The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is enrolling for the next session of its Climate Stewards certification course, designed to engage and empower individuals on the Central Coast to take action on climate change.
CEC is the only nonprofit in the region to deliver the Climate Stewards certification program in partnership with the UC Environmental Stewards program.
"Taking bold measures to stop the climate crisis requires all of us -- nonprofit leaders, professionals, recent college graduates, retirees, and community members -- to work together," said Kathi King, course instructor and CEC's director of Outreach and Education.
"Anyone can become a Climate Steward," she said. "So if you're interested in protecting the planet, we hope you'll sign up and join our growing network to engage in transformative local solutions to tackle climate change."
The Winter 2025 course will meet weekly, Jan. 28-March 18. Prospective participants are invited to sign up now online to join the next cohort of Climate Stewards.
Led by King, the eight-week program educates participants on the many ways they can engage in the work CEC and other groups are doing on the Central Coast to address and alleviate climate impacts.
For details about the Climate Stewards program, and what to expect, view this webinar.
Class sessions are held online via Zoom; the course also includes a few in-person field trips, mostly on Saturdays. Each cohort consists of a diverse group of about 20 individuals.
The course curriculum includes online modules, peer-to-peer discussions, small group activities, hands-on and inquiry-based activities, and experiential learning.
Participants will gain access to climate action resources and opportunities to join the movement - and will graduate with a better understanding of the psychology and science behind climate change, the tools necessary to forge greater community connections, and the knowledge to effectively communicate the climate crisis.
The curriculum includes a stewardship where participants can explore a passion project. Previous projects have succeeded in adding climate programs and messaging at foundations, large nonprofits, city governments, and retirement communities.
Many course graduates have gone on to integrate climate action into their professional and volunteer efforts.
"CEC's Climate Stewards program was transformative for both my personal and professional journey," shared Julie Schneiderman, Climate Steward alumnus and founder of EcoStiks. "It deepened my understanding of what it means to be an environmental steward, equipping me with actionable tools and insights to make a greater impact through my business.
"By connecting with a passionate and like-minded community, I gained invaluable partnerships and ideas that not only enriched my commitment to the planet but also empowered EcoStiks to grow as a business rooted in collaboration, creativity, and environmental responsibility."
The course fee is $350 and covers the cost of instructor time for classes and field trips, as well as UC Environmental Stewards program course fees. Scholarships are available for those who express financial need and no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.