A key climate step is involving ourselves in our government. In my experience, when thinking of political action, people first think of voting, calling their federal representatives, and holding protests, with the effectiveness of each depending on country and methods. But there are also other, effective methods to consider as well.

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Other actions can range from contacting your city representatives instead of federal to testifying at public hearings, officially commenting on regulations (a powerful action), chalking the front sidewalk of your state ‘s house – or your own house, serving on government stakeholder panels, hosting meet-and-greets, supporting environmental justice court actions, and even setting up political action committees and your own political podcast.

Resources such as MoveOn’s 50 Ways to Love Your Country already give case studies about key actions to change government priorities, so below we briefly outline five main categories of efforts, and then on each category’s page, we list various steps and link you to tools, resources and organizations for more information, examples, and opportunities. (For instance, we have created a Templates page, where examples of letters, testimony, and comments will be compiled.)Our emphasis here in Climate Steps is on the United States, but as we grow and get more volunteers (and someday employees), we will build up action lists and resources for other countries, highlighting the most effective actions where we can.

Added note: No matter which category you focus on, it is helpful to find a community with which to share your actions. The Climate Steps Facebook group is available for non-partisan action sharing and encouragement, but many of you may need a community that is more politically oriented with whom to share these actions. Just don’t forget us – come back and share what you’ve worked on!