Events
Join us at the Kid Zone, for activities, entertainment, and treats!
PAST EVENTS
Please join Families for Climate and guest speakers to preview some of the climate-related bills on the horizon for the 2024 Oregon legislative session. We'll hear from legislators and Oregon Climate Equity Network coalition members about some of the key climate policy bills—and why it's so important for families to raise their voices for climate justice!
Presenters include:
Representative Khanh Pham (Portland)
Representative Mark Gamba (Milwaukie)
Nora Apter (Oregon Environmental Council)
This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the current legislative landscape, and how parents — and everyone who cares about the planet we are leaving to future generations — can plug in and advocate for strong climate policy.
Join us at the Electric Kid Zone! Bouncy castle, popcorn, games, art action table. There’s plenty of fun for grown-ups too: induction cooking demos, e-bike circuit, and a ton of resources to clean up your home’s indoor air quality and eliminate 2/3 of your household carbon consumption. Bring a friend or three! Contact Noelle(at)familiesforclimate.org if you’d like to volunteer for an hour.
We know it’s a rare child that has patience for adults touring homes — so pack a picnic lunch and meet us at the Irving Park Playground, 12pm after the ride to have all your home electrification questions answered by the growing ElectrifyPDX community.
Electric costumes encouraged! See the Pedalpalooza site for more details! Spread the word!
Resources on children’s health and home electrification.
General Meeting
May 21, 10-noon
Celebrate our Home Planet with Making Earth Cool’s installation at Parallax Art Center.
We'll have fun activities for the whole family and childcare is provided!
Please RSVP by Friday May 19th, so that we can plan childcare and other details accordingly.
Celebrate with Us!
Back by popular demand, we’re hosting another giant Earth Day Celebration at Scott School. There will be music, hands-on learning stations, crafts, dancing, and lots of friends. We hope to see you there!
You’re invited to a Climate Cafe
April 29th 10-11:30 AM
We would love to have you join us!
Climate Cafes are informal, open, respectful, confidential spaces to safely share emotional responses and reactions related to the climate and environmental emergency. They focus on exploration of thoughts, feelings and experiences rather than what we are DOING about the climate crisis. Important note: Though the facilitators are mental health therapists, this space is NOT a therapy group and attending the cafe does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. A list of mental health resources is available upon request.
Who? Any adult concerned with the climate crisis and our planetary future. We ask that kids stay home for this one – stay tuned for future offerings for younger audiences.
$0-10 sliding scale suggested donation
Option 1: In person - Saturday, April 8, 2023, 10-11:30am at De Noche in NW Portland
Option 2: Virtual - Saturday, April 29, 2023, 10-11:30am, via Zoom
2023 Legislative Preview
Tuesday, January 24, 8:00-9:30 PM
Please join Families for Climate and special guest speakers to preview some of the climate-related bills on the docket for the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session. We'll hear from Oregon Climate Equity Network coalition members about some of the key climate policy bills—and why it's so important for families to raise their voices for climate justice!
Presenters include:
Ira Cuello-Martinez (PCUN)
Nora Apter (Oregon Environmental Council)
Nakisha Nathan (Just Crossing Alliance/Neighbors for Clean Air)
Rory Cowal (Divest Oregon)
Brad Reed (Building Resilience)
Climate Action Play Date @ Mt. Tabor Playground
Saturday, September 10, 2022 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
It may sound early, but we’re gearing up for the 2023 legislative session here in Oregon, and we’re hoping you’re ready to get on board with us! You and your family are invited to a Parent Climate Advocacy Network playdate on Saturday, September 10th from 10am-noon at Mt. Tabor Park playground in Portland. Kids can play while their grown-ups connect with other climate-concerned parents who are ready to step up and make sure Oregon is doing the necessary work to protect our kids’ climate.
An RSVP to nora@familiesforclimate.org is not required, but appreciated to make sure we have enough snacks. Hope to see you there!
Climate Action Play Date!
Saturday, July 16th, 10-11:30am
Worried about climate? Want to join other parents & caregivers who are turning anxiety into action?
You are not alone! Come meet folks from our Parent Climate Advocacy Network for a family-friendly park gathering on July 16th from 10-11:30am at Kʰunamokwst Park (5200 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97218).
