Climate change is a cause that is incredibly important to me. I still vividly remember the day in seventh grade Earth Science when I learned about the Greenhouse Gas Effect. The slides from the projector up on the pull-down screen are burned into my memory, as well as the project we had to do illustrating the different layers and purposes of the atmosphere. Now more than ever it is so important that climate change be a focus. The current administration has rolled back many climate protections over the last 4 years and removed several regulations. With a new administration coming in, we have a chance to influence the direction of their new policies.
The issue of climate change is complicated and multifaceted. I think some climate concerns can be affected through social engagement, especially when it comes to changing public opinion and bringing public awareness. Other concerns definitely need to be addressed through political engagement though. We have learned over the last few decades, that many companies need the governmental oversight and regulations to make earth conscious choices.
To mobilize people within my identity circles I would encourage political engagement in my politically active groups and plan social engagement activities or buddies within my non-political circles. For mobilizing those I don’t share identities with, I would probably join a larger organization that was promoting advocacy and programs I align with and support their awareness campaigns.
Civic Engagement with Social Organizations
Greenpeace
Our mission: Greenpeace is a global, independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.
(Greenpeace, “About.”)
Issues Addressed
Saving the Artic
Protecting Forests
Fighting Global Warming
Protecting Our Oceans
Living Toxic-Free
Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
Defending Democracy
(Greenpeace, “What We’re Doing.”)
Population Served
Greenpeace is an international organization with issues being addressed on local, national, and international levels.
(Greenpeace, “About.”)
Engagement
The short answer is yes, I would engage with Greenpeace. I have participated in a their Friday livestreams, and will probably continue to engage with them.
Coral Reef Alliance
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is a non-profit, environmental NGO that is on a mission to save the world’s coral reefs. We work collaboratively with communities to reduce direct threats to reefs in ways that provide long-term benefits to people and wildlife. In parallel, CORAL is actively expanding the scientific understanding of how corals adapt to climate change and is applying this information to give reefs the best chance to thrive for generations to come. Our broad expertise uniquely positions us to rally the conservation community around scalable and effective solutions for coral reefs around the world.
(Coral Reef Alliance, “About Us.”)
Issues Addressed
Healthy Fisheries for Reefs
Clean Water for Reefs
Intact Reef Ecosystems
Science of Adaptation
(Coral Reef Alliance, “What We Do.”)
Population Served
Coral Reef Alliance is an international organization with issues being addressed at the regional and international levels.
(Coral Reef Alliance, “About Us.”)
Engagement
I tend to gravitate more to larger organizations that tend to have programs addressing more than one area of a concern. That said, several of my friends are very passionate about our oceans, so I may be able to convince them to volunteer together as a group.
Sierra Club
Sierra Club Mission Statement
To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild places of the earth; To practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; To educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment; and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.
(Sierra Club, “Chapter Mission, Vision, and Values.”)
Issues Addressed
Energy and Climate
Sustainable Communities
Parks and Open Space
Environmental Justice
Water
Wilderness and Wildlife
Elections
(Sierra Club, “Issues.”)
Population Served
Sierra Club is a national organization with local level chapters as well as national campaigns.
(Sierra Club, “About Us.”)
Engagement
Yes. I have already signed up for their next Sierra Student Coalition Zoom meeting.
My Visit to Organization #3
I chose to interact with the Sierra Club, since they were founded in and are still a big part of my local community- the San Francisco Bay Area. I was able to join a zoom meeting for new volunteers that went over what the Sierra Club does, and how we can get involved. They started with a standard ice breaker asking where everyone was joining from, then moved on to add an additional ice breaker once people started engaging, asking people if they were a dog person, a cat person, or a plant person. It was fun, and it felt like a step farther and a bit more personal than other large group ice breakers I have participated in.
The Sierra Club is involved in political lobbying for clean air, clean water, sustainable energy, and ending systemic racism. They achieve this through people powered organizing for local and federal elections, and they have also committed to an inclusive organizing practice. Though they tend to be focused on political engagement, it feels like there is also a level of social engagement as well. During non-pandemic times, they encourage involvement with the local chapters, even if you are volunteering for a national program. Local chapters offer get togethers to volunteer, as well as outdoor gatherings and outings such as hikes. They also do a lot of outreach with members and past volunteers to keep them updated and engaged in current programs and campaigns.
Sierra Club offers engagement through volunteering and membership, as well as offering employment opportunities. A few of the programs and campaigns that are currently active are the Ready for 100 Campaign, the Sierra Student Coalition, Volunteer Phone Banking, Training for Trainers, and Local Chapter programs.
