top of page

Citizens' Climate Lobby - Kalamazoo Chapter

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change.

​

Our consistently respectful, nonpartisan approach to climate education is designed to create a broad, sustainable foundation for climate action across all geographic regions and political inclinations. By building upon shared values rather than partisan divides, and empowering our supporters to work in keeping with the concerns of their local communities, we work towards the adoption of fair, effective, and sustainable climate change solutions.

​

In order to generate the political will necessary for passage of the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act we train and support volunteers to build relationships with elected officials, the media and their local community.

Introduction to the Citizens' Climate Lobby Kalamazoo Chapter

Presentation by members of the CCL Kalamazoo

Chapter introducing CCL and our chapter.

What We Do - The Five Levers of Political Will

There are the five core activities that all Citizens’ Climate Lobby chapters use to engage volunteers constructively in the political process.

​

1. Lobbying Congress:

We train citizens how to lobby in support of our Carbon Fee and Dividend proposal by developing friendly relationships with our federally elected representatives. Lobbying is organized by Congressional District. The Kalamazoo Chapter is in the Michigan 6th Congressional District, currently represented by Cong. Fred Upton. We usually meet with Rep. Upton or his staff four times each year, twice in the local district office and twice in the Washington, DC office.

The Lobbying Experience

This video provides an overview of the Washington, DC lobbying experience during the 2019 National Conference, and prominently features the 2019 Kalamazoo lobby team members.

Due to the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemis, our 2020 meeting occured remotely via the Zoom converencing platfrom. Here is a picture of lobby team as we met with Fred Upton's legislative Director, Mark Ratner:

June 18 Lobby Meeting.JPG

2. Media relations:

We train citizens how to engage with and influence the media. We write letters to the editors and op-eds, meet with editorial boards and work to place stories in all forms of media.


3. Grassroots outreach:

We recruit and educate the public on climate solutions, citizen advocacy and how to participate with one’s government.


4. Grasstops engagement:

We seek to educate, build partnerships with and gain the support of community leaders and non-governmental organizations, both nationally and locally.


5. Group development & organizing:

It is through the growth and management of the local CCL group/chapter, that it becomes possible to push on the other four levers for building political will.

Kalamazoo Chapter Meetings

  • Chapter meetings occur on the second Saturday of each month.

  • In order to ensure safety of participants, meetings are currently done using the Zoom online conferencing application.

  • At 1:00 pm, everyone is encouraged to join the CCL National video conference.

  • The local chapter meeting immediately follows the end of the national call.

How to contact us

​

bottom of page