In a world gripped by the climate crisis, your role as a nonprofit leader is pivotal. Integrating climate justice into your organization's operational framework is both a moral imperative and a strategic move.

As the Earth transgresses critical planetary boundaries, those hit hardest by climate change are often those least responsible for it, exposing a stark climate injustice. Leaders must take action to correct this disparity and uplift those vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of a crisis they did little to create. This post guides you in making climate justice a practical part of your mission.

Assess where your framework stands with climate justice

You can make a difference for environmental justice, whether you are already involved in environmental initiatives or not. Peggy Brannigan urges, “From poverty to human rights, medical research to the exoneration of the innocent - every noble effort will be challenged by the environmental destruction and systemic disruptions of climate change.” This underscores how every nonprofit organization, irrespective of mission, can acknowledge its integral role in upholding environmental sustainability and climate justice.

It is time to evaluate and enhance your operational frameworks with climate justice at the forefront. Adopting green practices is just the beginning; the real transformation lies in integrating the ethos of climate justice into every aspect of your framework. From decision-making processes to partnership selections, each element should reflect a commitment to environmental responsibility. Embracing this holistic approach not only strengthens your alignment with climate justice values but also has the potential to resonate with donors and collaborators who share these priorities.

Incorporate climate justice into internal operations

Climate justice begins at home, within the internal workings of your nonprofit. Here are some ideas on integrating it into day-to-day operations:

• Retrofit facilities for resilience and sustainability. For example, Nonprofits in Puerto Rico hit by Hurricane Maria have rebuilt with solar infrastructures, enabling continued service in emergencies while saving on energy costs with upgrades like LED lighting.
• Implement technology for sustainability, like climate accounting software.
• Educate your team on sustainable practices and offer green incentives.
• Make climate justice a staple of board meeting agendas.
• Ensure your organizational and fundraising budgets reflect a commitment to climate justice activities.

In addition to being good for the environment, these steps foster climate resilience and community trust, and may even yield financial savings and new funding streams.

Advocate for equitable funding

A mere 2% of philanthropy goes towards combating climate change, and even less towards climate justice. Nonprofits like The Nature Conservancy are spearheading change, urging philanthropists to invest with purpose in our shared future.

Beyond advocating for general environmental funding, the focus must shift to climate justice. Tee McClenty, Executive Director of MN350, candidly stated, "Climate change has not included justice; it has been white led." Her words underscore the necessity for a shift in philanthropic priorities. "Marginalized communities are not always at the table," McClenty continues, highlighting the systemic exclusion in environmental decision-making. It is incumbent upon us as nonprofit leaders to amplify these voices, to champion funding that not only recognizes grassroots expertise but also actively engages the most affected populations.

Promote inclusive representation and dedicated teams for climate justice

True environmental stewardship requires that we reflect the diversity of life experiences in our leadership and accountability measures. Many nonprofits already live by this imperative, reminding us of our shared responsibility to steward our planet inclusively. For example, a Minneapolis church integrated climate justice into its operations through its dedicated Environmental Justice Team. Your nonprofit can follow suit by:

• Establishing dedicated teams or task forces on climate justice.
• Ensuring diverse community representation at all operational levels.
• Developing programs that directly involve and benefit marginalized populations.

Leverage volunteers

Volunteers are the lifeblood of many nonprofits. Enlist their passion and skills to advance your climate justice goals. Instead of merely relying on their willingness to help, it is essential to equip them with the necessary tools and opportunities to make meaningful contributions. By doing so, nonprofits can transform their volunteer base into a dynamic force of climate justice advocates. This empowerment fosters a community of dedicated individuals, ready to take bold actions for the betterment of people and the planet.

Form cross-sector partnerships

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much. Forge alliances across sectors to amplify your impact. Look at how Patagonia is redefining corporate responsibility through stronger partnerships with the nonprofit sector, or how F5’s Tech for Good grant is investing in nonprofits that support climate justice. Similarly, collaborating with government agencies can extend your reach and effectiveness, especially in disaster recovery and resilience building.

Embrace the climate justice mandate

The call for climate justice is ringing louder than ever. You have the vision, the mission, and the network to make substantial contributions to this global cause. By weaving climate justice into your operations, no matter how small, you become part of a collective force pushing towards a just and sustainable future for all. Let this blog post be a springboard for action, a call to courage, and a reminder of the extraordinary impact you can make. Now is the time to act, to inspire, and to lead with climate justice at the heart of your mission.

Mikaela Rands  is a 2023 graduate of the Masters of Nonprofit Leadership and Management
program at Arizona State University and serves as a Grant Writer at Arizona State University. With a background in public health, nonprofit leadership and management, and sustainability, her interests lie in environmental justice and sustainable food systems. She is dedicated to advancing initiatives that promote the long-term well-being of people, animals, and the planet. 

Image by Lillian Finley

 

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Public Allies Arizona is changing the face and practice of leadership throughout Phoenix and Tucson communities by demonstrating our conviction that everyone can lead, and that lasting change results when citizens of all backgrounds step up, take responsibility and work together. These emerging leaders are then placed in full-time service to nonprofits in Phoenix and Tucson communities. These nonprofits are chosen based on their ability to provide the Ally with significant work experience, as well as their need for an innovative young leader who can help them take on a project they otherwise could not afford or infuse energy into an existing project.

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