We’ll have coffee, tea and pastries. Kids can play and enjoy the park, and adults can connect in person, celebrate some of our wins, and chat about how we can build momentum and continue to push for meaningful climate action at the city, local, state and national levels.
This will be a very casual event, but please email Jamie@familiesforclimate.org if you’re planning to attend, and let us know how many people you’ll be bringing, so we can make sure we have plenty of drinks and snacks!
Portland Youth Climate Strike!
Friday, May 20th
Join parents & kids from Families for Climate in the upcoming Climate Strike in support of swift and just climate action to ensure a livable future for all!
Meet up with us at Portland City Hall between 11am-noon
(We’ll have bubbles and other interactive stuff to keep kids active & entertained!)
11am - Noon: Youth organizers will present demands and hold our so-called ‘climate champion’ elected officials accountable.
12pm: Leave City Hall and march, with stops at NW Natural and Portland Business Alliance to #ConfrontClimateVillains!
2pm: Arrive at Revolution Hall for a Climate Festival and learn how to become active in the movement!
Festival goes until 8pm – so you can come by after work if you can’t strike!
See the most updated info at the Portland Climate Strike Instagram
If you missed our in-person Mother’s Day Weekend plant sale, stay tuned for our native plant sale this fall!
Planning Resources:
We love the DIY Habitat Manual at Pollinator Parkways!
Backyard Habitat Certification Program
EMSWCD resources
Second Annual Earth Day Event
April 23rd, 2022
We have an exciting line-up of fun and educational hands-on activities, plus resources to support and empower your family to be stronger stewards and advocates for our planet! This event is FREE and open to the public!
Where: Scott Elementary School, 6700 NE Prescott St, outside in the school yard
When: Saturday 4/23 from 3-5pm
3pm: Jessa and the Saplings kick off the celebration with live music
4pm: Songs, stories and movement with Habiba’s Village
4:30pm: Family Parade—Bike, scoot, roll or stroll!
Interactive Activities:
Make recycled art with Ashley and Melvin the puppet!
Learn and explore in the Scott school garden. There will be a compost exploration station where you can see some of the critters that build our soil, and learn how to make your own compost at home. Learn about the importance of pollinators, see the school pollinator gardens in action, and help build a pollinator hotel on site!
Growing Gardens and Food Corp will have a demonstration area, where kids and families can learn about their school programming and enjoy a taste test.
Portland Parks and Recreation's Learning Landscapes program will have information on planting and caring for trees at schools!
PBOT Safe Routes to School will share resources about their programming and the May walk and roll to school challenge.
Families for Climate will share information about the progressive new PPS Climate Crisis Response Policy and how families can get involved and support its implementation. We will also have resources about the importance of electrification to combat climate change, and how to make our neighborhoods and schools cleaner and cooler with trees!
We are grateful for the support from our event sponsor, Works Real Estate.
Learn How to Speak up for the Trees!
April 13, 2022
Join Shade Equity Coalition members for public testimony training in preparation for Portland budget hearings (4/16, 4/18 and May TBD). Since 2009 Portland has considered assuming maintenance responsibility for street trees, and we believe that this is finally the time! Every neighborhood needs shaded streets and a chance to help determine how that happens. Register Here. And sign up here by Friday at 2pm to speak during the Community Listening session.
2022 Legislative Progress Report
March 16, 2022
The 2022 short session saw the passage of a number of climate and environmental justice bills at the Oregon legislature, as well as the creation of a $100M Climate Resilience Budget. This budget will invest in solar energy + storage and zero-emission vehicle rebate programs, charging stations for electric trucks and buses, home retrofits for low-income Oregonians, emergency heat relief programs for vulnerable communities (including electric heat pumps), and additional drought relief and recovery funds.
But we still have a lot of work to do! On Wednesday, March 16th, at 8pm, join us for a conversation with Meredith Connolly, the Oregon Director of Climate Solutions, about this session's wins (and losses), what’s next for climate legislation in Oregon, and the actions we can be taking now to build momentum for even stronger climate legislation in 2023.
Climate Advocacy Training
February 10, 2022
Oregon’s short session officially began on February 1st, and now the countdown is ticking to get important climate bills passed before the time runs out!
Our Parent Climate Advocacy Network is here to help you support meaningful climate legislation. We know that participating in the legislative process can seem intimidating, mysterious, or overwhelming, but the good news is that legislators really do want to hear what you have to say!
