Build unlikely alliances – for example, engaging faith groups, national security voices (military sees climate as a threat multiplier), and businesses that favor climate action.
Build unlikely alliances – for example, engaging faith groups, national security voices (military sees climate as a threat multiplier), and businesses that favor climate action (many corporations have 100% renewable pledges). Use these coalitions to run public campaigns and lobby officials.
Why this works
- Depoliticizes climate by showing broad societal support beyond environmentalists; localizes the issue (farmers for climate action, doctors for climate health, etc.).
Sierra Club
AdvocacyExploring, enjoying, and protecting the planet
The Sierra Club, founded in 1892 by John Muir, is one of the oldest and largest grassroots environmental organizations in the U.S. With chapters in every state, the Sierra Club engages in a range of activities to protect the environment: it lobbies for strong environmental legislation (from climate action to wildlife protection), runs grassroots campaigns to move beyond fossil fuels, leads outdoor outings to connect people with nature, and occasionally takes legal action to enforce environmental laws. The Sierra Club also has an active political program endorsing and campaigning for pro-environment candidates through its PAC.
Mechanism
About GrassrootsHow Sierra Club uses funding
- Recruit and align messengers who can speak to climate risk and solutions from multiple values and sectors.
- Train leaders and partners to run sustained engagement, not one-off moments.
- Plan coordinated actions and outreach that match key votes, hearings, and rulemaking windows.
- Build coalitions that connect local impacts to national policy choices.
- Convert pressure into outcomes by tracking commitments and escalating when officials stall.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Messenger map and coalition plan set
Near termPriority partners and a shared narrative are aligned to a clear objective.
- 2
Local engagement cadence established
Early organizingRegular outreach, events, and coordination sustain momentum.
- 3
Decision-window actions delivered
During key momentsCoalition pressure is visible in hearings, votes, or rulemaking engagement.
- 4
Commitments tracked and defended
OngoingPublic commitments hold and coalition support prevents backsliding.