Connecting with the Eco-Community

Ever have a big dream to help nature but not know how to get started? Want to act but you don't know where?

Well, this is the post just for you!

I'm sure that whoever is reading this post is interested in slowing down climate change in some way, big or small, but other than simple lifestyle changes, it might be difficult to know what you can do to spread your voice and engage others in the movement.

Up till recently, actually, I didn't know how to act for the Earth in a larger scale either, other than lifestyle changes, once-in-a-while community engagements and writing this blog.

But now that I have gotten to know the contacts of like-minded people in this field, I found an easy answer to make change: interact with the eco-community.

For example, my mother, who works in a field related to climate change, has a contact with the leader of the One Climate Action organization based in France. She was able to connect her with my sister and I to work on an article writing project to spread awareness through stories and facts.

Moreover, near where I live, there was a family-friendly activity today I had the chance to participate in sponsored by Columbia University (fun fact: I really want to go to Columbia's Climate School in the future! What are your dreams? Comment below!), Cornell and other such collaborating organizations. We were able to seine for crabs and fish, have a conversation with pro-Earth individuals from these organizations and learn more, especially about climate change impacts on the ocean. We were also able to get the phone numbers from some of these amazing people.

This is what's called establishing connections: a core part of spreading climate awareness.

And it could start anywhere.

Some steps to do so are these:

1. Join some type of environmental club/organization within your town, school or workplace. If you go to school, for example, apply right away to your school's 'Go Green' club or donate to its Climate Funds. If you work at an office, research your company's core values and see if it has any programs for climate change you can participate in. If not, observe what other similar companies are doing for the environment and bring up your own ideas to the table on how to make it more sustainable. Even in your town, just research if there's a local environmental program that you could be a part of or even simply a cleanup. There, you can meet lots of people who might have more experience in the field or connections they can hook you up with to kickstart/further your eco-activism career.

2. Research other such organizations outside of your town. This way, you'll be able to make connections nationally and internationally, and become more informed about the problems all over the world and what solutions are being implemented. Knowing this, you can be inspired by/adapt worldly solutions to your local area and have solid relationships with those who might have stronger foundations in the topic or know of powerful people.

3. Talk to them and keep in touch. Keeping in touch after you've met strong connections is key to proving to them that you're interested and want to learn and act more. For instance, if you're a student, they could be a potential employer or have connections with your dream college that would help on your resume. If you find it hard to talk to others, don't worry because you're not alone: I definitely find myself to be socially anxious especially when I talk to others for the first time. But what I realize is that I'm usually anxious when I have to constantly think about what what I should say next or fear that I made a bad impression on someone. However, in this case, I seek comfort in the fact that I'm talking about something I'm interested in with people who think the same as well. This, along with writing and publishing (that can minimize in-person tension) can essentially decrease the stress and make it easier to communicate. Giving a text or an email once at least once in a month or two about if the other is doing well and inquiring about any opportunities can also strengthen your bond.

4. Appreciate them by giving credit and becoming part of their programs. To truly keep those connections for success in the future, make sure to keep your connections updated on achievements, work progress, and events you'd like for them to join. In the credits for an amazing awareness documentary you couldn't have created without them, add a 'special thanks' to them. Volunteer in or become a staff member/tutor/activist in their program. Doing these acts of kindness can show them that you care about them as much as they've cared about you, and will definitely help you in the long run. Now that you know these key tips, I hope that you'll consider reaching out to even your local library's 'Trees for Tots' teaching organization, because attending events and talking to/working with eco-individuals on an activity you like to pursue in climate awareness is definitely worthwhile. Whether that be tutoring, sustainable fashion, sustainable agriculture, urban planning or something else, communicating to those who have connections with organizations or people that will help you establish that dream will have a long-lasting impact.
   

Works Cited:

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