To help de-mystify different ways to engage with the process, we’ve lined up some incredible advocates to share tips and best practices for effectively communicating with legislators and the media.
We'll be hearing from:
Nora Apter, Climate Program Director at Oregon Environmental Council
Julia DeGraw, Oregon Conservation Network Director with OLCV
Oriana Magnera, Energy, Climate, Transportation Program Manager at Verde
Brad Reed, Campaign Manager with Renew Oregon
This is a special opportunity to ask questions and learn from a seasoned panel of experts who have some huge climate victories under their belts, and can help us all be smart, strategic, and effective when it comes to climate advocacy.
Climate Bills at the 2022 Oregon State Legislature
January 20, 2022
Photo credit: Bradley W. Parks/OPB
Please join Families for Climate and guest speakers for a preview of some of the climate-related bills that will be considered during the short session this February. We’ll hear from special guest Representative Maxine Dexter (Oregon House District 33) about the political landscape, and why it’s so important for families to weigh in during this short legislative session.
Our coalition partners will provide bill overviews and updates on key climate and climate justice policy that will be debated during the February session in Salem.
Greer Ryan, Climate Solutions’ Clean Buildings Policy Manager, will explain the "Reach code" bill
Ira Cuello-Martinez, Climate Policy Associate at PCUN, will discuss Farmworker Protections
Rory Cowal, a volunteer with Divest Oregon, will talk about the Treasury Transparency Bill and the Divest Oregon campaign
Brad Reed, Campaign Manager for Renew Oregon, will discuss the Clean Fuels Program
Oriana Magnera, Energy, Climate & Transportation Manager for Verde, will explain the Emergency Heat Relief bills
This will be a great opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the short session, and how parents — and everyone who cares about the planet we are leaving to future generations — can plug in and advocate for strong climate policy.
Tree Equity and Heat Islands
November 4, 2021
Want to learn more about urban infrastructure, climate change mitigation, equity and trees?
Join us for a webinar with PSU professor Vivek Shandas, founder of the Sustaining Urban Places Research Lab.
<—- Map from Dr. Shandas' 2018 analysis shows temperature disparities in Portland. From the January 2020 article in The Oregonian: “Historically racist housing policies exacerbating climate change effects in low-income Portland neighborhoods.”
Read FFC’s recent comments on PBOT’s Pedestrian Design Guide.
Fall is the best season to plant natives. Help make your yard or planting strip a haven for native pollinators that stores carbon and supports Families for Climate at the same time! This season we have Willamette Valley native bulbs, perennials, and a fall-sown butterfly meadow seed mix that will bloom next spring/summer. Order online and pick up by appointment through October 31st!
Family Friendly Event!
Beavers: Doing their part to Tackle Climate Change
Join us for a special webinar on Saturday, October 16th, from 4-5pm. We'll be learning about the important work that beavers do here in Oregon that helps tackle climate change—and how YOU can help!
Right now, Oregon is in the midst of a fierce, multi-year debate over whether to continue to allow recreational trapping of beaver—our state animal—on our public lands. So gather your crayons, pen, paper, and envelopes, because we will be drawing & writing snail-mail letters to elected officials about how important beaver are, and asking them to place a moratorium on beaver killing on federal and state-managed public lands, BEFORE November 1. (The beaver hunting & trapping season is scheduled to open on November 15th.) We really need our beaver friends to thrive here in Oregon!
Our speaker is Suzanne Fouty, Ph.D., Hydrologist/Soils specialist and retired USDA Forest Service, who will be giving a talk created in collaboration with Michael Krochta, the Forest Watch Coordinator at BARK. Learn more about Bark’s Beaver Habitat Restoration Project here.
You can find template advocacy letters for you and your kids to print out, draw pictures on, and send to decision-makers here.
Comment Writing Deadline: October 25
Tell DEQ to Protect our Climate!
Have you heard of Oregon's Climate Protection Program (CPP)?
Currently, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is making rules for this new program, which will regulate climate pollution in Oregon starting in 2022. While this policy tool could help Oregon reach its clean energy goals, the draft CPP has some problems, which will prevent it from living up to its name. Thankfully, the rules for the CPP aren’t finalized yet!
You can help!
