Citizens' Climate Lobby

Join Citizens' Climate Lobby and Resources for the Future for a learning series exploring what a decade of real-world carbon pricing can teach us and how that knowledge shapes stronger, more durable climate advocacy.  This session, led by RFF's Carbon Pricing Initiative Director Marc Hafstead covers the basics of carbon pricing to give a good grounding for those new to carbon pricing. For those already familiar with carbon pricing, you’ll see how researchers who have made substantial contributions to the field in the academic literature talk about it. The content will cover the textbook case for carbon pricing, insights from decades of data on the effects such policies have on emissions, and some of the key design elements policymakers need to consider when crafting a new policy.

Recognize the difference between “High Conflict” and “Good Conflict,” understand the emotional and social forces that fuel polarization, and practice strategies, such as curiosity, looping, and resisting the binary to help move conversations from division to dialogue. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (6:49) High Conflict vs. Good Conflict  (10:10) The Understory  (12:48) Conflict Entrepreneurs (19:30) Looping in Pairs (22:12) Debrief & Key Takeaways Presentation Slides:  https://cclusa.org/bridge-8-slides   Log your training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000EAkHYAW   CCL Community Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/BRIDGE/Unit-3/Training-2  

For the 2026 election season, the Election Engagement Action Team is focused on helping CCL volunteers take meaningful, nonpartisan action—connecting with candidates, supporting voter turnout, and strengthening grassroots engagement. Join this training to explore the three key areas that the team supports CCL volunteers and chapters stay engaged in meaningful action. Build relationships with candidates across the aisle. Engage early in primary and general election cycles to understand candidates’ priorities, share CCL’s approach, and lay the groundwork for future congressional relationships. Support voter turnout through trusted partners. Collaborate with groups like the Environmental Voter Project to help mobilize climate-concerned voters through phone banking and other outreach opportunities. Activate grassroots engagement through CCL-led efforts Empower volunteers to participate in nonpartisan activities like postcarding, voter research parties, and community outreach that strengthen civic participation and build political will for climate solutions. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:20) Why is CCL Engaging?  (8:00) Actions We’re Taking (10:30) Public Voter Outreach (16:35) Getting CCLers to Vote (27:11) Candidate Engagement Presentation Slides: http://cclusa.org/election-engagement-slides   Log Your Attendance: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000IDTRYA4   Election Engagement Action Team: https://cclusa.org/eeat 

Our August meeting, hosted by CCL Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Flannery Winchester, will debrief CCL’s 2026 Summer Conference and Lobby Day. From the impact and impression we made on Capitol Hill, to the insights and inspiration we got during conference programming — this call will catch you up on it all!  Skip ahead to the following section(s):  (0:00) Intro and Road Map  (4:22) Conference Recap  (20:10) Mindy Ahler's Reflections and First Time Lobbyists  (31:10) Volunteer Highlights  (33:23) August Action Sheet  (36:43) Inclusion Conference 2026  (41:19) Live Action  (46:50) BRIDGE Training  August Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet   Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1216233409   BRIDGE Training: https://cclusa.org/BRIDGE 

Learn the core mindset and tools of Motivational Interviewing from long time CCL leader John Sabin, including how to use OARS and listen for change talk so others discover their own reasons to support climate solutions. This training is being held before CCL's annual lobby day by request to help support all our volunteer leaders preparing for their meetings with Congress become more fluent with Motivational Interviewing approaches. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:36) Overview of MI (5:58) Reflective Listening Skills (15:09) Speaking Skills (19:55) Spirit of MI Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/BRIDGE-7-Slides   Log your training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000EAifYAG   CCL Community Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/BRIDGE/Unit-3/Training-1  

Join CCL's Vice President for Government Affairs Jennifer Tyler, Congressional Liaison Program Director Mindy Ahler, and Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli for a training that will review the updates and context for CCL's Summer 2026 Primary and Secondary Asks as well as guidance for lobby teams as they plan their in-person meetings. This is a recommended training for any CCL volunteer planning on being a part of their group's Summer 2026 Lobby Meeting (as well as the July 21 Lobby Training #2 - CCL's Lobby Plans and Q&A). Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:53) What’s happening in Congress? (6:58) Permitting Reform – Big & Urgent (13:35) Status of Permitting Negotiations (15:02) Permitting Reform Asks (26:11) Fix Our Forests Act (30:46) Forest Service Appropriations Q&A Discussion (https://vimeo.com/1210693212/1391680684 ) Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/summer-2026-training  Log Your Training:  https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000Arr3YAC    Permitting Reform Toolkit:  https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/permitting-reform-toolkit  

Permitting reform has emerged as the biggest and most important clean energy and climate policy area in the current session of Congress. But what are 'permitting' and 'permitting reform,' why does CCL consider it such an important climate solution, and what is the data underpinning that conclusion? Join CCL's VP of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler and Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli to learn the answers to these questions and why CCL is leaning into permitting reform as the key climate policy solution of 2026.   Skip ahead to the following section(s): (https://cclusa.org/permitting-reform-basics  Log your training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5y8X000000lMgKQAU  Training Topic: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/clean-energy-permitting-reform 

