Weekly Briefing: We Did It! More Than 25,000 Climate Conversations!
May 1, 2024
After a busy few weeks of outreach, we’ve achieved something incredible — we BEAT our goal of 25,000 climate conversations in April! 
CCLers had more than 27,000 climate conversations all across the country during Earth Month. These chats happened everywhere:
- At home with your family and friends
- In restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
- During appointments
- On walks, drives, or other shared activities
Thanks to our partnership with Potential Energy Coalition and Science Moms, we had robust research and messaging to support these conversations. If you used the ideas in the “Talk Like a Human” guide, you can be sure your conversations moved the needle of public opinion on climate.
And the more we talk about climate, the more real the problem becomes for people— and the more our elected representatives hear about it, too. So don't stop now! Keep those climate conversations going.
Want tips on how to have the most effective climate conversations? Check out the “Talk Like a Human” guide and CCL training on our climate conversations campaign page.
Resources for Great Climate Convos
In other news this week:
• New permitting reform rule: The White House Council on Environmental Quality announced a new rule this week, implementing permitting reform measures that Congress passed in last year’s debt ceiling deal. CCL put out a statement expressing that we are encouraged to see the rule, which includes some notable climate wins, and we will continue to work with Congress for additional important permitting reforms.
Take action this week
If you have a little time: Practice your climate conversation starters. Wondering how to move people's opinions about climate change? Research says it's best to mention a relatable consequence within five words of saying "climate change." Our new video on Instagram and TikTok explains this idea with examples and gives you a chance to practice.
If you have more time: Invite someone to CCL’s info session. Lots of folks are concerned about climate change and want to do something to help — but they aren’t sure how to get started. That’s why we host a weekly info session! Think about who in your life might be interested in learning more, and reach out to invite them to attend one of our upcoming dates.
Featured chapter: CCL Cleveland
Climate advocacy takes all different forms — in CCL’s Cleveland chapter recently, it took the form of knitting and crocheting. Torrey McMillan initiated and coordinated a local “tempestry” project, leading knitters and crocheters from across Northeast Ohio to create banners showing the state’s daily temperature highs for the last 120 years. The crafters ranged from new to experienced, and from high school students to retirees.
“We want this project to promote conversations about climate change and engage a wide range of folks in our community,” Torrey says. “And we wanted to create a visual, tactile way to engage with this data. Climate data often feels sterile and a bit intangible. We hope this display makes it more accessible.”
The Northeast Ohio Tempestry Project first went on display at Torrey’s local library on Monday. The project has already succeeded at launching local climate conversations, thanks to a wonderful story from the local public radio station.
And the chapter isn’t stopping there. “We had successful tabling events at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Party for the Planet and at Cleveland State University's EarthFest” in the last few weeks, Torrey says. “We have a stack of letters to members of Congress to hand deliver at the June lobby day.” Beautiful work, CCL Cleveland!
Have you logged your recent activities in the Action Tracker? Tell us what your chapter has been up to lately.
Upcoming trainings
5/2: Lobbying Basics: Transformative Power of Constituent Advocacy - This training is part of the “Working With Congress” training series, designed to get you ready for lobby meetings. Learn about citizen advocacy and hear stories from other volunteers about their meaningful, long-term relationships with their congressional office. Join us!
5/7: Preventing Burnout as a Climate Advocate - Climate work can generate a complicated mix of emotions and thoughts. This training is an opportunity to connect with others, share authentically, listen deeply, and explore opportunities for building personal resilience. Join us!
5/9: Handling Difficult Lobbying Scenarios - Sometimes lobby meetings can throw you a curveball! Equip yourself with the skills to overcome these scenarios and keep your conversations with lawmakers on track. Join us!
To see other topics and past trainings, visit the Training Topics page of CCL Community.
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