Join CEC for A Year of Active Hope

At this pivotal moment for climate progress, community is our greatest strength. It’s time to come together to get inspired, spark joy, and take action for the future of our planet.

When climate challenges feel overwhelming, our most powerful response is connection — gathering in community, strengthening our resolve, and finding pathways forward together. Hope is something we must actively practice every day. That’s why the Community Environmental Council (CEC) invites you to join us for A Year of Active Hope.

This dynamic series of free events at our Environmental Hub (1219 State St., Santa Barbara) is designed to create space for imagining — and building — a more resilient climate future. Through community gatherings, we’ll offer programming centered around three core pillars:

Inspire
Film screenings, panel discussions, and conversations with environmental leaders that connect global challenges to real-world solutions and remind us what’s possible.

Spark Joy
Experiences that nourish the spirit and strengthen community — from music and mindfulness to repair workshops and regenerative food gatherings — because a thriving movement must also sustain the people within it.

Activate
Hands-on workshops, youth programs, and resource fairs that equip participants with the tools, skills, and confidence to become effective advocates for change.

Spring Events Lineup:

An Evening with Captain Charles Moore (Event Full – Waitlist Available)

Friday, February 20, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Film screening and Q&A with the oceanographer who discovered the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

Embodied Arts Workshop: Community Song Circle

Tuesday, February 24, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

An evening of music and joyful expression led by community song leader Heather Stevenson — no experience needed.

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Friday, March 6, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

A monthly gathering to connect with climate leaders, gain practical tools, and take meaningful local action. In March, we’ll hear from three local land trusts about conservation initiatives and how to get involved.

Spring Youth Climate Workshop

Saturday, March 7, 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Empowering students in grades 6–12 to build leadership skills and become confident climate changemakers. Participants will enjoy free snacks and earn community service hours.

An Evening of Wild Hope

Thursday, March 12, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Screenings of PBS’ Wild Hope, featuring urban biodiversity in Singapore and sea otter restoration in California. Local experts will provide context and insights on how these stories connect to Santa Barbara.

Repair Cafe

Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Bring your worn-out clothes, appliances, toys, electronics, bikes, or furniture, and a team of talented volunteer fixers will help you bring the item back to life.

Embodied Arts Workshop: 5Rhythms Experience

Tuesday, March 31, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

An empowering dance workshop led by 5Rhythms’ Kiaora Fox, who brings over 40 years of dance experience.

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Friday, April 3, 4:00–5:30 p.m.

In April, we’ll hear from Environmental Defense Center and Natural Resources Defense Council about efforts to form a new Marine Protected Area in Santa Barbara County.

The Invention of Infinite Growth Lecture

Thursday, April 9, 5:00–7:00 p.m.

In partnership with UC Santa Barbara, author Chris Jones will discuss his latest book, exploring how the relentless drive for economic growth is pushing ecological limits.

Non-Profit Office Space Available

Are you a non-profit looking for a downtown Santa Barbara office space? Located at 1219 State Street, this ground-floor office in the Community Environmental Council’s Environmental Hub is a vibrant, inspiring space for work and collaboration.

Become a Resilience Hub and Help Your Community Prepare for Disasters

The California Central Coast faces growing challenges from extreme heat, wildfire smoke, flooding, and poor air quality. Community resilience hubs — trusted local spaces like schools, libraries, community centers, and churches — can provide aid and resources before, during, and after these events. CEC can help activate your site to:

1. Provide clean air during smoke events

2. Act as cooling locations during extreme heat

3. Distribute food

4. Serve as an emergency shelter or hub for emergency services

5. Facilitate disaster preparedness training and neighborhood organizing

6. Host off-grid charging during power outages or shutdowns

Learn more about Community Resilience Hubs, take our short survey, and use our toolkit to get started today.

The event draws more than 30,000 attendees and 150+ eco-friendly exhibitors for a vibrant weekend jam packed with live music and speakers, CEC’s Environmental Hero Award ceremony, a robust Green Car Show, a plant-forward food court and beer garden, and family-friendly programming. Presented by the Community Environmental Council and CarpEvents. Learn more.

Register to exhibit.

Sign up to volunteer.

Become a sponsor.

Support Critical Work Like This

Recognized as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year and a City of Santa Barbara Climate Hero, CEC is led by CEO Sigrid Wright, 2022 Congressional Woman of the Year. See our most recent impact report to learn how we are serving California’s Central Coast by advancing rapid and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

Learn more about how you can invest in CEC’s work to accelerate regional climate solutions at cecsb.org/donate.