Passing federal climate legislation is extraordinarily difficult and understanding that reality helps us better appreciate the impact of effective advocacy. This training explores the complex ecosystem surrounding Congress: the legislative process, committee politics, bipartisan dynamics, competing lobbying interests, funding realities, and the many pathways organizations use to pursue climate solutions. Join CCL Policy Fellow and long-time leader Dr. Danny Richter for a behind-the-scenes look at how legislation actually moves (or doesn’t move) through Congress, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the persistence, relationship-building, and strategic timing required to create meaningful change. We’ll also examine where Citizens’ Climate Lobby fits within the broader climate movement and why CCL’s bipartisan, Congress-focused approach often succeeds despite operating with far fewer resources than many national organizations. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:29) By The Numbers (12:00) Time and Process (26:45) Other Lobbyists (34:00) The Ecosystem (44:16) Closing Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/foundations-of-celebration  Log Your Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000Hnh3YAC 

Practice assessing where your Member of Congress stands on one of policies CCL supports and choose a realistic next-step ask that strengthens trust and steadily builds political will over time. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:53) Support Scale Background (7:28) Purpose of the Support Scale (14:16) Connection to BRIDGE Trainings 4 and 5   (16:49) Understanding Each Support Scale Level (31:12) Stories and Examples of the Scale in Action (42:51) Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/BRIDGE-6-Slides    BRIDGE # 6 Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/BRIDGE/Unit-2/Training-3 Log Your Attendance: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000EAdpYAG  

Are you curious about what to expect about CCL's Summer 2026 Conference and Lobby Days or have a question about any final details? Join Alison Kubicsko, National Events Director and Mindy Ahler CCL Congressional Liaison Director for a final walk-through of the who, what, and where for CCL's Conference and Lobby Days to help you prepare for what to expect with the schedule, logistics, and details. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:46) Conference Details  (14:58) Lobby Day Logistics Presentation Slides: http://cclusa.org/lobby-conference-qa  Log your attendance: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5y8X0000005xWbQAI   Lobby Day Tool Kit: https://community.citizensclimate.org/lobby-meeting-toolkit  Preparing for the 2026 Lobby Day and Conference:  https://cclusa.org/preparing-for-lobby-day     

Tyson Bertone-Riggs has a diverse background in forest policy and conservation work with both field experience and policy expertise. Along with Annie Schmidt, he served as the staff co-lead for the congressionally chartered Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. Tyson’s past experience includes five years with the Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition as Executive Director and Policy Manager where he was responsible for coalition development, management, and political strategy. Tyson also brings experience working for state and federal forestry agencies, as well as having worked on state and local elections and in the U.S. Senate. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro and Highlights (7:44) Dana's Interview with Tyson Bertone-Riggs (41:00) June Action Sheet (44:47) Take Action (47:15) BRIDGE Exercise Register for Summer Conference: https://cclusa.org/summer  June Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet  Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/1200872923  Alliance for Wildfire Resilience: https://alliancewr.org/ 

Join CCL's Sr. Director of Field Operations Elli Sparks for a training that specifically addresses how to prepare yourself for a successful meeting with a member of Congress. You will learn about CCL's methodology, research tips, available tools, lobby meeting roles and parts, the value of practice, and the power of listening. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:29) Purpose of Citizen Lobbyist (5:55) Building Relationships (18:52) Lobby Team Roles (24:52) Meeting Outline Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/prepare-to-lobby   Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/events/item/24/21052  Log Your Training:  https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5y8X0000005xWOQAY  

This training is an expansion of BRIDGE Training 5: The Advocacy Detective and examines how Generative AI can be used to move beyond surface-level searches to better understand your Member of Congress, district dynamics, committee priorities, and trusted messengers. It covers practical prompting techniques, how to spot and reduce hallucinations, and the importance of verifying outputs. It also briefly discusses how CCL approaches AI through the lens of clean, reliable energy. The throughline is that Generative AI is an additional tool option to support advocacy, but it is not a replacement for the relationships at the heart of CCL's work. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (4:21) AI Background (10:50) Where AI Shines & Doesn't (19:44) Your Voice & Authenticity (27:17) Prompting Basics (32:14) Wrapping Up Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/ai-slides   CCL Training Event: https://community.citizensclimate.org/events/item/24/21050   Log Your Attendance: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000H5svYAC   Prompt Script: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VWoWUcnC1DA-Tbw5qe8StqKNrI_5i8JsVsX8HL8dXmY/edit?usp=sharing 

