Through conversations I’ve had with people around the issue of Climate Crisis, I’ve learned not only how concerned people are for the future, but also how hard it can be - in the face of such a global catastrophe - to know what to do about it. This has certainly been true for myself, especially because I don’t have a history or habit of getting involved in collective political action. However, recently I have been asking myself two questions:

1. What does meaningful action look like?

2. Where can I put my body and time to affect meaningful change?

I’ve been thinking that meaningful action looks like people gathering together to make their voices heard. The best thing I can do with my body and time is to show up for local organizations that are working on issues related to Climate Crisis, Environmental Justice, and Just Transition.

We can fight this global Climate Crisis is by showing up with our local communities. Sign up for the mailing lists of your local climate organizations and start showing up for meetings, events or actions. Your presence is meaningful and together we can make real, significant, and existential change. We have 20 years to decarbonize our energy systems in order to avoid the worst case scenarios for this catastrophe. Let’s fight like our lives depend on it.

— RGC, February 2020

Here is an (incomplete) list of organizations you can check out. If you are part of an organization or group and would like to be added to the list, please email us and we’ll be happy to include you here.

(inter)National organizations that have local groups:

350.org 350 is an international organization working towards a fossil fuel free future. Their website is a great way to find local 350 groups who fight on the local level to move own communities towards renewable energy sources.

Sunrise Movement Sunrise Movement is a youth lead movement that has been advocating for implementation of a Green New Deal and energizing electoral environmental politics. Their website is a good place to find your local Sunrise Hub.

Extinction Rebellion Extinction Rebellion is a hyper local, very decentralized movement that focuses on the importance of non violence civil disobedience as a tool to raise alarm around the Climate Crisis. Join a local hub or start your own!

new york city and state organizations to get involved with:

Sane Energy Project Sane Energy Project’s primary mission is to “hasten a rapid and just transition to renewable energy.” They were instrumental in the state’s ban on fracking and are continuing to fight fossil fuel infrastructure in New York City and State. Currently engaged with fighting the National Grid North Brooklyn Natural Gas Pipeline

WE ACT WE ACT fights for environmental justice in low income communities of color. They work on the public policy level to promote climate justice, clean air, sustainable and equitable development and land use, and healthy homes.

NY Renews NY Renews is the coalition behind the passing of the groundbreaking Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which legislates that New York State reduce carbon emissions by 85% and be completely carbon neutral by 2050. They are now working to make sure the law is implemented and are also trying to pass a Just Transition bill.

350 Brooklyn 350 Brooklyn is a great way to get involved with local actions to reverse climate change and advocated for climate justice. They have a monthly meeting on the 2nd Thursday of every month, and on their website you can find a lot of local actions and events planned for the next couple of months.

Uprose Uprose is a local climate justice organization in Sunset Park working to build community resilience in the face of Climate Crisis and community momentum for a just transition. They host weekly learning workshops on a variety of climate justice topics.

Extinction Rebellion NYC NYC’s Extinction Rebellion hub. Monthly meetings and gatherings, a lot of ways to get involved in non violent direct action.