Climate and Health Advocacy Boot Camp

The Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education and the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health present the

Climate and Health Advocacy Boot Camp

DATES: running Thursdays September 29 - October 27, 2022

TIME: 12 - 1:30 P.M. PST | 3 - 4:30 P.M. EST

NOTE: Video recordings will be available for asynchronous view following each session.

Health professionals are the most trusted voices in society and our collective voices are needed to prepare communities to effectively respond to the climate crisis. Through this 5-week bootcamp, you will grow your network by joining colleagues around the country to learn strategies to effectively channel your voice and action as a health professional to address the “greatest health threat” of the 21st Century.

Session 1: FIND YOUR Story

DATE/TIME: September 29, 2022; 12 - 1:30 P.M. PST | 3 - 4:30 P.M. EST

Speakers: Cheryl Holder; Anita Krishnan 

Description: Through our role as health professionals, we see firsthand how climate change and social vulnerability affect the lives of patients and communities as well as our families and friends. Our stories, coupled with our trusted roles in society, have the potential to move the hearts and minds of those within our personal and professional spheres. In this session, we will learn how to communicate our personal stories to further climate advocacy and leadership. Recommended Reading

Learning Objectives: 

• Participants will learn how to tell their story of self, or their public narrative, as an essential leadership skill.

• Participants will learn the elements of a successful story of self, including values, emotions, and story structure

Session 2: FIND and connect with YOUR Audience

DATE/TIME: October 6, 2022; 12 - 1:30 P.M. PST | 3 - 4:30 P.M. EST

Speakers: Robert Gould; Nick Seaver

Description: When it comes to climate change, people only need to know 5 things: 1) It’s real 2) It’s us 3) Experts agree 4) It’s bad 5) There’s hope and health professionals are our most trusted messengers. In this session, we will learn how to effectively use our voices for change through media and various communication channels.

Learning Objectives: 

• Participants will learn how to effectively message for change through various communication channels and media. 

Recommended Readings: MSCCH Health Promises & Climate Change is Harming Our Health

Session 3: FIND YOUR Election

DATE/TIME: October 13, 2022; 12 - 1:30 P.M. PST | 3 - 4:30 P.M. EST

Speakers: Aliya Bhatia; Colin Nackerman; Nathaniel Stinnett

Description: Climate change is a systemic problem that requires systemic change. Fortunately, we’re given the opportunity to change our systems through our democratic elections. We can vote to elect officials committed to climate action. Learn how health professionals can use their trusted voice to help patients register to vote, remind voters motivated on climate change to make voting a part of their climate and civic duty, and press candidates on their policy solutions for climate and health.

Learning Objectives: 

• Participants will learn why voting access and and a healthy democracy are essential for sustained climate action

• Participants will learn opportunities to improve voting access and how to message voters activated on climate to turnout the vote.

• Participants will learn about effective ways to engage candidates on climate change and health

Session 4: FIND YOUR CLIMATE COMMUNITY

DATE/TIME: October 20, 2022; 12 - 1:30 P.M. PST | 3 - 4:30 P.M. EST

Speakers: Lori Byron; Amy Collins; Armen Henderson; Karly Hampshire

Description: As the health impacts of climate change unfold, there are multiple ways to get involved–at your hospitals or clinic, in your communities, or in your statehouse. Learn from climate advocates working in each of these spaces how powerful your voice can be. You’ll also learn where to go to build your skills and find support for your climate advocacy journey.

Learning Objectives: 

• Participants will learn to map spheres of influence to identify opportunities to leverage their health professional voice.

Session 5: FIND YOUR POWER

DATE/TIME: October 27, 2022; 12 - 1:30 P.M. PST | 3 - 4:30 P.M. EST

Speakers: Nicole Duritz; Beverly Harp

Description: There’s power in numbers and as climate advocates we need to build our numbers. Learn how health professionals can find their advocacy community, build their power base, and activate their networks.

Learning Objectives: 

• Participants will learn how to identify their network, develop effective relationships in advocacy to develop shared goals, identify a plan of action, and collaborate for large systemic issues like climate change.

Please direct any questions to Haley Campbell - hec2141@columbia.edu