Our Work
Families for Climate mobilizes parents, kids, and families to take action for climate justice and a livable planet. We build collective power, knowledge and hope as we unite towards a vibrant future for all.
ABOUT US
Families for Climate is a grassroots non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. We are parents, guardians, educators, grandparents, kids of all ages, and families of many kinds and identities. We focus on local and state issues, seeking to restore balance to these lands in deep gratitude to the first peoples who cared for this place from time immemorial. "The Portland Metro area rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Wasco, Cowlitz, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Bands of Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River creating communities and summer encampments to harvest and use the plentiful natural resources of the area" (Portland Indian Leaders Roundtable).
We are working together to…
Educate families about policies and initiatives that promote climate solutions and advance climate justice - locally, regionally and nationally.
Elevate the voices of parents & children, building our collective power in the fight for our children’s future.
Engage young people in learning about climate change, environmental justice & advocacy. Inspire hope and sense of agency through shared action.
Make climate action accessible & inclusive for busy working parents, kids and families of all kinds, thereby engaging a large demographic that previously struggled to find their place & voice in climate organizing.
Center & support frontline communities in our advocacy and actions, applying a strong lens of anti-racism, equity and social justice to everything that we do.
Build community resilience and systems of mutual support as we face the climate crisis together.
OUR AREAS OF WORK
Policy & Advocacy
Parent Climate Advocacy Network (PCAN) members advocate for systems change, policy and other community-based solutions to slow climate change and advance environmental justice at the local, state and national levels. Learn more through our 2021 Action Resource pages and our YouTube channel.
Youth Engagement
We believe that multigenerational organizing helps kids know that us, grown-ups have their backs. And that a lifetime of advocacy starts with developing a love of nature and cooperation skills. We help young people learn about climate change, environmental justice and activism in age-appropriate ways, and inspire hope through community action. Recent youth engagement initiatives include:
Nature walks
Child-friendly actions & advocacy (sending beaver protection drawings & letters to President Biden)
Summer family bike rides
Past projects:
Climate Defender Kids Program
High School Environmental Leadership Program (right) now the Regenerative Gardening Project
‘Talking with Kids About Climate Change’ series (in partnership with Multnomah County Library)
Community Resilience & Movement Building
Finding time and space for activism & civic engagement can be a big challenge for busy parents and families, and parenting during a climate crisis has been emotionally difficult. Families for Climate organizes actions and resources that are accessible and supportive for busy parents and kids. We create spaces for emotional connection, and systems to mutually support each other in activism and parenting.