JOIN A POLITICAL PARTY OR ORGANIZATION WORKING FOR CLIMATE ACTION.

Elections only come up every so often, and climate action can’t wait. That’s why getting active in political and civil society organizations is essential: to encourage and pressure the politicians already in office to adopt ambitious climate policies now.

It’s also important to remember that being a citizen is more than just voting. Depending on where you live, there may be local boards, commissions, or task forces that you can join and bring climate change into those spaces. Social movements and local governing bodies can help build capacity, community, relationships, and trust. Plus, being part of a group can motivate further climate action, helping us realize that we are part of something bigger.

Here’s how to get involved:

  1. Look for local groups in your area. You can have the biggest impact at the local scale, especially when you’re joining people who have spent years building campaigns and relationships. Try searching “your town” + “climate action” or “climate organization” online and on social media. If you are interested in a specific climate solution, such as eating a more plant-rich diet or wetland restoration, you can often find an organization doing that work. If you want to learn about the most impactful global climate solutions available today, Project Drawdown’s Solutions Library can help.
  2. Attend an in-person or online meeting to get a sense of how the group works and how you might contribute. Remember, you might have to try out a few organizations until you find the right fit, and that’s okay!
  3. For inspiration, ask friends in person or online what groups they support or are part of. Maybe you and a friend can go to a meeting together, then take a walk or get a treat.
  4. Remember, you can support a group with money, time, or both. Becoming a monthly donor helps groups plan their activities and expand their impact. Even US$5/month makes a difference. Donating time is also incredibly valuable. Volunteers are always needed for everything from childcare to accounting to website design.
  5. Check out local chapters of climate movements like 350.org or the Fossil Fuel Treaty to find one you like. Climate Action Network is an umbrella organization with more than 150 member organizations in over 130 countries.

If you’ve already attended lots of local meetings, and still see a gap that needs filling, you just might be ready to start your own organization. Climate activist Jamie Margolin has a guide to “Movement and organization building 101” in Chapter 4 of Youth to Power. ChangeX.org has a guide to starting local projects.