Guest Blog by Sheila Fox
of Sheila Fox.
In 2014, a group of concerned citizens in Delaware had just listened to Anthony Leiserowitz, Director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. One of them raised her hand and in a frustrated voice asked what we could do. Leiserowitz responded, “Start a Citizens Climate Lobby chapter!” So they did.
Later that same year, the young group shared the idea at a climate event in Columbus, which is how the Columbus Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) got its start.
What Is Citizens’ Climate Lobby?
CCL is a nonprofit, nonpartisan grassroots advocacy group for climate change action. We exist to create political will for climate change solutions by enabling individuals to exercise their personal and political power. We are consistently respectful and work hard to be nonpartisan, admittedly a challenge in our current environment, but it has proven highly effective. By building on shared values rather than partisan divides, we work towards the adoption of fair, effective, and sustainable climate change solutions.
CCL empowers people like you and me to work in our community and with our members of Congress to this end. Our members come from all backgrounds and political persuasions in more than 507 active chapters in the U.S. and beyond.
What Do We Do?
Lobby Congress– We train and support volunteers to build relationships with elected officials, the media and our local community. Every summer, we meet in Washington, DC for our annual conference and lobby day, when we go to the Hill and meet with our members. It’s a great opportunity to meet other CCLers from all over the country and pretty exciting to actually be there in the House and Senate offices.
Media relations- We write letters to the editor and opinion pieces as well as spread the word on social media.
Grassroots outreach- Maybe you’ve seen us tabling at Earth Day and other events or heard one of our volunteers present to interested groups. We are always looking for opportunities to reach out. It’s also just a fun time to chat with people and be part of the events.
Grass tops engagement– We meet with our local leaders, political, business, faith, encouraging their endorsement.
Chapter & Volunteer development– Our CCL Community hosts loads of online trainings, as well as forums and special interest subgroups. Our Columbus chapter hosts monthly meetings, in person and online, as well as socials.
Photo courtesy of Sheila Fox.
Importantly, we forge great friendships and have a lot of laughs and good times as we work on this very serious challenge.
Are you ready to solve climate change? Join us! Citizens’ Climate Lobby
