The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is enrolling its Fall 2025 Climate Stewards certification course, designed to engage and empower Central Coast residents to take action on climate change.
The course will meet weekly via Zoom, Sept. 9-Oct. 28.
CEC is the first and only nonprofit in the region to deliver the Climate Stewards certification program in partnership with the UC Environmental Stewards program, and one of only a handful across the state.
“We need local climate leaders now more than ever,” said Kathi King, course instructor and CEC’s director of outreach and education. “The Climate Stewards course provides the perfect avenue for impassioned individuals to start making change in their community, workplace, or school.
“The course truly has something for everyone because anyone can propel the climate movement — students, nonprofit staff, entrepreneurs, retirees, teachers, community members.
“Our community holds immense power to create a groundswell of change, and our Climate Stewards program fosters the connection, confidence and inspiration needed to unleash it,” she said.
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, CEC said.
Each cohort consists of a diverse group of about 20 individuals, which provides ample opportunity to connect with other climate-interested individuals ready to take action together.
The course includes online modules, peer-to-peer discussions, and small group activities during virtual class sessions, and hands-on learning opportunities during in-person field trips, mostly on Saturdays.
Watch this webinar for more.
The course also includes a Stewardship Project that provides participants an opportunity to jump start a passion climate project. Previous projects have explored adding climate programs and messaging at foundations, large nonprofits, city governments and retirement communities.
After the course, a number of graduates have gone on to implement Stewardship Projects and climate action into their professional and volunteer efforts.
Lauri Kamiel, a two-time participant in the program, channeled her climate concern into two impactful Stewardship Projects.
For her first, she led a Firewise USA wildfire preparedness certification session for her HOA to promote safety and protect local tree canopy.
Her second project focused on waste reduction. She created a detailed, tailored recycling presentation that she hopes to refine in collaboration with Athens Waste and present to community groups.
“If I could take this course a third time, I would,” said Kamiel. “The support needed as we continue to move through a time of heightened climate anxiety is increasing.
“Being in a community of Climate Stewards provides much needed camaraderie and unity.”
The $350 course fee 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.
Learn more about CEC’s Climate Stewards program and sign up here.