Community is climate action
In the face of complex environmental and social issues in an ever-changing world, we need to rise up and work together to care for ourselves, our neighbours and our communities.
Welcome to the Climate Leadership Badge!
As the seventh badge in the HalifACT Climate Commitment Badge program, the Climate Leadership Badge is an invitation to take a leading role on climate issues in your community – whether you’re a seasoned organizer or someone interested in stepping up in a new way.
How can I earn my Climate Leadership badge?
There are three main pillars of climate leadership, and you can earn your badge by taking action in one (or more) of these areas. Feel free to explore them in the order listed here, or in any order you choose. Expand the sections below to read about each pillar.
Starting a climate initiative
Do you see injustice in your neighbourhood and want to speak out about it? Are you nervous about the next extreme weather event and want to connect with your neighbours to be more prepared together?
Starting a climate initiative doesn’t need to be a huge undertaking. It can be anything, from leading a climate connections study group to maintaining a free food pantry on your street.
Become a climate volunteer
Many nonprofit organizations and grassroots initiatives are looking for more support in the amazing climate work they do.
Being a climate volunteer could mean volunteering directly with an environmental organization, but it isn’t limited to tree planting and neighbourhood litter cleanups. It can be volunteering that supports affordable housing, access to healthcare, food security, or other vital resources.
Level up your skills
Have you ever sat in a meeting where nothing gets accomplished? Or had a conflict with a fellow group member? Or are you thinking about organizing around a certain issue, but you don’t know how to build a strategy?
Whether you’re brand new to community work, or you've been active in organizing for many years, we can all grow and hone our skills to better serve our community.
What is a climate issue?
Climate change affects just about everything, from our food to our health, our safety and more. And since just about everything we do has an impact on climate, there are many ways to make a difference. Read about just a few examples:
Learn More
- Community-building initiatives that help neighbours get to know each other can help create the strong social networks that we depend on in emergencies.
- Advocating for affordable housing and affordable energy can help people be safe in extreme heat and other extreme weather events.
- Creating new systems for food security and sharing resources in our communities will help make sure that no one is left behind when food becomes unstable.
- Learning and taking actions together helps us build our collective ability to organize around whatever our community’s needs might be.
And those are just a few examples!
As part of the Leadership badge, we are offering the following workshops and events for free:
Launch Event: Climate Action Volunteer Fair
On Sunday, March 29, from 12 to 5 p.m, join us along with numerous nonprofit organizations, community groups and more to discover climate volunteering opportunities for everyone. Click here to learn more.
Community Soup & Share for Neighbourhood Climate Action
Do you wish you had more meaningful connections with other people in your neighbourhood and broader community?
Do you like bringing people together to eat, make, learn and share together?
Are you concerned about community emergency preparedness, food security, affordable housing, clean air and water and other climate issues?
Join us for a Community Soup & Share and learn about small or big actions that you can take to make a difference in your community!
Dates and locations
- Spryfield: Saturday, April 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Emmanuel Anglican Church – Parish Hall (322 Herring Cove Road) - Dartmouth: Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. 2 p.m.
Location: Christ Church Dartmouth – Lower Hall (61 Dundas Street)
See the event page for more details and to register!
How to Talk About Climate Change
... and why it's important.
Surveys show that the majority of people worldwide are concerned about climate change, but most of us do not talk about climate change with others. And that's a problem! Climate silence fuels inaction — and we need action now, more than ever.
But how do we bring up this complicated topic? How do we stay grounded? What if we don't have the technical language to talk about climate change?
In this practical workshop hosted by EAC community climate navigator Kate Brooks, you'll learn
- how (and why) to talk about climate change in your everyday life
- how to find connection and create a supportive conversation space
- how to lead with curiosity and avoid getting triggered
- how to make climate conversations a part of your climate action toolkit
Interested in having a How to Talk About Climate Change workshop in your own neighbourhood? Email brandy.rivers@ecologyaction.ca
Climate Resilience Leadership Journey
Note: Applications are now closed.
This nine-month cohort program is for community leaders, connectors and hosts who want to deepen their leadership practice around climate issues in their communities. Participants will:
• practice navigating climate challenges with peers
• strengthen resilience and learn practical skills
• engage groups with confidence and creativity
This program is facilitated by How We Thrive. There is no fee, but space is limited to 25 people.
Want to receive updates on the Climate Leadership Badge program?
Are you interested in taking climate action to your neighbourhood? Fill out the form below to stay up to date with the Climate Leadership Badge!