While Oregonians like us can't compete with fossil fuel money and lobbyists, we can muscle them out of the way with people power! This is a crucial month for us to improve the Climate Protection Program before it is adopted, by submitting written testimony to DEQ by 4 p.m. October 25th.
You DO NOT have to be a climate expert or even know anything about the Climate Protection Program! Check out our blog post on the most important points, and how to draft your comment to have maximum impact. We’ve even got a super easy template email for you to customize!
These individually crafted comments, no matter how long or short, will have more impact than mass comments. They're crucially important. Simply expressing your demand for Oregon to take bold climate action in a short, personal note or testimony is meaningful and helpful.
Steptember Walk
Heat Islands: Causes and Solutions
September 25, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Steptember is a month-long event created by the nonprofit Oregon Walks, to help people find new places to walk and people to enjoy walking with. It’s a great opportunity to explore new neighborhoods, connect with friends, highlight a cause, or just go for a walk while the weather is still nice. We also love walking* because not only is it pleasant, it’s a low carbon way to get where you’re going! (Check out our guide to the importance of ditching your car and using active transportation when you can!)
As part of Steptember, Families for Climate is hosting a walk in the Lents neighborhood of Southeast Portland to understand some of the problems inherent in much of our urban infrastructure that result in deadly and inequitable outcomes when heat waves hit our city.
Lents is not the only place in Portland with infrastructure inequities like too much concrete and not enough trees, but it happens to be where the highest temperature in Portland was recorded during June’s heat dome event: 124 degrees Fahrenheit (!)
Join us for a mellow family-paced stroll (with a stop for coffee!) that will start and end at the playground at Lents Park, to meet some fellow parents taking action on climate, to learn about what makes cities get too hot, and what steps we can take to make our urban infrastructure safer, greener, cooler, more resilient and more humane for all people.
We’re excited to share that Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson will be joining us for this event. She will share brief remarks to update attendees about her work on heat islands at the county level, and will take questions.
*Please consider “walking” as shorthand for walking/rolling. While everyone is a pedestrian, not everyone walks.
Pedalpalooza Sunday Slow-Roll
Sunday, July 25th and Sunday, August 22nd at 9:30am
Join us for a family-friendly, slow & mellow bike ride down the NE Going St. Greenway ending at the King Farmers Market! Co-sponsored by Andando en Bicicletas en Cully and Community Cycling Center.
Bring your children, your parents, your friends, your boom-boxes and bells. Are you a Climate Defender? Wear a cape, a mask, or craft a costume showing your climate superpowers!
We'll meet for our leisurely ride at Kʰunamokwst Park at 9:30am (did you know that Kʰunamokwst (pronounced KAHN-ah-mockst) is a Chinook wawa name meaning "together"? How fitting!) We’ll roll out at 9:45am along the Going St Greenway to the Farmers Market at King School on 7th Ave.
There, we will loosely congregate on the grass for a casual, community-building social gathering. And don't forget your reusable bags to shop for some delicious, locally grown and made food at the market!
We’re big believers in the value and importance of bikes, both because they’re fun, and great for our health and community, but also because getting folks out of their cars is critical to halt climate breakdown. Check out our guide to Building an Active Transportation System resources!
Climate Defender Kids - Virtual Meetup:
Music, Activism and the Wind!
Saturday, June 12th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM
Calling all Climate Defender Kids! Join us for our June Meetup (via Zoom). We’ll talk about music as a form of activism and how music can inspire action, understanding and connection. We'll do some interactive learning with teachers Paula & Zoe, a fun movement activity with teacher Ashley and Melvin the snail puppet, and we'll provide space for kids to reflect on personal connections with music and nature. We hope you can join us!
This meetup will also have a very exciting announcement about a new collaborative project in the works with some very wonderful people. In this session we'll tell you about this new Climate Defender Kids collaboration, our awesome partners, and ask for your ideas! It’s a surprise for now, so don't miss our meetup to hear the exciting news!
Climate Defender Kids is a program of Families for Climate. We provides fun opportunities for young people to learn and connect with peers around climate change, activism, and social justice. We coordinate group activities and actions that expand understanding around these important issues, and inspire kids' sense of agency and hope.
This event is free, though donations are encouraged. The program is designed for ages 5 to 10, but all are welcome!
