Weekly Briefing: Join us on Saturday to hear from D.C. climate experts
November 12, 2025
Our Fall Virtual Conference is just days away, giving you a chance to hear directly from Capitol Hill insiders, communication experts, and climate leaders, including:
Avi Zevin
Former Special Assistant to the President for Clean Energy Implementation
Under President Biden, Avi worked to facilitate the transition to a carbon-free, reliable, and cost-effective energy system. Prior to that role, he worked in the United States Department of Energy, advising the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Energy on legal and policy matters. Today he runs a law firm focused on the energy transition. Register to hear Avi’s keynote address this Saturday at 1:20 p.m. ET.
Ziyan Sears
Legislative Assistant for Climate & Energy to Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50)
Ziyan will share an insider’s view on where things stand in Congress and why permitting reform and the Fix Our Forests Act are key to cutting emissions, strengthening communities, and making real progress now. Register to hear Ziyan’s conversation with CCL’s Jennifer Tyler this Saturday at 2:35 p.m. ET.
James Campbell, J.D.
Director of Federal Affairs & Strategic Counsel at Megafire Action
James will offer expert insights on how to address common concerns around the Fix Our Forests Act. This session will equip you with clear, informed talking points to build understanding, find common ground, and strengthen your impact on Capitol Hill. Register to hear James’ conversation with CCL’s Dana Nuccitelli this Saturday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
Dr. Sena Koleva
Social scientist studying moral psychology
Learn how our values shape our intuition, what we believe, and how we connect. This interactive session offers practical insights for having more effective, empathetic climate conversations that build understanding and momentum for change. Register to hear Sena’s conversation with CCL’s Brett Cease this Saturday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
See the full conference program, which also includes a conference opener from CCL Interim Executive Director Ricky Bradley, a deep dive into the asks for next week’s lobby meetings, updates on carbon pricing around the world, and much more.
See You There!
In other news this week:
Record your reflections after lobbying: If you're planning to lobby with us during our virtual Lobby Week (Nov. 17-21), we want to hear from you! Whether you're a first-time lobbyist or a seasoned CCLer, record a short video with your thoughts and reflections after lobbying, and send it to marketing@citizensclimate.org with the subject line "Lobby Meeting Reflection." We may share your clip during a future CCL meeting.
Take action this week
If you have a little time: Follow CCL on social media. Make sure you're following CCL on your favorite social media channels ahead of our Fall Conference. We'll be updating our accounts throughout the event this weekend so you can follow along and share posts to your network. Check out Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, and Instagram.
If you have more time: Plan to attend a Fall Conference Watch Party. A virtual conference is only elevated when you tune in together! Contact your local chapter or Group Leader to find out if there are any watch parties planned near you this weekend. Even if you can't make it to a party, you can find ways to join in the conference fun in our November Action Sheet.
Featured: Fall Conference Volunteer Panel
Years of 'Featured Chapter' stories in our Weekly Briefing prove that CCL’s strength has always been its people. Week after week, we hear stories from chapters who have worked to build relationships with their communities and their lawmakers, creating positive change.
You'll have the opportunity to hear from some of these volunteers at our upcoming Fall Conference. This Saturday at 4:15 p.m. ET, join us for a special breakout session: "Growing Relationships — How Volunteers Build Trust with Lawmakers."
In this inspiring volunteer panel, you'll hear firsthand stories of how patient, persistent relationship-building with Members of Congress creates real impact. From a prairie hike in Nebraska with Rep. Don Bacon to a tree-planting tribute for Sen. Debbie Stabenow in Michigan, panelists will share what it looks like when CCL’s core values come to life in the field.
Learn how volunteers cultivate trust, turn shared experiences into shared purpose, and open doors for climate conversations that last. After hearing these inspiring stories, you might just be our next Featured Chapter!
Get the Zoom link when you register for our Fall Conference.
Upcoming trainings
11/20: Fundraising Tools To Help Support CCL - If you're looking for an easy, optional way to support CCL's year-end fundraising campaign, this is the session for you! Led by Bill Barron, CCL Network Director, this session will explore CCL's Fundraising Toolkit (updated ahead of the training) and show you how simple it is to use peer-to-peer programs like PledgeIt and Facebook. Join us!
12/3: Town Hall with CCL Interim Executive Director Ricky Bradley - Join a Town Hall style event to hear organizational updates from CCL's Interim Executive Director, Ricky Bradley. All are welcome, especially CCL supporters just starting their CCL journey or finding their role. Come ready to ask questions during the call, or you can submit questions ahead of time to conference.inbox@
To see other events and CCL trainings, visit the Training Topics page of CCL Community.
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