Photo: Courtesy of Creatives4Climate
Photo: Courtesy of Creatives4Climate
Parents can play a key role in pressing for action on climate change. They vote, they make household decisions as consumers, they’re key players in their local communities and they players in their local communities and they often hold power in their workplaces. Here are four key lessons we’ve learned as climate–parent organisers:
The climate crisis is often communicated in language that’s offputting to some audiences – either because it’s too scientifically complex, or because it comes across as strident. To inspire and motivate parents, tell personal stories using language that’s emotional, empowering and acronym-free. Focus on the need to protect our children’s health and their future.
A selfie of Mariana Menezes and her family at their first climate strike. It was one of the first posts for Familias pelo Clima, Brazil. The poster says: their future depends on what we do now! Photo: Courtesy of Mariana Menezes
Show ordinary people engaged in sustainable behaviours and solutions. This motivates others to adopt the same habits, and signals to policymakers that the public is ready for change.
Local community organiser brings the DearTomorrow storytelling project to the Saturday Night Market in order to engage families in discussions about the climate. Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Photo: Courtesy of Creatives4Climate
Organisers are most effective when they communicate directly with friends, family members and their own communities in a way that speaks directly to their identities and values. Create projects, actions and campaigns aimed at engaging other parents in your own neighbourhoods, schools, faith communities and workplaces.
Parents are busy! Hold meetings and other activities at times that work for caregivers. Avoid school pick-up hours, dinnertime and bedtime. Encourage parents to bring children with them to climate events. Provide snacks, games and fun activities; or organise at playgrounds and parks. Remember that some parents aren’t comfortable demonstrating in the streets. Offer actions that they can take at home, at their children’s schools, or in their communities.
See how we use your personal data by reading our privacy statement.
This information is for research purposes and will not be added to our mailing list or used to send you unsolicited mail unless you opt-in.
See how we use your personal data by reading our privacy statement.