Learning & Action Meet-up
All about Gas, with Dr. Melanie Plaut
Thursday June 10, 8-9pm
Home cooks and chefs across America have had a love affair with natural gas, but the truth is that burning fracked methane in our homes is especially harmful for children. Here, in Oregon, public health and environmental groups are teaming up to push back on the industry. Dr. Plaut is co-coordinator of 350PDX’s Fossil Fuel Resistance Team. Learn more, discover resources, and take action to kick the gas habit and create a healthier, fossil-free future for everybody.
In the meantime, check out this short video from Mothers Out Front, which explains some of the health risks associated with fracked gas and draws attention to the dangers related to the drilling, distribution, and household use of gas. You may also enjoy an article from Mother Jones on how the fossil fuel industry convinced Americans to love gas stoves.
For some humor, watch Samantha Bee’s recent segment about the gas industry, “You’re being Gaslit.”
June 3 Meet-up: Remembering the Mosier Oil Train Fire
11am - Noon at Thomas Cully Park, 5810 NE 72nd Ave.
Environmental justice and neighborhood groups across North and Northeast Portland are teaming up to bring awareness to the increase in dangerous oil trains rolling through our communities on the anniversary of the 2016 Mosier oil train derailment. Anyone within half a mile of the tracks is in the evacuation zone if an accident or explosion should occur. In Portland, this includes over 200 schools and daycare facilities. In addition, low income families and people of color are nearly twice as likely to be living in this zone. You can learn more in Multnomah County’s 2016 Risk Assessment Report.
Zenith Energy in NW Portland is bringing in crude oil by train from the tar sands of Canada and the Bakken fields of North Dakota and loading it onto ocean-going ships. The City has the power to help shut down Zenith but officials need to hear from concerned citizens that we expect them to do the right thing for our climate, and for the health and safety of all Portland residents. Learn more about Zenith from Columbia Riverkeeper here.
Spring Plant Sale!
To help fund our work, we’ve been busy bees growing plants since January, including annual vegetables (especially robust tomotoes!), herbs, natives, flowers for beneficial insects, basket willows and more!
Saturday, May 8th, noon-5 PM
5011 NE 42nd Ave, Portland (In the parking lot of Taqueria Los Pepitos Locos)
View inventory!
Participants will also have an opportunity to write to City Council, encouraging them to cap the number of oil trains running through N/NE PDX by stopping the expansion of Zenith tar sand crude transfer terminal.
All proceeds support Families for Climate's work to mobilize parents, kids & families to take action for climate justice and a livable future for all!
Earth Week Climate Defender Kids Meetup
April 24th, 3-5pm
Our Climate Defender Kids program provides fun opportunities for young people to learn and connect with others around climate change, activism, and social justice. We coordinate group activities and actions that expand understanding of these important issues, and inspire kids' sense of agency and hope.
This month we will celebrate Earth Day in person at Rigler Field & Garden! We'll explore soil, plants, habitat, mason bees, and nature art mandalas. Ride bikes to the event, to participate in a short slow ride; minor safety adjustments available.
The program is designed for ages 4 to 12, but all ages are welcome!
This event is free, though donations are encouraged. Questions? Email katy@familiesforclimate.org
Learning and Action Meet-up
Getting Around in a Low-Carbon Future
Tues 3/30, 8:00 - 9:15 PM via Zoom
Transportation is ~ 40% of Oregon’s greenhouse gas emissions. We know we need to de-carbonize our transportation system . . . but how do we get there fast enough?
We’re hosting a climate & transportation double-header, featuring Aaron Brown of No More Freeways, and Victoria Paykar, of Climate Solutions.
Victoria will get us up to speed on Oregon’s transition to ZEVs (zero emission vehicles), what bills are currently in process at the legislature, and how we still have a lot of work to do. Aaron will fill us in on where things stand currently in the fight against the I5 Rose Quarter freeway expansion, what ODOT has been up to lately, and how you can get involved. He'll also talk about how campaigns to promote public transportation, biking, and walking are important parts of the effort to de-carbonize transportation. There will be time for questions and conversation.
Climate Defender Kids Meetup!
Saturday, March 6th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM via Zoom
Our Climate Defender Kids program provides fun opportunities for young people to learn and connect with others around climate change, activism, and social justice. We coordinate group activities and actions that expand understanding of these important issues, and inspire kids' sense of agency and hope.
Our topic this month is Growing for the Climate - Planting & Springtime!
