350Brooklyn begins 2026 with an acknowledgement that we are living in a polycrisis – a time of urgent, simultaneous interrelated economic, political and climate crises that demand our attention and action. The Trump regime has waged a scorch-earth approach on climate – dramatically cutting funding for renewables, ended valuable research and reversed hundreds of regulations that protect our air, water, agriculture, and more. We support and applaud all resistance to this regime. 350BK will continue to lead in our efforts to end the tyranny of big oil, fight for climate justice and build a just, sustainable future.
To help us get this work done, we are taking this issue of 350BK Community News to help folks who are interested in our work (but haven’t figured out yet how to jump in) to hear about all the ways you can join us, particularly via one of our many workgroups. Whatever you contribute will be appreciated and give you a sense of purpose and belonging.
What really goes on in state politics and how can activists be most effective? Join this online meeting with experienced Climate Lobbyist Artie Malkin and get your questions answered! The Legislation Workgroup has selected 6 climate bills for focus in the ’26 session. Register here to join our next workgroup meeting on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:30 pm. Our work involves researching bills, tracking the progress of legislation, working with specific bill campaigns, meeting with legislators and testifying at hearings. You will learn about how Albany works and cultivate new relationships with team members, statewide climate activists and local representatives. If you have any questions contact [email protected].
Plastic-Free Committee: organizing to reduce plastic and waste in Brooklyn (and beyond)
Next meeting: Wednesday, January 14 • 6:30 pm
📍 BPL Central Library, Grand Army Plaza or join on Zoom
The Plastic-Free Committee is working with Beyond Plastics, the national organization, to help pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) – which will require producers to reduce plastic packaging and overall waste in packaging in NYS. Members will be trained to meet with Brooklyn Community Boards to request that they sign a resolution supporting the PRRIA Act. Please join us every second Wednesday of the month at the Central Library Meeting room or via Zoom. Email us at [email protected] for more information!
Join Power Hour – drop in and take action!
Next meeting: Monday, January 19 • 12:00 noon – on Zoom
Join Power Hour for your weekly dose of timely, relevant, and quick actions that advance state and local climate policy. We kick off the hour with a short intro briefing on our current campaign, then get to work calling and emailing our elected officials with specific, actionable requests. No experience necessary. We get results!
We meet Mondays at noon on Zoom – sign up here.
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 20 • 7:00 pm – on Zoom
The Media Committee is 350Brooklyn’s in-house crew for communications and creative services. We manage the group’s website, newsletters and social media, and collaborate across workgroups to get the message out digitally and in print. Love a well-written, accessible, responsive email? Is your drive stacked with photos, video and design assets? Want to put those skills and that passion for climate action towards a great cause? Let’s meet! Join an informal information session on Tuesday, January 20 at 7:00 pm over Zoom. If you can’t make it then, we’d love to hear from you, too. Please email [email protected] to RSVP or learn more.
Facing the Future: Climate Solutions for Brooklyn 2026 Planning Meeting
Thursday, January 22 • 6:15 – 7:45 pm
📍 Info Commons, Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch • Map
The Facing the Future workgroup focuses on positive initiatives to expand decentralized renewable energy in Brooklyn such as spreading the word on opportunities for community solar, as we recently did at a winter fair in Williamsburg. And we help Brooklynites counter some of the worst effects of the climate crisis. In 2026 we hosted a great panel on solutions to flooding, which in turn generated a webpage of resources. There’s so much more we can do! Interested? Come to our next planning meeting on Thursday, January 22, at 6:15 pm, in the Info Commons at the Central branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. Or contact the lead organizer, Sara Gronim, at [email protected]. (The BPL asks us to note that this is not a BPL-sponsored event.)
350BK’s Arts Ideas Events group raised awareness of the impact of extreme weather with art and dance at the 2025 Coney Island Mermaid Parade.
350Brooklyn’s Arts Ideas Events group
Songs, skits, dance, visual media, even board games – our Arts Ideas Events group draws on all our creativity to convey 350Brooklyn’s climate message. We’re also planning some field trips to check out environmental sites around the city. And we’ll be back for our third appearance in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade in June, this time highlighting the outrageous plan to build a pipeline under NY harbor. Email Mimi Bluestone at [email protected] to get involved.
Climate Check: Join our podcasting team!
Climate Check: Stories and Solutions for Fighting Climate Change is 350Brooklyn’s own monthly podcast digging into the big questions and, in 2026, we’re stepping up our game! We’re looking for a few new volunteers to assist with marketing, research, and episode production. If you want to grow your skills in podcasting, while also fighting the climate crisis, email us at [email protected]!
Join us Sunday, January 18 at 7:00 pm on Zoom. Once a month we welcome newcomers with an informal orientation to all the ways you can take action with 350Brooklyn. Come for a conversation with an old hand. Everyone is welcome! Register here to attend orientation.
FROM OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES
Image: Teach for Climate Justice
Teach for Climate Justice Project programs for educators
Renowned social justice educator Tom Roderick is offering four different winter study programs for educators, including a study group for early childhood educators, and a retreat in Costa Rica in April. Tom is the author of Teach for Climate Justice: A Vision for Transforming Education.
Get involved in one of our workgroups!
350Brooklyn is volunteer-powered. At the heart of these efforts are our campaigns and committees. Follow the links below for more information on how to join.
Arts, Ideas, and Events organizes special events and field trips; identifies topics and arranges speakers for 350Brooklyn member meetings; and creates art, props and costumes for rallies and parades. We welcome your ideas and talents. Email us at [email protected].
Climate Check Stories and Solutions is 350Brooklyn’s podcast. Each monthly episode breaks down the climate crisis through conversations with local climate activists and community organizers. We discuss individual climate stories and pinpoint policies and local actions that can lead us to a healthier climate and a more just society—from fighting pipelines to working with nature and everything in between. Email us at [email protected].
350BK Families is part of the Climate Families NYC coalition, which aims to make climate activism accessible to parents and families. Our activities bring children, youth, and their adults together to fight for a livable future in age appropriate ways. Email us at [email protected].
Facing the Future: Building Resilience to Climate in NYC is a series of talks, workshops, tours, and conversations about building resilience in NYC in the face of the climate crisis. Volunteers working on this series could play many roles: developing individual programs, finding speakers, securing venues, researching supporting material for web pages, leading sessions or breakout groups, promoting it on social media and traditional media. Email us at [email protected].
Legislation focuses on passing significant climate legislation in Albany and in Washington. We develop relationships with local officials, research key issues, and participate in tactics like rallies and phone relays. Email [email protected].
The Media Committee is 350Brooklyn's all-around in-house media team. We write copy, design graphics, run 350BK's social media channels and website, edit our biweekly community newsletter, and oversee creative initiatives like the new 350Brooklyn e-magazine Parts Per Million. Get in touch at [email protected].
Plastic Free works to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce reliance on single-use plastic products. We meet monthly via Zoom, and work on a variety of projects including legislative lobbying efforts, campaigns promoting going plastic free, and neighborhood efforts to reduce waste. Email us at [email protected].
Power Hour is a weekly session of phone-calling power. Each week we convene on Zoom to call, email, and tweet at our elected leaders about a different climate or environmental justice issue prioritized by 350BK and our allies. Power Hour is designed to be high impact, but low pressure and low commitment. Join us every week as a way to routinize your climate activism, or come only on weeks when you’re free. Email us at [email protected].
No time but able to donate? While we are an affiliate of 350.org, we are programmatically independent and our financial support comes solely from our members. Can you offer financial support, at any level? Donate here.
