Climate Policy Influence: It's About More Than Money, And You've Got It

Let’s talk about the influence we each have to make a massive difference in climate, solely by deciding to support a particular political candidate. People, it’s about more than donating funds!

I was inspired to share some thoughts on this by a rousing call? to use our influence by Washington state gubernatorial candidate, Bob Ferguson , last night at a Washington Conservation Action fundraising event.?

I’m hoping to get the transcript of his remarks (so ultimately, I’ll paste in the words he actually used), but this roughly describes what I heard through my ear that, admittedly, only hears “climate influence” opportunities:

Everyone in this room has influence and we are going to need all of it to defeat the opposing candidate.

Now, the whole point of the event was to raise money for the incredible work of Washington Conservation Action, but I also heard a STRONG call for “don’t stop there.” Dollars are needed, but the ways you share your enthusiasm for Mr. Ferguson in Washington state - or the ways you support whomever in YOUR state or city or school district - MATTER.

Too often the types of people who donate, including those who donate a LOT of money, can tend to consider only way they need help. With the signing of a check, they can say - yes they supported? “thus and so”. But, I’d argue that a whole layer of influence is untapped when that donor doesn't then make it their mission to share with neighbors, family members, their SOCIAL NETWORKS (like LinkedIn!) that they are excited about said candidate. AND, that you mention your personal reason, your why.

“I donated to Candidate XYZ because, wow - is that person ever smart, enthusiastic and confident about our collective power in fighting the fossil fuel industry. They completely sold me on how they are the leader to move us forward quickly. And, their views align with my concerns about pollution and the health of my family.”

That was roughly my response to hearing Bob Ferguson speak yesterday. I’m psyched for Washington state, that he is our candidate for expanding on where Governor Inslee will have left off.?

But back to the broader climate influence ask:?

You know you’ve got at least one social platform you like to use. So, get a wee bit bolder about stating your support, tagging the candidate, and saying HOW that person’s vision aligns with your values and everyday life.?

It’s not just a sign on the lawn, or a big or small donation. Your community needs to realize that someone they know and respect is excited about this particular candidate.?

Your storytelling matters because it helps a neighbor or colleague then see themselves also supporting that candidate. But, it might be a bit beyond your usual comfort zone. Still, you MUST be a bit more intentional and public about sharing that story for the sake of climate and the sake of democracy.?

For more on the importance of building climate influence through a policy lens, listen to The NewDEAL “An Honorable Profession” podcast interview with me ? from earlier this year.?

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Identifying, developing and amplifying climate influence is my work. I advise leaders on how to be more seen leading. I provide high level strategy on event programming, climate media relationship building, and more. I also host the Living Change: A Quest for Climate Leadership podcast, and am currently talking with aligned sponsors for a second season.?

I’m also a Bloomberg Green Champion for this year’s Bloomberg Live Bloomberg Green Festival in Seattle, July 10-13. I’d love to see you there (I love it when people get to see my city at it's finest). Otherwise, let’s talk if you’d like to build more climate influence. I can help make that happen much more creatively and quickly.?

And, for links to lots of my other content, and to my Substack "Climate Influence" newsletter (where I share regular audio posts) see my Linktree.