We'll talk about caring for plants as a way to care for the earth and each other. We will discuss what plants need to thrive, and how gardens and healthy soils can help with climate change. We will also reflect on the changing of seasons and observing the signs of Spring. And finally, we'll ask kids for their thoughts & ideas for a CDK Earth Day activity in April.
The program is designed for ages 5 to 10, but all ages are welcome!
This event is free, though donations are encouraged. Questions? Email katy@familiesforclimate.org
Valentine-making: Urge PDX City Council to break up with Zenith
Tuesday, February 9th, 4:30-5:30pm
People of all ages are invited to get crafty this Tuesday and make a difference with love & humor.
Portland City Council needs to feel the love for our kids future. Help them break up with NW Portland's Zenith Energy crude oil storage & transfer terminal.
Background: Using regulatory loop holes and an old permit from when the site was an asphalt plant, Zenith has been receiving oil trains filled with crude from Canadian tar sands and filling ships bound for countries around the Pacific Rim since 2018.
This spring there's a *chance* that Portland City Council could deny key permits and put Zenith out of commission. So let’s send all five Commissioners Valentines! We need to be sure our three new City Council members know how we feel about Zenith and remind those who opposed it in the past (Wheeler and Hardesty) that we still care, a very great deal.
RSVP to receive the Zoom link!
For more info on Zenith & oil train traffic click here
This project was designed in collaboration with 350PDX's Fossil Fuel Resistance Team
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Interested in becoming a new volunteer? Click here!
New Member Orientation & Info Session
Thursday Feb 11, 8:00-8:45pm
Are you new to Families for a Livable Climate? Would you like to learn more about our group and ways to get involved? Join us for an orientation & info session! (Via Zoom)
We’ll talk about how FLC operates, what we’re currently up to, and opportunities to plug into our work for climate justice and a livable future for all. It’s a great time to ask any questions that you have, and tell us about your interests. Our aim is to get to know each other a bit, and match you with a team that you’re excited to join!
Learning & Action Meetup
Climate Policy at Our State Legislature
Thursday, January 28th, 8:00-9:00 PM (via Zoom)
Join us for our January meeting! We will focus on the upcoming session of the Oregon State Legislature, the many climate-related bills currently on the table, and opportunities for advocacy to urge our lawmakers to support climate justice and slow climate change.
Guest speaker: Meredith Connolly is a parent of 3 and the Oregon Director for Climate Solutions, where she advocates for innovative and equitable policy solutions to reduce pollution and create clean energy jobs across the state.
FLC's General Meetings provide opportunities for parents, caregivers, educators and other climate-concerned folks to connect, learn and take action together on timely issues related to climate, environmental justice, and caring for children in the age of climate crisis.
This event is free, though donations are welcome.
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If you’d like to watch the recording email info@familiesforclimate.org
Climate Defender Kids Meetup!
Saturday, January 23rd, 9:30 - 10:30 AM (via Zoom)
Topic: Taking Action for Trees and the Climate
Our Climate Defender Kids program provides fun opportunities for young people to learn and connect with others around climate change, activism, and social justice. We coordinate group activities and actions that expand understanding of these important issues, and inspire kids' sense of agency and hope.
This month we'll talk about ways that we as Climate Defenders can help to ensure there are plenty of trees to help slow climate change. We'll review how trees remove CO2 from our atmosphere and store carbon, which are critically important for the climate!
We'll send out an optional at-home activity (aka "Climate Defender Challenge!") the week before the meetup, and we'll also provide follow-up resources and activities after the session.
The program is designed for ages 5 to 10, but all ages are welcome!
This event is free, though donations are encouraged.
We'll send you the Zoom video call link after you sign up.
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Click here for more info about the Climate Defender Kids Program.
December General Meeting
Sunday, December 13th, 3:00 - 4:15 PM (via Zoom)
Topic: Forests, Wildfire & Climate
FLC's General Meetings provide opportunities for parents, caregivers, educators and other climate-concerned folks to connect, learn and take action together on timely issues related to climate, environmental justice, and caring for children in the age of climate crisis.
Join us for our December meeting! We will focus on forests, wildfire and climate, discussing the importance of forests in mitigating climate change, the role of wildfire in forest ecology, and ways that we can take action to protect our forests and foster resilience in the face of climate change. We will also provide space for reflection/connection around personal relationships with trees & forests, and how that ties into our parenting/teaching & activism. We'll also share updates on what FLC is working on, and ways you can get involved!
