How to Take Climate Action in Your Community

From record wildfires to vanishing coastlines, every community feels the impact of climate change differently. This means there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Community climate action is the key to addressing issues close to home while creating momentum for systemic change. 

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This guide unpacks how to get involved with local efforts to address the climate crisis and environmental injustice. Read on to unlock your inner community climate activist.

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Part 1: Define Your Community Climate Action Plan

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Community climate action can ripple outward and change the world. Whether you’re advocating alongside family and friends, faith-based organizations, community associations, or local environmental groups, there’s a place for you in the movement. 

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Unfortunately, with so many urgent issues to address, deciding how to get involved can be daunting. Here’s how to build a community climate action plan that works for you.

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1. Pick Your Cause

No one can reverse the climate crisis alone. It’s going to take a lot of people working on a lot of different issues. Choose a specific cause you’re passionate about to stay engaged for the long run. 

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• Write It Down: A Climate Action Venn Diagram is a helpful tool to pinpoint where you’re uniquely suited to make a difference. What are you good at? What work needs to be done? What brings you joy? The issues at the center of your diagram reveal your climate action superpower. 

• Educate Yourself: If you’re not sure where to begin, read about climate topics to hone in on which causes matter most to you. The Commons blog is a good place to start.

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2. Find Your People

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Once you’ve decided which issue you’d like to get involved with, look for value-aligned groups in your community. Joining a specific initiative helps you build a like-minded network and understand where your contribution matters most.

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Remember, you don’t have to be a climate activist to belong in climate spaces. The climate movement is made up of people from all walks of life, and your participation is valid and valuable. If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, commit to attending a single event to beat your nerves and feel more comfortable. 

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3. Define Your Commitment

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Defining exactly how you’ll get involved sets clear parameters for success. This can look like a specific monthly donation, a set number of volunteer hours, or regularly attending an ongoing event. 

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Don’t be afraid to start with a small, realistic goal. Consider joining Climate Changemakers to discover small, manageable actions to help you grow your influence. It only requires an hour of your time.  

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4. Take the First Step

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Small steps can build momentum and lead to major impact, so set the gears in motion as soon as you can. Attend a community meeting, set up a recurring donation, or sign up for your first volunteer shift. Keep reading for a few specific ways to get involved. 

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Part 2: Options for Community Climate Action

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1. Volunteer Your Time

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Volunteer with a local climate group to influence policy, raise awareness, and fight against environmental injustice in your community. Many organizations depend on volunteers to function and are willing to accommodate your schedule and personal interests. 

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• Regional Chapters of National Environmental Groups: Most major climate organizations are made up of smaller chapters working on local issues. Groups like 350.org, Sunrise Movement, Sierra Club, and Extinction Rebellion tap local volunteers to lobby for policy change, drive awareness campaigns, and coordinate community demonstrations. 

• Local Climate Justice Organizations: Marginalized populations are often disproportionately burdened by the adverse impacts of climate change. Research the issues facing your community and join a group fighting for equitable environmental policy and public health. 

• Local Climate Demonstrations: Climate protests raise public awareness and motivate policy-makers to act on urgent issues. Schools, local advocacy groups, and regional chapters host virtual and in-person marches, sit-ins, and demonstrations at the community level. Support the movement by attending and volunteering at events in your town or city. 

• Other Community Groups: Not every organization working to enrich your community is climate-oriented, but many still drive initiatives that benefit the planet. Follow local groups on social media to see when they’re planning environmental actions and get involved. 

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2. Donate to Environmental Causes 

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The best way to practice community climate action is by showing up in person. But if you’re strapped for time or health issues keep you close to home, you can support meaningful local work with financial donations. 

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Large organizations receive the bulk of donor contributions, but local groups are often better equipped to address specific issues in your community. Set a monthly donation goal and follow local climate groups and activists on social media to stay current on fundraising initiatives. 

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3. Get Involved in Local Policy

While federal elections are important, state and local governments wield real power over the environmental decision-making that takes place within their borders. Does your city or state have a climate change action plan to reduce emissions and build climate resilience? 

• Pressure Elected Officials: Research legislation where you live and contact your mayor, city councilors, or state legislators and push them to prioritize equitable climate policy. Websites like 5 Calls generate contact lists and scripts tailored to issues in your community.

• Support Climate Candidates: Donate your time and money to regional politicians campaigning on a climate agenda. If you don’t see a candidate that reflects your values, run for office yourself or encourage someone you believe in to get involved with local politics.

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4. Advocate for Climate Education

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The youngest generations will inherit the worst of the climate crisis. Unfortunately, even though four out of five parents want their kids to learn about climate change, only 50% of teachers incorporate it into their lessons.  

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If you’re a parent, attend school board and PTA meetings and advocate for climate education, student environmental action clubs, and campus greening opportunities. Whether you have kids or not, you can encourage educators in your life to add children’s climate books to their curriculum. 

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5. Activate Your Circle

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Most of us are connected to our community in some way, whether through faith-based institutions, neighborhood associations, or professional peer groups. 

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Even if your network isn’t climate-oriented, chances are you have connections who are concerned about our impact on the planet. But studies show that people tend to shy away from bringing up the climate when they don’t hear others talking about it often. 

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Break the “spiral of silence” and talk to people in your community about local environmental causes. Visit Talk Climate Change for guidance, advice, and ideas to get you started.

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Then, take action with your network. Start a community garden initiative, organize a political action campaign, or fundraise for local climate justice initiatives.  

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6. Lead By Example 

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Part of community climate action is modeling how to live lighter. When you take action to reduce your personal carbon footprint, talk about what you are doing and why with your friends, family, and community members. Download Commons to take control of your emissions and encourage your friends and community to join you on the app. 

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Join Commons

No single person can change our economic systems, but collectively, our choices influence corporations and governance. Collective action starts with individuals, sparks community changes, and transforms companies and systems. Join Commons today and join thousands of others working towards a liveable future for all.