Sliced: How to Volunteer for the Planet and Communities

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All the recent protests in Los Angeles have taken me back to my early days of getting involved in climate action, around nine years ago, when I went through a Climate Reality training and started showing up to strikes and marches across the city.

Back then, the crowds were holding signs about fossil fuels, pipelines, and clean air. This past weekend, the rallies in LA were focused on immigration and a wanna-be king. The Trump administration is once again testing the limits of its power, escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric and enabling federal overreach through various agencies.

But even if the signs have changed, the struggles are connected. Climate change and migration are deeply linked – more frequent droughts, floods, and extreme heat are already displacing millions of people around the world. Watching these protests unfold reminded me that the fight for climate justice is also a fight for human rights, and that we all have a role to play.

Getting involved can feel overwhelming, especially with the scale of the crisis and the endless list of causes demanding our attention. But the truth is, there are more ways than ever to act, no matter where you live or how much time you have. Whether you’re in a major city or a rural town, whether you prefer in-person organizing or online engagement, there’s a path for you into the climate movement.

One of the most meaningful places to start is in your own community. Local volunteering might mean helping with a park cleanup, planting trees, organizing a recycling drive, or joining a climate-focused neighborhood group. You could also volunteer at a community garden, host a documentary screening, or support a local wildlife nonprofit. These grassroots efforts build both resilience and connection. If you’re looking for ideas, this list of simple ways to volunteer is a great place to start.

At the same time, getting involved in national or global climate organizations can help scale your impact. Groups like The Climate Reality Project offer opportunities to take part in trainings, join digital campaigns, and connect with a wide network of activists around the world. It’s a powerful way to feel part of something bigger and contribute to coordinated actions that push for real policy change.

For those who live outside of big cities, or just prefer to take action from home, virtual volunteering has opened up a whole new set of possibilities. Platforms like ClimateVolunteering.com make it easy to find remote roles aligned with your skills and interests.

One organization that had a big impact on me personally is The Climate Reality Project. Their training was my on-ramp into climate organizing, and they continue to offer a range of ways to get involved, from digital advocacy and campaign support to event planning and educational outreach. Their global network helps keep the momentum going long after the training ends.

Two other groups doing important work are The Climate Mobilization and the Sunrise Movement. The Climate Mobilization supports local campaigns aimed at declaring climate emergencies and pushing for rapid decarbonization. Sunrise is a youth-led movement fighting for bold climate policy and environmental justice. You can join local hubs, take part in direct actions, or support digital organizing from wherever you are.

There are plenty of other ways to contribute as well. Citizens’ Climate Lobby trains volunteers to engage in grassroots lobbying, media outreach, and public education. The Climate Coalition offers flexible remote roles that support campaigns and community groups. And if you’re looking to take your efforts abroad, IVHQ’s climate action programs might be worth exploring.

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved (or re-involved) there’s no better time. The climate crisis touches everything, and every effort matters. Whether your first step is local or virtual, small or bold, it’s a way of saying – I’m part of this. I care. And I’m not sitting this one out.

Interested in connecting with us on climate finance, impact investment, climate solutions strategy, or carbon credit development and commercialization? Book a 30-minute conversation with Gordian Knot Strategies here to discuss how we can support your goals.

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