In this month’s episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, Eileen Flanagan, a writer, social change teacher, Quaker, and activist, dives deep with host Peterson Toscano into four different roles people have traditionally taken in change movements. In addition, Erica Valdez and Horace Mo join Peterson for a vibrant discussion about their personal experiences in taking one of these roles.
Finding Your Role
In Eileen Flanagan’s words, the four recurring roles in change movements include rebels, advocates, organizers, and helpers. One of the best ways to understand these four roles is through their different orientations. Eileen says, “The helpers’ orientation is: what can I do to improve things without messing with the system?” She mentions climate change helpers who take the initiative to help insulate houses or help put solar panels on a neighbor’s roof. A helper also prepares food for events, provides rides for volunteer lobbyists, and donates money to a climate organization.
Elieen further explains, “An advocate takes the role of trying to use the tools of the system to change things.” Advocates often capitalize on lobbying and lawsuits to convince elected officials and people in power to make decisions.
In contrast, Eileen points out,
Rebels use disruptive tactics. They don’t do letter writing; they don’t do lobbying. Instead, they protest of various kinds. In my tradition, we usually use nonviolent direct action, targeting a decision maker, maybe a corporation, and trying to get them to change a policy through consistent troublemaking.
Lastly, she shares, “Organizers are the trickiest because they can use different tactics. But what makes someone an organizer is they are oriented toward their group, toward their community.” She says, “The focus of the organizer is what will our group do.” She then talks about the Montgomery Bus Boycott, when Rosa Parks not only played the rebel role but was also an organizer.
Livehouse With Peterson, Horace, and Erica:
If you are unsure which role best suits you, listen to the conversation between Peterson, Horace, and Erica. They reflect on their experiences playing change movement roles in their community. Erica shares her experience working as an organizer on and off campus at her university. Her role has helped her realize the significance of team effort and mutual trust.
Horace speaks about volunteering to help a local, sustainable food organization hand out free vegan burgers to football attendants near a stadium. Being a helper opened him up to new ideas and further inspired him to continue such work.
Good News Story
Horace Mo in Chongqing shares a good news story about China’s new carbon trading regulations.
For China to regulate its National Emissions Trading System is a big step. Horace shares some of the details. The Chinese carbon trading regulation will go into effect starting May 1, 2024. Learn more about China’s ETS from the International Carbon Action Partnership.
If you have a good news story to share, email radio @ citizensclimateradio.org or leave a message at our visiting voicemail line: (619) 512-9646
Nerd Corner
Citizens’ Climate’s Research Coordinator, Dana Nuccitelli, discusses the very geeky world of permitting reform. Dana highlights climate research (and makes it understandable) for fellow nerds and the nerd curious! Visit The Nerd Corner to see the Chart of the Week, regular posts, and an active forum to connect with other nerds.
Take a Meaningful Next Step
Each month, we will suggest meaningful, achievable, and measurable next steps for you to consider. We recognize that action is an antidote to despair. If you need help with what you can do, consider one of the following next steps.
Since the episode covered the topics of our role in the climate movement, you can take one of these online quizzes to learn more about yourself and your place in the world.
1. Podcast Engagement
- We would love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences of taking one of the change movement roles! You are welcome to email us at radio @ citizensclimatelobby.org, or even join and chat with us on the show! You can also leave a voice mail (619) 512-9646.
- Please share our show on your social media and with your friends. If you listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, we would LOVE a review.
2. Read More About Eileen Flanagan
- If you ever want to learn more about the four roles discussed by Eileen Flanagan, you can visit her website, ElieenFlanagan.com, to learn about her published books, online lessons, and informative writings.
3. Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement (For College Students)
- Explore the Carbon Fee and Dividend movement, which advocates for effective climate policies. They creatively engage college students, faculty, and staff in their campaigns. This movement also facilitates direct connections with lawmakers
- Utilize the hashtag #carbonfeeanddividend on social media.
- Learn more at CFDmovement.com and follow them on Instagram @carbonfeeanddividend.
4. Citizens’ Climate Lobby National Youth Action Team (For Middle and High School Students)
- Students can get involved with the CCL National Youth Action Team. Participate in initiatives such as the Great School Electrification Challenge.
- Visit Youth.CitizensClimatelobby.org to learn more, and follow them on Instagram @CitizensClimateYouth.
5. Additional Climate Action Resource (For anyone at any time)
- For those seeking more ways to take action and potentially find one of their change movement roles, you can explore the action page at CCLusa.org/action.
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