California Climate Action Corps From October 2023 to February 2024, the California Climate Action Corps Fellows planted 32,849 native plants, diverted 8,025,897 pounds of food and organic waste from landfills, and treated 1,197 acres for wildfire resiliency.
Let’s back up. California Climate Action Corps (CCAC) is a program that drives climate action by placing Fellows at public agencies, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to work on various climate initiatives. During their full-time term of service, Fellows mobilize volunteers and work on projects in urban greening, organic waste and edible food recovery, and wildfire resiliency.
As one of three CCAC Fellows serving an 11-month term with the City of Santa Monica Community Garden Program, I am seeing firsthand the impacts we can make when we work together. We are currently working with the local community on urban greening projects, including preparing for the future community farm on 19th Street, and organic waste diversion, including composting in our gardens.
We recently passed the midterm point in our fellowship, and I can confidently say that one of the most important concepts CCAC has taught me is the power of community. I have seen how many individuals come together to make a positive impact on our environment. Dedicated volunteers, Fellows, supervisors, and community members all unite to get work done, make connections, and learn more about climate action. Meeting amazing people this way has been a highlight of my time with CCAC.
Climate action can be daunting in the face of how much work there is to do, but combining our efforts across the state (and beyond!) is one way to make an impact.
Find volunteer opportunities with CCAC here: portal.caclimateactioncorps.org
And, if you’re interested, read more about CCAC, or apply for the 2024-2025 Fellowship here: www.caclimateactioncorps.org. The application period opens May 1, and the term starts September 16.
By Fellow Isabel Filson
California Climate Action Corps