In recent years, the landscape of climate and environmental justice has shifted significantly. It’s no longer just about reducing carbon emissions—it’s about addressing the social impacts of climate change, such as immigration, housing, public health, and economic justice… and healing ourselves and our communities as we experience the impacts of a changing world. At Climate Action Families, we’ve evolved our approach to meet this reality, helping young people understand the full breadth and diversity of climate work, supporting them in finding the parts that bring them the most joy and sense of reward and being a community of understanding allies on this journey.
From Fear to Empowerment
Climate education can leave young people feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the crisis, and most adults also struggle with this. However, research shows the best way to address climate fear and anxiety is through community and action. That’s why we’ve shifted from a narrative of overwhelming impacts to one centered on empowerment, belonging, and long-term engagement.
We do not frame climate action as a singular, urgent task that must be solved immediately—it is not fair to saddle anyone with that burden. Instead, we emphasize that climate action is an ongoing, multifaceted effort requiring sustained engagement and leadership from various angles—whether through creative expression, policy advocacy, or community organizing. This shift allows young people to see that real change doesn’t happen through isolated, one-time actions but through sustained collaboration and growth over time.
This doesn’t mean the situation isn’t urgent because it is. And it doesn’t mean the mountains we need to climb aren’t tall, because they are. But through our work, we share that we all need to be strong and nurture ourselves for this journey. We need to be welcoming and inclusive so we don’t have to carry this burden alone. The more people involved, the more we can specialize in the parts we do best, bringing us joy, which will make the changes stronger and more profound.
Teaching Leadership Beyond the Spotlight
The heart of our approach is helping young people recognize their leadership capacity. When we talk about leadership, we don’t mean being out in front all the time. Leadership, as we define it, is about setting an example, being inclusive, and helping everyone find their best role, thus strengthening the entire movement. This might mean being a reliable supporter, inviting others into the work, or simply holding space for others to shine.
By reframing leadership this way, we show young people that they don’t have to fit a traditional model to make a difference. Effective leadership can be quiet, steady, and behind the scenes. It’s about ensuring everyone has a role, feels valued, and helps make the movement stronger and more resilient. It is often about being the vision-holder and compass reader and using the softer skills to shape our direction.
We also take a long-term approach to climate action. Our gatherings introduce young people to the concept of “ladders of engagement,” where they can start small and deepen their involvement over time. This means that wherever someone begins—whether by attending one workshop, joining an affinity group, or participating in community action—they can see paths for increasing their participation in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Living Our Values Through Programs
A crucial part of our work is modeling the values we teach. In our programs, we don’t just talk about inclusion, equity, and collaboration—we practice them. We create environments where everyone’s voice is heard and projects are tackled collectively. Our programs prepare young people not only to take action but to lead with compassion, inclusivity, and a deep sense of responsibility for everyone in their community.
An Ecosystem of Climate Action
Finally, we help young people understand that climate action isn’t just one thing—it’s an ecosystem of change pathways. Every type of work is important, whether writing songs to inspire others, lobbying legislators for policy change, or building community gardens. We guide them to find the pathways that feel right for them, leverage their strengths, and understand how each of their contributions ripples out into the larger movement.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we continue to expand our program offerings, with more workshops planned for the year and an afterschool program launching in 2025. We’re excited to help young people, their families, and allies across generations come together to transform our world faster than ever before. By joining forces, finding joy in our work, and staying committed, we believe we can create lasting, meaningful change.
