Volunteer for a local effort
Sometimes actions take a village! There are many local efforts that can help our community make big strides on solutions to climate change and protecting our future. And there are so many ways to get involved -- there is something for everyone. Even now it is more important - there are many ways to volunteer virtually to help your community in this challenging time!
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
1Learn about ways to get involved with local climate efforts
There are so many ways to get involved in community efforts. The hardest part may be picking which one to join! There are two main areas you can be involved with—city policies and community organizations. Here are some ideas:
City plans and policies: Your city council and staff decide many things that have the ability to make a big impact on climate solutions and sustainability. One way to get involved with city efforts is to join a working group or committee working on city policies or identify a possible new policy and propose it to the city.
Here are some areas of policy that can have an impact on climate emissions:
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energy use for city-owned facilities and vehicles
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policies on city purchasing
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bike and pedestrian planning
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open space planning
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building codes
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transportation policies (like adding EV charging stations)
You don’t have to be an expert to get involved in city policy; community input is an important part of the city process. Pick an issue that is interesting to you and get involved. City staff will likely be happy to provide materials or answer questions.
Community Organizations: Community organizations do so much to create a better community for everyone. From food banks to creek restoration, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference!
Some local efforts that help with climate solutions and sustainability include:
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Community efforts to support solar installations for schools, churches or other community buildings
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Bike events to encourage biking like Bike to Work or Bike to School events
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Electric vehicle ride and drive events where people can learn more about EVs
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Education efforts to help raise awareness and understanding of the issues
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Events that help people learn about or take actions like composting classes, repair cafes, etc.
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Open space restoration or maintenance
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Even helping at the local food bank helps to support a strong and resilient community that will help us during difficult times like severe storms or other climate impacts.
Check your local city website for information on opportunities to get involved with city policies and planning. Check online for information on local community groups that have volunteer opportunities. Some websites to find volunteer opportunities include Idealist and VolunteerMatch. You can also check the region page on the site where there may be local information posted.
2Sign up and get started!
Find an effort that sounds interesting to you and go for it! Sign up for an event or plan to attend a meeting. One of the best benefits of getting involved is a chance to meet new neighbors, learn something new and have fun! Yes, getting involved can actually be fun.
Extra Credit - Start a new project. If you have a passion for a particular area and you don’t find a community effort focusing on what you are interested in, start your own! Greening local events, planting natives in open space areas, or starting a community biking or electric vehicle event are all examples of efforts that anyone can start. If you are planning an event or action like a tree planting, check with the city for any city requirements or guidelines before you get started. Then take credit for the extra points above!