Our future depends on leaders like you.

There’s still time to join CEC’s next Climate Stewards cohort starting September 9!

You’re not the only one ready to take action for our planet’s future — and you don’t have to do it alone. CEC’s Climate Stewards certification course equips everyday people with the knowledge, tools, and network of activists to lead equitable climate solutions right where they live.

This is your chance to find your place in the climate movement. Through the 8-week course, you’ll explore the science and psychology of climate change, participate in hands-on field trips, and design a custom Stewardship Project that’s meaningful to you and supports climate resilience.

Our climate and communities need your help.

Now is the time to move from awareness to action.

Are you in?

Join our next Climate Stewards cohort, starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

Know someone who’d be interested in joining you?
Forward this email to a friend or colleague.

Everyone has a part to play in solving the climate crisis — and that includes YOU.

No matter your age, experience, or background, CEC’s Climate Stewards course is open to all who want to lead change. Yes, even high school students can become certified Climate Stewards! We encourage people from diverse and underrepresented communities to join us.

CEC’s Climate Stewards course can help:

• Community members lead and support local climate solutions
• Non-profit staff strengthen climate messaging and outreach
• Business owners implement sustainable practices
• Recent grads gain skills for climate-focused careers
• Retirees put their time and wisdom toward climate action
• High school students join real-world, community-led efforts

Anyone can be a Climate Steward!

While caring for her father in Arizona, Megan “Moe” Morelock found comfort in the outdoors. As she hiked, she realized how little she knew about the natural world around her.

The Climate Stewards course became a way to expand her knowledge, connect, and take meaningful action. Moe proposed a native garden at her local park in Orange County for her Stewardship Project, aiming to support pollinators and protect local waterways from invasive species and chemical runoff.

Since then, she’s remained passionate about connecting Orange County to broader Southern California environmental efforts, and recently collaborated with a local naturalist to protect a vital wildlife corridor near the Santa Ana Mountains. She also co-hosts State of the State Parks, a podcast celebrating California’s state parks and the people who care for them.

Course Details

Next Cohort: Fall 2025, September 9 – October 28

Format: Online classes via Zoom + in-person field trips

Frequency: Classes on Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. PST; three to four field trips on weekends: two hours plus travel time

Cost: $350; A limited number of scholarships are available for those who express financial need. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds.

Instructor: Kathi King

Teaching Assistant: Ali Hanson

Upcoming Events

Application Assistance: Driving Clean Assistance Program (DCAP)

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Virtual (join from anywhere!)

If you want to purchase or lease a new or used battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or fuel cell vehicle, now is the time to take advantage of incentives offered through the California Drive Clean Assistance Program. Join us for this virtual event and meet with one of our expert team members who will guide you through the application process. Don’t wait, this funding won’t last! Fill out this form to see if you qualify and secure your spot.

Make Polluters Pay Meeting

Wednesday, August 27, 2025

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Virtual (join from anywhere!)

Polluters Pay Santa Barbara is rallying support for California’s Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act of 2025, which would make fossil fuel companies pay for their role in causing climate damages. Hosted by two recent Climate Stewards graduates, this monthly gathering will share updates and meaningful actions you can take to push this important policy forward. Join the movement for a fair transition to a safe climate future! The August meeting will be hosted on Zoom. Learn more.

Climate Fridays Santa Barbara

Friday, September 5, 2025 (AND every first Friday in 2025)

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Join CEC, the Society of Fearless Grandmothers Santa Barbara, and the Santa Barbara Sierra Club on the first Friday of each month. At these events, climate activists, students, community partners, and friends gather to learn about regional climate change issues and how to take collective action to protect our planet. September’s gathering will focus on the national Sun Day day of action event on September 21, a celebration of the power of clean energy. Learn about plans for our local event at the Santa Barbara Public Library and how you can participate in the clean energy revolution. Stick around after the meeting for our quarterly happy hour to enjoy complimentary refreshments and network with the community. Learn more and register.

TGIF! Happy Hour

Friday, September 12, 2025

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

EDC Courtyard

906 Garden St., Santa Barbara

Join us at the Environmental Defense Center’s September TGIF! happy hour to meet and mingle with environmentally minded community members. Enjoy live music, food and drinks, and engage with local non-profit and environmental organizations, elected officials, and climate leaders from throughout the South Central Coast. CEC is a partner on this event. Learn more and register.

Santa Barbara Sun Day Celebration

Sunday, September 21, 2025

1:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Santa Barbara Public Library

40 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara

Join us for a local celebration of clean energy progress as part of the national Sun Day of action, led by Third Act. Hosted by CEC, Sierra Club Santa Barbara/Ventura, Society of Fearless Grandmothers, and the City of Santa Barbara, this free, festival-style event will feature speakers, kids’ activities, community booths, and resources to help electrify your home or business. Come take part in building a sun-powered future for Santa Barbara County and beyond! Learn more and register.

The Issue with Tissue Screening and Filmmaker Discussion

Thursday, October 30, 2025

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

CEC’s Environmental Hub

1219 State St., Santa Barbara

Join CEC and the Sierra Club Santa Barbara/Ventura Chapter for The Issue with Tissue film screening, followed by an enlightening discussion with writer, director, and producer Michael Zelniker, moderated by CEC board member and UC Santa Barbara professor Dr. David Pellow. This documentary reveals the powerful connection between the boreal forest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home — and the deforestation threats they now face from the toilet paper industry. Scientists, activists, and First Nations Elders and Leaders speak out on why conserving this ancient forest is not only necessary, but deeply human Learn more and register.

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 reportto 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.