+ Taking political action in the name of climate action.

We know that we need to take civic action to achieve equitable and bold policy changes that enable humanity to rapidly shift our planet toward a sustainable, decarbonized future. Constituent advocacy is proven to move the needle on policy and elections and is an essential solution in building the political will we need to create systems-level change.

+ Working strategically.

We are all busy, and carving out an hour each week for climate action is no small ask. Our North Star is that changemakers’ time is spent productively, so we’re making smart decisions every step of the way in our operational work: defining strategic goals and priorities, following evidence-based best practices in our tactics, and creating space for innovation and collaboration. Our actions are in service of our overarching goals: (1) to catalyze meaningful climate policy change and (2) to maximize and optimize our advocates' strategic impact hours.

+ Committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity.

We are committed to centering justice in all aspects of our community and our work. Deeply harmful and entrenched biases and injustices have led to a reality where communities of color are disproportionately burdened by environmental degradation and pollution. Environmental racism is expressed starkly in “sacrifice zones”, and in the large disparities in economic and health outcomes that are socially determined, often as a function of zip code. There will be no climate justice without racial justice, and we support the individuals, communities, and organizations on the frontlines of the struggle.

As a volunteer-built advocacy organization that supports a community of volunteers, we are taking concrete steps to advocate for racial equity and social justice reform:

(a) Within our community, creating a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, safe, comfortable, and diverse community of volunteer changemakers is our greatest priority. In our Community Guidelines we ask community members to commit to a Code of Conduct that includes an anti-harassment policy, and articulates a process for reporting and taking action on violations of our Community Guidelines. Our zero tolerance anti-harassment policy aims to create a positive experience for everyone, regardless of race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, age, religion, political identity, or other characteristics that make people who they are.

(b) In our organizational leadership, we work to foster equity and belonging, and are working towards more diverse representation. We prioritize transparency in our decisions, a collaborative spirit, and have multiple avenues for meaningful feedback and dialogue: in our Slack, via email, and via an anonymous Community Input Form. We conduct an annual assessment of policies and practices to determine where we can better align with our bedrock principles, always with an equity lens. We commit to continually learn and challenge ourselves, and our community, to be actively anti-racist.

(c) In our policy advocacy, we amplify policies that embrace justice/racial equity and decarbonization as twin core intents.

+ Not partisan. Following the science to the no-brainer choices.

We take political action to address the climate emergency, not to advance the agenda of a specific political party. We support bold climate policies that meet the scale and urgency of the crisis. We’re digging in on high-leverage policy priorities that present a clear opportunity to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, advance scientifically-supported decarbonization strategies, promote equity, and benefit health. We reject the premise that climate action is a partisan issue, discourage partisan rhetoric, and welcome climate leadership that centers justice and promotes science-based solutions from across the political spectrum.

+ Championing a just, healthy democracy.

We advocate for a healthy, representative democracy with equitable voting access by promoting democracy reform legislation and by registering voters. A fair voting system is a fundamental pillar of a functioning democracy, and voter suppression is an impediment to climate justice.

+ Powered by volunteers and community.

The Climate Changemakers community is an organizing platform where changemakers offer their time and/or expertise to organize around policies and ideas consistent with our values. We are cultivating a regular practice of meaningful, collective volunteerism to advance climate progress. We’re in this together, we each have something to offer, and we show up to put in the work, drive progress, and celebrate. We offer support, encouragement, congratulations, and gratitude. We strive to judge less and listen more. The power of collective action is the potential for bigger, bolder change when we work together.

+ Building relationships.

Relationships are everything. We know that when it comes to mobilizing and advocacy, we can motivate action and change through human connections and finding common ground. Collaboration beats competition, and we work in partnership with other organizations, leaders, movements, and coalitions whenever possible. We treat others with kindness, respect, generosity of spirit, and patience.

+ Keeping it simple and counting every action.

We make it simple to learn, act, and repeat. Our invitation is to show up and dive into action; learn by doing; ask questions. When we all put in a little each week, it adds up to a lot.

+ Meeting everyone where they are.

Volunteers, friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and policymakers: we’re meeting them all right where they are and asking them to make climate action a greater priority, to lean in more, to be a climate changemaker.