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Climate Advocacy

Our members advocate for effective climate change legislation and policy.

The MIT Alumni for Climate Action group supports legislation establishing a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2050 or earlier and strong climate leaders to accomplish net-zero goals and other important climate policies. Our position is described at a high-level in MACA's Roadmap for Responding to Climate Change, which is being used to promote net-zero climate policies.

MACA Advocacy SOP

Connecting with Elected Officials in State and Local Government and other Local Action

1) Create a Google Alert

  • Set up an alert to catch local news and events related to environmental issues and the climate crisis (if you don't know how to set up a Google Alert, contact jgrace@alum.mit.edu).
  • Get up to date on local and state measures, discussions, plans, etc. for addressing the climate crisis

 

2) Reach out to your State Assembly Member and State Senator

  • Visit their websites to get a sense of their key priorities and where they stand on the climate crisis.
  • Send an email (through the official's website) introducing yourself as a resident and a member of MIT Alumni for Climate Action.
  • Request a meeting to discuss the climate crisis, climate legislation, or local efforts to address the climate crisis. If there is little or no activity on the climate front, then use the meeting to communicate the urgency of the situation. If there is engagement and support for climate action, discuss how you can help support the official's efforts.

 

3) Follow up on the meeting

  • Thank the official and staff for meeting with you.
  • Followup on conversation threads as appropriate – a productive discussion will result in some questions that you might need to research or some people for you to contact.
  • Stay connected, by sending updates with any new information or insights.

 

4) Connect with Local Climate Groups

 

5) Write position papers, Op-Eds, and letters to the editor

 

 

Advocacy videos
General audience 5-minute video on causes of and practical solutions to address climate change by John R. Dabels.

General audience 45-minute video on addressing climate change by John R. Dabels

Policy resources