CCL's Youth Volunteer Policy and Resources
Young people have a huge stake in the outcome of humanity’s efforts to deal with climate change and we appreciate their contribution to the broader climate movement CCL also realizes that not only is it important to provide a safe space for youth engagement, but we are legally and morally obligated to do our best to provide conditions for their safe participation.
Citizens’ Climate’s Volunteer Policy details how young people may engage at all CCL/CCE-sponsored events, as well as affiliated events connected with a CCL/CCE chapter, meeting, event, or activity, whether in public or private facilities, online or in person. To best utilize the training, find your age group and then look for the event type you want to participate in.
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We’ve created these guidelines to help CCL volunteers safely support youth participation in CCL’s work. For the purposes of this training, “youth” or "minor" refers to people between the ages of 13-17.
Issued February 12, 2026, and amended periodically as appropriate.
Youth Under Age 13
Youth under the age of 13 are not eligible to participate in CCL/CCE programming.
Youth Ages 13–17
Youth between the ages of 13 and 17 may participate in CCL/CCE programming subject to the guidelines below.
Overall Guidance
CCL/CCE event signup forms require youth to have their parent/grandparent/legal guardian register them to participate.
By signing up for a CCL/CCE event, youth contact information is provided to CCL leaders who may contact them regarding chapter participation and furthering their advocacy.
When youth are present, there must be two adults and/or one CCL staff present at all times during meetings and activities.
Local Events
- Ages 13–15: May attend local events only when accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. No permission slip is required.
- Ages 16–17: May attend local events without a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. No permission slip is required.
A note on permission slips: Youth do not need a permission slip when they are participating in a CCL activity with their parent or legal guardian. It is up to the parent/guardian to decide, in consultation with the group leader, when it is appropriate to include their young people.
Online Events
Youth between the ages of 13 and 17 may attend online events and no permission slip is required. CCL/CCE regularly hosts online meetings that may be recorded and/or where screenshots may be taken for documentation purposes. When that happens:
- Minors who join by video conference are asked to remain off camera unless accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian or if they’ve submitted a signed photo release form to CCL’s youth@citizensclimatelobby.org address.
Overnight and Out-Of-Town Events
Youth between the ages of 13 and 17 may attend out of town CCL events (i.e. a state conference) or those requiring an overnight stay (such as CCL’s Summer Conference and Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.) only when accompanied by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian who is also registered for the event. There are no exceptions to this policy. No permission slip is required.
Media Mentions
For youth between the ages of 13 and 17:
- Local and national press releases issued by Citizens’ Climate Lobby will identify minors by first name only.
- No additional personally identifiable information will be published (including last name, school, city, or location details).
- If media outlets are interested in interviewing or otherwise featuring a youth between the ages of 13-17, CCL will seek prior parent or legal guardian consent.
Internships
Interns with CCL must be 18 years old. All minors (everyone under the age of 18) are unable to be placed in any CCL internship position on both the local or national level.
Volunteers Age 18 and Over
Volunteers aged 18 and over may participate fully in CCL/CCE programming without the age-specific restrictions outlined above.
Additional Resources
Youth Action Team
CCL's Youth Action Team is a resource and a support for all chapters. Youth are an ever-growing part of CCL and as more and more youth between the ages of 13 to 17 become involved, our national Youth Action Team helps create a vibrant and powerful interconnected youth network across the country. The Youth Action Team is focused on supporting youth aged 13 to 17 to be active, engaged, and empowered in building bridges and political will for effective climate solutions. We have two main objectives:
- to provide a space for CCL youth to communicate and interact with other young people;
- to educate and support local chapters in providing opportunities for effective and empowering youth engagement.
Questions & Enforcement
For further questions about youth volunteers or support in enforcing this policy, please refer to our Terms of Service or contact Brett Cease, VP of Field Operations, at brett.cease@citizensclimatelobby.org.
Let us know if you've completed this training! Your progress will be logged in the Action Tracker so you can reference a list of trainings that you've completed.
Join the Youth Action Team.
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