This final session in our permitting reform training series brings everything together with a focus on effective communication. We’ll recap key concepts across the major topics and highlight tailored messages that resonate with different audiences—including Republican and Democratic offices. Participants will learn how to confidently apply these messages to advance durable permitting solutions.  Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:34) Effective Permitting Conversations (4:10) Permitting Reform for Republicans (16:44) Permitting Reform for Democrats (30:13) Key Takeaways Training Slides: https://cclusa.org/permitting-messages-slides   Permitting Reform Trainings:  https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/clean-energy-permitting-reform   Log your training:  https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000GzqjYAC  

The Advocacy Detective is about becoming a more strategic, relational climate advocate by learning how to better understand the political world your Member of Congress operates within. Before we can effectively persuade, we first need to understand — their district, their pressures, their priorities, the language they use, and the communities they feel accountable to. In BRIDGE, we talk a lot about meeting people where they are. Tonight is about learning how to actually find where that is using practical research tools to understand your Member of Congress’s district realities, incentives, influencers, and language—so your outreach is specific, respectful, and strategically targeted. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:42) The Core Philosophy (10:38) Step 1: Congress.gov — Committee Power (16:42) Step 2: OpenSecrets.org — Donor Information (20:21) Step 3: MOC's Official Website (25:07) Step 4: Polling — Local Public Will (28:46) Step 5: Targeted News Search (34:36) Step 6: Cultural DNA of the District (38:17) Looking Ahead Tonight’s slides: https://cclusa.org/BRIDGE-5-Slides    BRIDGE # 5 Training Page: https://community.citizensclimate.org/BRIDGE/Unit-2/Training-2   Log Your Attendance: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000EAcDYAW  

This month, we're featuring Shane Londagin, Senior Policy Advisor for Energy and Climate for Sen. John Hickenlooper (CO), manages Senator Hickenlooper’s energy portfolio on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and supports the Senator’s leadership in bipartisan permitting reform negotiations, grid modernization efforts, and critical minerals policy.  (0:00) Intro and National Highlights (11:48) Local Highlights (12:44) Interview with Shane Londagin, Senior Policy Advisor for Energy and Climate for Sen. John Hickenlooper (CO) (39:40) May Action Sheet (41:56) Take Action (44:00) BRIDGE Exercise Register for Summer Conference: https://cclusa.org/summer  May Action Sheet: https://cclusa.org/actionsheet  Pre-Call Video: https://vimeo.com/1190540027  Permitting Reform Trainings: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/clean-energy-permitting-reform 

It's important for energy project developers to engage local communities in order to address any local concerns and adverse impacts that may arise from new infrastructure projects. Join CCL's VP of Government Affairs Jenn Tyler, Research Manager Dana Nuccitelli and Mindy Ahler Congressional Liaison Director to learn about how community engagement may be addressed in the permitting reform process, and key messages for congressional offices. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:48) Community Engagement Background (12:50) Recognition of its Importance (14:18) Engagement Policy Proposals (19:01) Key Messages Log Your Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000GcAzYAK   Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/community-engagement-slides   Training Page:  https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/clean-energy-permitting-reform 

This training walks you through the process of securing and delivering policy support from county commissioners on both sides of the aisle and provides specific examples of CCL volunteer success stories with community leaders in Montana. We’ll also talk about identifying and connecting with trusted messengers and why it’s effective and efficient to start with the ones in your direct network. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (3:18) What Is A Trusted Messenger? (4:25) Why County Commissioners? (12:48) How To Build A Strategy To Get Letters (20:00 ) Case Study: Montana (29:27) Taking Action Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/county-commissioner-slides    CCL Training Event: https://community.citizensclimate.org/events/item/24/20756  Trusted Messenger Letter Templates: https://community.citizensclimate.org/resources/item/19/201  Log Your Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5y8X0000005xY2QAI 

From a review of CCL's history to a focus on our shared work ahead, learn how climate progress becomes possible when your Member of Congress experiences Strong Conviction, Political Safety, Undeniable Support—and how your chapter’s actions intentionally build those conditions. Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (2:23) CCL's History (6:03) Theory of Change (13:26) Three Conditions (17:30) Name The Condition (29:36) Power vs. Force in Advocacy (33:14) Final Takeaways Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/BRIDGE-4-Slides     CCL Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/BRIDGE/Unit-2/Training-1  Log Your Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000EAabYAG 

Join CCL Communications & Media Manager Charlotte Ward for a training that will review CCL's Earth Month Media Opportunities available for CCL chapters and volunteers to boost awareness and engagement with climate solutions.  Skip ahead to the following section(s): (0:00) Intro & Agenda (1:00) Why Activate Local Media? (4:26) Letters to the Editor (7:56) Writing Op-Eds (11:51) Moral Foundations Application (20:24) Resources To Help You Presentation Slides: https://cclusa.org/earth-day-media-slides   CCL Training Event: https://community.citizensclimate.org/events/item/24/20755   Log Your Training: https://community.citizensclimate.org/log_training?sf_id=a5yUP000000AHfVYAW