The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is now enrolling for the next session of its Climate Stewards certification course, designed to engage and empower any individual on the Central Coast to take action on climate change.
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.
“Taking bold measures to stop the climate crisis requires all of us – nonprofit leaders, professionals, recent college graduates, retirees, and community members – to work together,” said Kathi King, course instructor and CEC’s director of Outreach and Education.
“Anyone can become a climate steward,” she said. “So if you’re interested in protecting the planet, we hope you’ll sign up and join our growing network to engage in transformative local solutions to tackle climate change.”
The winter 2025 course will meet weekly Jan. 28-March 18. Prospective participants are invited to sign up now online to join the next cohort of climate stewards.
Led by King, the eight-week program educates participants on the many ways they can engage in the transformative work CEC and other groups are doing on the Central Coast to address and alleviate climate impacts.
For more details about the Climate Stewards program, and what to expect, view a webinar at https://cecsb.org/blog/cec-climate-stewards-local-activists-creating-waves-of-action-atw8f.
Class sessions are held online via Zoom, and include a few in-person field trips, mostly on Saturdays. Each cohort consists of a diverse group of about 20 individuals.
The course curriculum includes online modules, peer-to-peer discussions, small-group activities, hands-on and inquiry-based activities, and experiential learning.
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, according to the CEC.
The curriculum also includes a stewardship project that provides participants an opportunity to explore a passion project. Previous projects have succeeded in adding climate programs and messaging at foundations, large nonprofits, city governments and retirement communities.
Some course graduates have gone on to integrate climate action into their professional and volunteer efforts.
“CEC’s Climate Stewards program was transformative for both my personal and professional journey,” said Julie Schneiderman, Climate Steward alumnus and founder of EcoStiks.
“It deepened my understanding of what it means to be an environmental steward, equipping me with actionable tools and insights to make a greater impact through my business,” she said
“By connecting with a passionate and like-minded community, I gained invaluable partnerships and ideas that not only enriched my commitment to the planet but also empowered EcoStiks to grow as a business rooted in collaboration, creativity, and environmental responsibility,” Schneiderman said.
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 at cecsb.org/climate-stewards. For more about CEC, visit CECSB.org.