Hello John

At times like these I take great strength in being part of the Citizens’ Climate community.

As we are all aware, the situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus is changing quickly. Experts are telling us that slowing the spread of the virus through social distancing is key to reducing the impact on our medical systems and it will ultimately save lives.

We want to be a positive force in our communities and prioritize the health and safety of those who are at higher risk. Moving forward we are discouraging CCL chapters from having in-person meetings, training workshops, presentations, and any other events until further notice. By getting out in front of this virus and proactively supporting social distancing, we can contribute to the well-being of our CCL supporters and our communities. We hope you will join us in this effort.

This is also a time to remember that we are all engaged and empowered in our democracy. We encourage you to use your lobbying and organizing skills both nationally and locally. Consider calling the White House and your Governor to ask them to take proactive and assertive action on social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. Consider amplifying messages from your member of Congress and local health officials, and supporting them in taking strong leadership. Organize locally for mutual support. 

We've also created a COVID-19 forum on Community as a place for your questions, ideas for carrying on remotely and announcements related to the virus. There’s a link to it on the homepage on Community. We will be providing you and your chapters support for continuing our work online. We've compiled some ideas here and hope that you and your chapter will share ideas and successes with all of us.

Many of you are probably wondering about our June Conference and Lobby Day in DC. We are exploring our options and have not yet made a determination about holding the event in June. We will make sure you know as soon as we have more information, likely by early April. We discourage you from making any non-refundable travel plans at this time. If cancelled, we will refund registration fees.

As our founder, Marshall Saunders, said “What you and I do, and don’t do, matters.” More than ever, it’s clear that it matters a lot, and I know that, together, we can do anything.

Take care and be safe,
Mark 

PS For official information on the coronavirus pandemic please check the CDC website and with your state and local health officials.

Mark Reynolds
Executive Director
Citizens’ Climate Education/Citizens’ Climate Lobby