Guest speaker: Brenna Bell, Staff Attorney & Policy Coordinator at Bark! Brenna has decades of experience in policy, activism, and forest ecology. She'll discuss the critical role of forests in carbon sequestration, how wildfire plays into the ecology and politics of forests and climate, and ways we can take action to help protect forests from a climate mitigation perspective.
While this meeting is primarily for adults, children are welcome! We will provide relevant kids' activities as well as opportunities for kiddos to engage with the group during the call.
This event is free, though donations are gladly accepted..
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If you’d like to view the recording, please email info@familiesforclimate.org
Climate Defender Kids Meetup!
Saturday, Dec 5th, 9:30 - 10:30 AM (via Zoom)
Topic: Trees!
Our Climate Defender Kids program provides fun opportunities for young people to learn and connect with others around climate change, activism, and social justice. We coordinate group activities and actions that expand understanding of these important issues, and inspire kids' sense of agency and hope.
Our December meetup is part 1 of our 2-month series on trees and forests! This month we'll talk about how trees capture carbon and help prevent climate change, and we'll also provide space for kids to reflect on their own personal connection with trees. Then in the January session we'll talk about ways that we as Climate Defenders can help to ensure there are plenty of trees: planting trees, protecting trees and forests in our communities, and reducing waste and consumption of forest products.
We'll send out an optional at-home activity (aka "Climate Defender Challenge!") the week before the meetup, and we'll also provide follow-up resources and activities after the session.
This event is free, though donations are encouraged.
The program is designed for ages 5 to 10, but all ages are welcome!
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Click here for more info about our Climate Defender Kids program!
GOTV in Georgia - Informal Letter Writing Party
Thursday, December 3rd, 5-6pm (via Zoom)
In January two senate seats will be decided by voters in Georgia. The senate's ability to make necessary progress on climate legislation in the next 2 years will be greatly influenced by this run-off election. Let's do what we can to help get out the vote!
Join us for a fun and informal, kid-friendly letter-writing party via Zoom video call. Together we'll write personalized letters to climate voters and Georgians in historically underrepresented communities. We'll chat about the importance of this election, and support/motivate each other in our letter-writing efforts.
Note: This event will require some quick & easy preparation in advance (printing out letters or picking up printed copies). We'll be in touch with details and a Zoom link after you sign up.
This is a family-friendly event. Kids are welcome!
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Moving Forward, Staying Grounded:
A Mental Health Toolbox for Parent Climate Advocates & Activists
Thursday, October 29th, 11am
For parents concerned about the climate crisis, taking action to make a difference can help both the movement and our own mental health. But sometimes the gravity of the issue, along with the many demands on our time as busy parents, can be emotionally and mentally difficult to navigate.
Dr. Thomas Doherty will discuss healthy ways that parents can engage with global climate change and other social and environmental issues. He will help attendees gain tools to regulate their emotions and stress about climate change, and be more empowered to talk about environmental issues. They will also learn ways to find their comfort zone and set healthy boundaries and priorities regarding advocacy and activism.
The event is free to all, with donations gladly accepted.
Please RSVP, and we’ll send you the Zoom link the week before the event.
About the speaker: Thomas Doherty, Psy.D. is a psychologist and parent in Portland. He served on the American Psychological Association (APA) Task Force on Global Climate Change, and founded an environmentally-focused certificate program for mental health counselors. Dr. Doherty has provided workshops and trainings for many groups across the U.S. His paper “The Psychological Impacts of Global Climate Change” has been cited over 500 times.
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For more info about our Climate Defender Kids Program click here.
Climate Defender Kids - October Meetup
Saturday, October 17th, 9:30am via Zoom
Our Climate Defender Kids program engages young people in learning about climate change, environmental justice & activism. Inspiring hope and sense of agency through shared action. This program is designed for kids age 5 - 10, but all ages are welcome. Join us for this month’s virtual meetup!
This month's themes:
- Voting (getting out the vote!)
- Nature observation (change in seasons)
After you RSVP, we'll send a Zoom link and other details via email. We will also provide details about this month's Climate Defender Challenge - an activity / action for kids to do from home.
