthly text reminders to contact your members of Congress and get the step-by-step guidance you need to reach lawmakers effectively. Visit CCLUSA.org/Action

Stay Tuned

In the March 2024 episode, you will meet Erica Valdez, the newest team member of Citizens Climate Radio. Erica, Horace, and Peterson will engage in a discussion on the various roles individuals can adopt in addressing climate change. Eileen Flannagan, a Quaker author, activist, and trainer, will elaborate on the four roles change-makers often play: Advocate, Rebel, Helper, and Organizer. They ask, “What is your role on this new planet???” The episode is set to premiere on Friday, March 22nd, 2024.

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 content, guests, and style of the show. You can fill it out anonymously and answer whichever questions you like. You can also reach us by email: radio @citizensclimatelobby.org

 

Sam Daley-Harris | February 2024 Monthly Meeting | Citizens' Climate Lobby

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/ 

CCL Training: What Happened At COP28?

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