To ensure that the climate crisis is a top priority for our elected officials, it’s crucial that they regularly hear from constituents from across Minnesota. One way MN350 makes that happen is through the Climate Majority Project (CMP), a collection of more than 1,000 climate activists throughout our state who have committed to taking biweekly actions from home.
Members of MN350’s Policy Action Team (of which I’m a part) decide on these biweekly actions, which are related to timely, crucial issues for creating a more equitable state powered by renewable energy. We pool our collective knowledge and insights to choose a relevant action that members can do from their homes in 10 minutes or less.
Past actions have included contacting legislators and encouraging them to support 100% clean energy legislation, submitting public comments to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in support of electric school buses, and thanking Gov. Tim Walz for his support of clean car standards. This past legislative session, members of the state legislature reported hearing from more constituents about the climate crisis and clean energy than ever before.
Two years ago, Climate Majority Project membership was barely more than 100 people. But in the past 18 months, thanks to volunteer leadership, improved organization, and targeted outreach, the CMP’s membership has grown nearly tenfold, increasing its reach and ability to influence policy makers.
Going forward, the goal of the Policy Action Team is to continue to grow the project’s membership, especially in politically strategic areas of the state, such as St. Cloud, Rochester, Stillwater, Burnsville, Savage, Grand Rapids, Hinckley, Mora, Chaska, and Waconia. If constituents make their voices heard in these areas, their elected officials are more likely to adopt climate justice as a top priority.
We’ve used tools such as targeted emails, phone banks, and tabling at in-district events to recruit new members in these districts. Efforts are underway to recruit leaders and plan events to promote the CMP in these areas. You can join the Climate Majority Project today or learn more about expanding our reach by contacting eva@mn350.org.
Sam Benson has been a volunteer with the Policy Action Team since 2017. His passions include renewable energy, helping to elect climate champions, and watching baseball. He lives in South Minneapolis.
