I wonder what people here think of ST, and if they recommend other approaches... In my experience, they're easy to join and start - and provide resources and angles that are palatable to some of my more conservative friends and family!
I volunteer with a community organizing group in a midwestern city that focuses on getting our city government to make (and act on) good climate policy. A lot of it is building community - rustling up your friends, neighbors, faith group, etc. and continually asking your local elected officials for something specific on climate (we have been focusing on increasing funding for existing programs). We've found it's a numbers-and-time game - the more people officials are hearing from over a longer course of time, the more likely they are to do something.
Hi Forrest, the broader coalition is called the Just Transition Fund coalition, but I specifically volunteer with Unidos. We don't have a big online presence but here's some more info: https://unidos-mn.org/minneapolis-climate-equity
As for takeaways - I'll reiterate that it's a numbers game. Utilities and businesses (i.e. the big emitters) have a lot of influence over city councils, so you need to fight their money with people numbers. Having your reps (elected and unelected) hearing from as many people as often as possible goes a long way. The other side of it is something out of my wheelhouse - staff members with the coalition organizations are the ones that develop specific asks for the city reps, usually around specific ordinance language and funding mechanisms. It's good to have someone involved who knows how that all works in your town.
I live in a small suburban town in NY. What can locals do at a small municipal level to advance climate policy?
Have you looked to see if there's a Strong Towns chapter near you? https://www.strongtowns.org/local
I wonder what people here think of ST, and if they recommend other approaches... In my experience, they're easy to join and start - and provide resources and angles that are palatable to some of my more conservative friends and family!
I volunteer with a community organizing group in a midwestern city that focuses on getting our city government to make (and act on) good climate policy. A lot of it is building community - rustling up your friends, neighbors, faith group, etc. and continually asking your local elected officials for something specific on climate (we have been focusing on increasing funding for existing programs). We've found it's a numbers-and-time game - the more people officials are hearing from over a longer course of time, the more likely they are to do something.
This sounds great! What's your group? I'd be interested to hear what you've learned and any takeaways to share.
Hi Forrest, the broader coalition is called the Just Transition Fund coalition, but I specifically volunteer with Unidos. We don't have a big online presence but here's some more info: https://unidos-mn.org/minneapolis-climate-equity
As for takeaways - I'll reiterate that it's a numbers game. Utilities and businesses (i.e. the big emitters) have a lot of influence over city councils, so you need to fight their money with people numbers. Having your reps (elected and unelected) hearing from as many people as often as possible goes a long way. The other side of it is something out of my wheelhouse - staff members with the coalition organizations are the ones that develop specific asks for the city reps, usually around specific ordinance language and funding mechanisms. It's good to have someone involved who knows how that all works in your town.