References
Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/usa/wp-content/themes/greenpeace/img/svg/greenpeace-logo.svg. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“About.” Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/usa/about/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“What We’re Doing.” Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/usa/what-we-do/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
Coral Reef Alliance, www.coral.org/wp-content/themes/coral2019/images/coral_logo.png. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“About Us.” Coral Reef Alliance, www.coral.org/aboutus/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“What We Do.” Coral Reef Alliance, www.coral.org/what-we-do/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“Chapter Mission, Vision, and Values.” Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/chapter-mission-vision-values. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“Issues.” Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/issues. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“About Us.” Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org/about-sierra-club. Accessed 23 November 2020.
Group Mobilization and My Identity
My Identity & Communities
Climate change is a cause that is incredibly important to me. I still vividly remember the day in seventh grade Earth Science when I learned about the Greenhouse Gas Effect. The slides from the projector up on the pull-down screen are burned into my memory, as well as the project we had to do illustrating the different layers and purposes of the atmosphere. Now more than ever it is so important that climate change be a focus. The current administration has rolled back many climate protections over the last 4 years and removed several regulations. With a new administration coming in, we have a chance to influence the direction of their new policies.
The issue of climate change is complicated and multifaceted. I think some climate concerns can be affected through social engagement, especially when it comes to changing public opinion and bringing public awareness. Other concerns definitely need to be addressed through political engagement though. We have learned over the last few decades, that many companies need the governmental oversight and regulations to make earth conscious choices.
To mobilize people within my identity circles I would encourage political engagement in my politically active groups and plan social engagement activities or buddies within my non-political circles. For mobilizing those I don’t share identities with, I would probably join a larger organization that was promoting advocacy and programs I align with and support their awareness campaigns.
Civic Engagement with Social Organizations
Greenpeace
Issues Addressed
(Greenpeace, “What We’re Doing.”)
Population Served
Greenpeace is an international organization with issues being addressed on local, national, and international levels.
(Greenpeace, “About.”)
Engagement
The short answer is yes, I would engage with Greenpeace. I have participated in a their Friday livestreams, and will probably continue to engage with them.
Coral Reef Alliance
Issues Addressed
(Coral Reef Alliance, “What We Do.”)
Population Served
Coral Reef Alliance is an international organization with issues being addressed at the regional and international levels.
(Coral Reef Alliance, “About Us.”)
Engagement
I tend to gravitate more to larger organizations that tend to have programs addressing more than one area of a concern. That said, several of my friends are very passionate about our oceans, so I may be able to convince them to volunteer together as a group.
Sierra Club
Issues Addressed
(Sierra Club, “Issues.”)
Population Served
Sierra Club is a national organization with local level chapters as well as national campaigns.
(Sierra Club, “About Us.”)
Engagement
Yes. I have already signed up for their next Sierra Student Coalition Zoom meeting.
My Visit to Organization #3
I chose to interact with the Sierra Club, since they were founded in and are still a big part of my local community- the San Francisco Bay Area. I was able to join a zoom meeting for new volunteers that went over what the Sierra Club does, and how we can get involved. They started with a standard ice breaker asking where everyone was joining from, then moved on to add an additional ice breaker once people started engaging, asking people if they were a dog person, a cat person, or a plant person. It was fun, and it felt like a step farther and a bit more personal than other large group ice breakers I have participated in.
The Sierra Club is involved in political lobbying for clean air, clean water, sustainable energy, and ending systemic racism. They achieve this through people powered organizing for local and federal elections, and they have also committed to an inclusive organizing practice. Though they tend to be focused on political engagement, it feels like there is also a level of social engagement as well. During non-pandemic times, they encourage involvement with the local chapters, even if you are volunteering for a national program. Local chapters offer get togethers to volunteer, as well as outdoor gatherings and outings such as hikes. They also do a lot of outreach with members and past volunteers to keep them updated and engaged in current programs and campaigns.
Sierra Club offers engagement through volunteering and membership, as well as offering employment opportunities. A few of the programs and campaigns that are currently active are the Ready for 100 Campaign, the Sierra Student Coalition, Volunteer Phone Banking, Training for Trainers, and Local Chapter programs.
References
Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/usa/wp-content/themes/greenpeace/img/svg/greenpeace-logo.svg. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“About.” Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/usa/about/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“What We’re Doing.” Greenpeace, www.greenpeace.org/usa/what-we-do/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
Coral Reef Alliance, www.coral.org/wp-content/themes/coral2019/images/coral_logo.png. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“About Us.” Coral Reef Alliance, www.coral.org/aboutus/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“What We Do.” Coral Reef Alliance, www.coral.org/what-we-do/. Accessed 23 November 2020.
Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“Chapter Mission, Vision, and Values.” Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/chapter-mission-vision-values. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“Issues.” Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org/san-francisco-bay/issues. Accessed 23 November 2020.
“About Us.” Sierra Club, www.sierraclub.org/about-sierra-club. Accessed 23 November 2020.