What does it take to advance meaningful climate legislation? Constituents willing to share their support with elected representatives.

Helping make this kind of effective advocacy possible is one of the goals of World Renew’s Climate Witness Project. We’re committed to helping people of faith raise their voices on behalf of God’s creation and alongside neighbours around the world who are poor and vulnerable.

Preparing for Climate Advocacy

In one advocacy initiative, regional organizers across the United States brought together advocacy teams to conduct legislative meetings with their senators. Participants researched legislation and developed talking points in preparation for these conversations.

“We’re in desperate need of climate legislation at a federal level,” explained Allen Drew, a Climate Witness Project organizer based in the eastern United States. “Every vote in the US Senate really matters, so whatever we can do to tip that needle for healing for our planet.”

Drew’s sense of urgency reflects findings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which has repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events around the world. These findings reinforce the importance of public action and engagement with decision-makers.

Why Legislative Meetings Matter

Phone calls, letters, and meetings remain some of the most effective ways to influence lawmakers. Elected officials need to know which issues matter most to their constituents.

Chicago-area organizer Jay De Man was encouraged by the response from congressional staff members during one of these meetings.

“They were very receptive to both our message and the specific asks that we made and were thrilled to be collaborating. We’ll be following up in the future to work with them on specific projects.”

In California, regional organizer Donna Lee arranged meetings with Senators Padilla and Feinstein so that local advocates could communicate how climate change was affecting them personally. Lee commented:

“It’s supremely important for senators and their staffers to hear our voices as we speak to them about climate action and making their votes count for our shared goals. The folks on our calls spoke to the impact of these issues, and how they affect them personally. All of us have family members or friends who have been affected by wildfires, which in turn affect every aspect of life here.”

These conversations gave participants the opportunity to connect personal experiences with policy decisions, helping lawmakers better understand the realities their constituents face.

Building Long-Term Change

Legislative meetings are important for keeping lawmakers accountable, but they also help participants become more engaged and aware of their own responsibilities as citizens and advocates.

In Michigan, a group of college students involved with the Climate Witness Project met with staff from Senator Gary Peters’ West Michigan office. Before the meeting, the students attended a Faith in Action seminar that offered coaching on conducting legislative visits, crafting advocacy talking points, and communicating effectively with elected officials.

Following the experience, one participant decided she would continue advocating for just climate policies.

“I am excited to continue reaching out to members of Congress in Michigan.”

Clayton’s newfound determination was one of the goals of the Faith in Action advocacy training.

Grand Rapids-based organizer Steve Mulder was encouraged by the outcome of the meeting.

“I was so impressed by the young women’s research and presentations. And really, this is all about building relationships and having an ongoing conversation, so I was thrilled that these young activists want to continue the conversation [with their elected representatives].”

Advocacy is hard work. While some lawmakers respond positively, others may not be receptive or encouraging. Yet Drew reminded the Pennsylvania team why this work matters.

“We don’t do this work advocating on behalf of Jesus, on behalf of the poor and vulnerable because we expect to have success. We do it because it’s right and because it’s in line with the footsteps of Jesus. And if we do that, we trust that in some small way we’ll be participating in the work of God.”

The Climate Witness Project continues to offer opportunities for people of faith to advocate for environmental justice and climate action. By building relationships with elected representatives and speaking up for vulnerable communities, advocates can help shape a more just and sustainable future.

Do you want to get involved? Contact us today or explore our upcoming events to learn about ways you can make a difference.