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Happy holidays, John.

While the winter break can be a time full of good food, great company, and
relaxation (hopefully, that's the case for you!), it can also be a time
when we find ourselves having slightly uncomfortable conversations with
extended family members. One topic of conversation in particular that can
be tough is the reality of the climate crisis.

And although the holidays may look a bit different this year — perhaps
you're unable to travel to see your family, or you're celebrating
virtually instead — we want to provide some helpful ideas for how you can
open up the conversation about the climate crisis with your loved ones
this holiday season.

Because the truth is that we need as many people as possible — extended
family and family friends included — to join our climate movement and
fight for a livable future. That's the only way we will take down the
fossil fuel industry.

Here are just a few conversation strategies that can help kick off a
meaningful discussion about the climate crisis:

1. Speak to lived experiences

One way you can enter into conversations about the climate crisis is by
focusing on climate impacts you and your loved ones experience directly or
have been following in the news.

One of our climate organizers up north in Canada starts their
conversations like this:

I start by having people look out the window. Today, it's snowy outside,
which is not surprising, since it's wintertime here. But tomorrow, the
temperature is supposed to jump up — way higher than normal. So I explain
that climate change doesn't just mean it's getting hotter — it means
extreme weather changes as well. That's why we're experiencing more
dramatic differences.

2. Tell your story and connect emotionally

Most people understand the world around them through stories. So when we
talk about climate, focusing on stories and emotion brings what we say to
life and can make what you say more persuasive.^1

Having examples of local impacts you've experienced and how this made you
feel can be a great way to start. You can also try telling your climate
story. What have you seen that makes you take action?

3. Tap into values

When we try to persuade someone on an issue we care about, we often use
moral arguments. But people have different morals. When you talk to
someone about climate change, ask yourself, am I presenting this in
language that will resonate with them?^2

For example, if you are talking to someone who enjoys hiking, you could
center your argument around the way the deforestation industry destroys
natural habitats and creates devastating imbalances in ecosystems.

4. Offer hope

If you've had some successful conversations, great! Now is the time to
offer hope. Remind the person you are talking to about the victories that
are possible when we come together.

Try inviting them to get involved in the climate movement by joining 350's
mailing list, or you could offer to take them to an event near you.

5. Not everyone will be persuaded, and that's okay

Sometimes, you just can't persuade people.

Try and practice empathy, active listening and ask open-ended questions
without judgment to keep the conversation respectful. If it isn't possible
to engage constructively, change the topic.^3

You won't likely change a skeptic into an activist through just one
conversation. So practice empathy and understanding on yourself too —
you've done your best, and that matters!

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One last thing before we wrap this up: we'd love to hear how your
conversations actually went.

[ [link removed] ]If you can, please take a moment to complete our quick survey and let
us know which of these strategies you found helpful. We read every single
response we receive.

From all of us at 350 US, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

In solidarity,

Team 350

[ [link removed] ]Take the survey »



1 - [ [link removed] ]New York Times
2 - [ [link removed] ]The Guardian
3 - [ [link removed] ]Climate Outreach


 




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