| SANTA BARBARA, CA — The Community Environmental Council (CEC) is proud to announce that enrollment is now open for the second session of the new certification course, UC Climate Stewards, which is designed to empower local community members to take clear action on climate change.
For the second cohort, CEC is seeking a diverse, 25-person group that will meet July 7 through September 15. Class sessions will be held in person at CEC’s new offices, located at 1219 State St. in Santa Barbara and will adhere to all county health guidelines. The course fee is $225, not including course materials. Full and partial scholarships are available. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
“This course, offered in coordination with the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, through the California Naturalist program, will help build the broad, boots-on-the-ground base of activism that is absolutely essential to combat the climate crisis,” explained CEC CEO Sigrid Wright.
The 40+ hour curriculum includes online modules, peer-to-peer discussions, small group activities, hands-on and inquiry-based activities, and experiential learning over a ten-week period. Participants will also gain insight into how they can take part in the transformative work CEC and other groups are doing on the Central Coast to address and alleviate climate impacts.
Led by CEC’s Director of Climate Education and Leadership, Kathi King, the course gives participants a deeper understanding of the general psychology and science behind climate change and our individual response to climate impacts. Topics will include climate psychology and communication, climate science and community resilience. “Our goal is for participants to go on to become climate volunteers, policy advocates, and participant scientists, ready to take an active role in our region’s efforts toward community resilience and the reduction of pollution. We were really pleased with the response to the pilot course and look forward to welcoming a new group of students,” stated King.
The pilot course took place earlier this year with 14 engaged community members. Anne Crowe, pilot course graduate, had this to say about her experience, “The UC Climate Stewards course was an opportunity to explore scientific data, historical background, and anecdotal information. Now I feel prepared to discuss climate change and climate solutions in a proactive, productive manner. There is so much we can all do as a community to springboard our beautiful Santa Barbara and the United States into a resilient and plentiful environment. If you have the chance, enroll!”
Learn more and apply for CEC’s UC Climate Stewards program at climatestewards.cecsb.org. |
