The League believes that global climate change is the most serious environmental challenge of our time and that aggressive action is needed if we are to avoid irrevocable damage to our planet. An advocate of strong U.S. action to reduce the threat of global warming since the 1990s, the League has made global climate change an action priority since 2006.
But it will take action from individuals and government at every level -- local, state, national, and international -- to avert dangerous climate change. And every League has an important role to play in this effort. By raising public awareness of the causes and likely impacts of climate change, by helping citizens learn what they can do to curb global warming, and by building broad support for effective climate solutions, local and state Leagues can help put our country -- and our planet -- on the path to a sustainable future.
Whether you focus on educating and empowering the members of your League or you broaden your outreach to other organizations in your community, there are many things your League can do to help build the momentum for climate solutions.
Climate change column in your Voter. Raise members' awareness of climate change and what they can do about it with a regular column in your Voter. Feature energy-saving tips, action alerts on climate and energy legislation, new findings from climate scientists, and information about "green" events in your community.
What climate impacts are projected for our community?
How can we prepare for these projected impacts?
What is my carbon footprint and what will I do to reduce it?
What energy savings programs do our utility companies offer?
Who is working on climate change in our community and what are they doing?
Informational meeting for your members. Present a program on climate change for your members. (Review Preparing for a Meeting on Climate Change in this toolkit for suggestions.) Be sure to include information about League positions and action on global climate change.
EcoTeam. Members of your League might be interested in supporting each other in going on a Low Carbon DIet: A 30-Day Program to Lose 5000 Pounds. An illustrated workbook is available to walk team members through a step-by-step process to dramatically reduce their carbon footprints.
Community forum. Sponsor -- or better still, co-sponsor -- a goal-oriented community meeting on climate change. Provide an opportunity for audience members to discuss solutions -- what they as individuals, and what all of you as a community, can do.
Earth Hour, a global movement that encourages individuals, businesses, and governments to celebrate their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour. Earth Hour is held from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time on a Saturday in late March. Next date: March 28, 2015.
initiating or supporting "green" policy initiatives in your community, such as stronger building and energy codes, smart land use, and enhanced public transportation.
Even a small group can make a big difference. Take a look at the LWVUS document Streamlining Local League Advocacy for easy-to-follow best practices for moving an idea into action.