Community Environmental Council (CEC) — Last Chance to Register: CEC’s Climate Stewards Course

Now is the time to join forces for climate action.

CEC’s next Climate Stewards Course Begins on January 28.

When climate disasters strike, knowing how to help impacted communities and habitats can be daunting. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program equips you with the knowledge to take climate action and connects you with a network of local activists working to promote community recovery and resilience.

Taking bold measures to stop the climate crisis requires all of us—non-profit leaders, professionals, recent college graduates, retirees, and community members—to work together. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification program is designed to provide participants with the tools needed to take individual and collective action that makes an impact.

The next cohort starts on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Secure your spot today!

When you join our Climate Stewards Certification Program, you:

  • Gain access to climate action resources and opportunities to join the movement
  • Learn the psychology and science behind climate change
  • Forge greater community connections
  • Join a supportive community of climate steward alumni who continue to share knowledge and expand climate action together long after the course is complete

Anyone can be a Climate Steward!

Gunnar’s role as a political staffer impacts the entire State of California, but is shaped by the issues affecting the 37th Assembly District, which spans all of Santa Barbara County and the southernmost portion of San Luis Obispo County. Gunnar is a liaison between constituents and the state, helping individuals access resources and ensuring their voices are heard. Staying informed about regional environmental issues is a key part of his work, allowing him to brief Assemblymember Hart effectively and collaborate with local stakeholders to safeguard and support the community. Because of the Climate Stewards course, Gunnar was able to connect with community members, develop effective communication skills around climate change, and feel more empowered to drive meaningful change.

Course Information

Next Cohort Winter 2025, January 28 – March 18

Format Online classes via Zoom + in-person field trips

Frequency Classes on Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. PST; 3-4 field trips on weekends: two hours plus travel time

Cost $350; A limited number of full and partial scholarships are available for those who express financial need. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Instructor Kathi King

Teaching Assistant Arya Nantarajan

 

Save the Date!

CEC’s Youth Climate Workshop

Do you know a middle school or high school student interested in taking bold climate action? Students (grades 6-12) who want to save our planet from climate change are invited to the Community Environmental Council’s next Youth Climate Workshop! This workshop in Downtown Santa Barbara will focus on the impacts of the fashion industry. Attendees will meet experts, participate in activities, and learn about how we can reduce consumption and care for our clothes in eco-friendly ways.

When: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m, Saturday, March 1, 2025

Where: CEC’s Environmental Hub, 1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Cost: FREE and includes snacks

What You’ll Get: Community service hours, connections with other local climate-interested youth, and a fun and informative afternoon.

Participants under 18 years of age must complete this permission slip to attend. Email a completed permission slip to kking@cecmail.org or bring a printed copy to the event.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 805-730-0202 or kking@cecmail.org.

AVAILABLE NOW:

Newly Renovated Open-Plan Office Space at CEC’s Environmental Hub

Located at 1219 State Street, this prime location 1,850-square-foot unfurnished second-floor office features a dedicated entrance from State Street, state-of-the-art green building features, private kitchen and restroom facilities, adjacent city lot with ample parking, and discounted event and meeting space. Second floor windows offer views of the iconic Granada Theater and 1200 block of State Street’s historic ARTS District. Non-profit tenant preferred. Competitive rates.

To learn more and view the space, contact:

The Miramar Group

Geoffrey Carter

geoffrey@miramarsb.com

(805) 233-7988

Other Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival

Saturday-Sunday, April 26-27, 2025

Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara

Now in its 55th year, the Santa Barbara Earth Day Festival is one of the longest-running Earth Day celebrations in the country and is one of the largest Earth Day festivals on the West Coast. Presented by the Community Environmental Council and CarpEvents. Registration is open for vendors, sponsors, and volunteers. Learn more.

Community Voices Wanted: Join Our Committee!

The Santa Barbara County Regional Climate Collaborative is looking for three community members to join the Coordinating Committee for the Guadalupe-Lompoc Climate Action Initiative (GLI). The GLI is a multi-year collaborative effort that supports community-serving organizations and local governments across Santa Barbara County with capacity building, planning, project development, and community engagement so they can address air quality, extreme heat, water supply, food security, and wildfire risk. If you live or work in or around Guadalupe or Lompoc, this is your chance to support meaningful local climate action! Learn more here.

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.