Raising Hope, Bidding on a Bright Future
Silent Auction Fundraiser & Virtual Finale Event
Bidding is now open, and concludes with a virtual finale event Saturday, October 3rd at 8pm.
We’re excited to announce to our inaugural silent auction fundraiser & finale event! The online auction will run Sept 25 - Oct 3, concluding with a fun live event (via Zoom), featuring special guests and entertainment, a live raffle and auction winner announcements.
Finale Event special guests:
U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley
Mary DeMocker, author
Alia Farah, singer/songwriter
Adaiah Macadam-Somer, cellist
The finale event is free, though donations are welcome!
You don't need to be present to win auction items.
We will gather via Zoom video call. Please RSVP and we’ll send you the link via email.
Finale Event - Wine & Cheese Package
Receive a special gift package of wine and snacks to enjoy during the event, hand-delivered to your doorstep!.*
Includes a bottle of limited release wine from Oregon winemaker Day Wines, and a curated selection of locally grown & produced snacks from MilkRun.
*$50 donation. includes delivery. Note: we can only deliver to addresses in Portland
Artwork by Maija Rebecca
Get Out The Vote! Letter-Writing Event
Tuesday, Oct 6th, 6:30pm
One of the most important things we can do for the climate right now is to help get out the vote this fall! Join fellow parents, kids, and families for this fun and impactful letter-writing session, hosted by Families for a Livable Climate. Together we will write personalized letters to voters in swing states, encouraging them to vote. We'll talk about the importance of voting in this election (particularly in relation to climate, justice, and our children's future) and we'll support and motivate each other in our letter-writing efforts.
FLC General Meeting
Sunday, 9/27, 3:30-4:30pm (via Zoom)
Join us to connect with fellow parents & families concerned about the climate crisis and wanting to take action! We'll share updates on what FLC has been up to lately, what's in store for the coming months, and ways you can get involved and make a difference! You'll hear from and have the opportunity to connect with each of our teams, and we'll also talk about some actions we can take together to help get out the vote this fall!
RSVP here, and we'll send you the Zoom link via email. We hope to see you there!
Climate Defender Kids - Summer Program
Wednesdays in August, 9:30-10:15am
Join Families for a Livable Climate for an online version of our Climate Defender Kids program this summer! Young people are invited to join us for a weekly series of interactive sessions designed to inform, connect and inspire. The 4-week program features interactive activities, conversation and learning, with each week focused on a different theme related to climate change, activism, and social justice.
Created by a team of professional educators, parents, and activists, the curriculum is designed for ages 5-10, but all ages are welcome!
Registered participants will receive a welcome packet of activities in the mail, and we'll also mail a certificate and small gift to those who complete the 4 week program.
We are offering this program for free, but please consider a donation to support our work!
This event is over.
For more info about our Climate Defender Kids Program and related opportunities, click above.
Reclaiming a Thriving Future:
Climate Action, Justice & Resilience in the Time of Covid
Tuesday, July 21st, 1:00pm PST
Join us for a webinar for Parents, Educators, Clinicians & Youth featuring Mary Democker, author of The Parents Guide to Climate Revolution, and founder of 350Eugene.
Presented by Families for a Livable Climate
The world’s top energy agency announced in June that humanity has only six months left to reverse course on the climate crisis. During the current pandemic, when parents are already struggling to safeguard and educate kids, how can we also effectively demand the deep changes needed for our children’s long-term well-being? Mary DeMocker discusses this unprecedented moment of intersecting global crises, and shares ways parents, educators, clinicians, and youth can reclaim a thriving future. Participants will take away at least three ways busy people can help change our system – not just our light bulbs – while deepening our connections to one another.
About the Presenter:
Mary DeMocker’s book, The Parents’ Guide to Climate Revolution: 100 Ways to Build a Fossil-Free Future, Raise Empowered Kids, and Still Get a Good Night’s Sleep (foreword by Bill McKibben) is a 2019 Oregon Book Award finalist and has been recommended on NPR and in The New York Times. DeMocker is co-founder and former creative director of 350 Eugene, with whom she led art-centered protests featured on PBS NewsHour and in an Avaaz video shown to world leaders. She has written for The Sun, Spirituality & Health, EcoWatch, The Oregonian, and Common Dreams, and been quoted in Yes! Magazine and The Washington Post.
For more about Mary and her work, visit: marydemocker.com
This event is over.
More webinars coming soon!