Jill Mitchler Uncategorized

Investing in Our Future: Join us at our May 26 panel to help CCL Wisconsin students get to DC this July

Wisconsin Citizens’ Climate Lobby is kicking off a fundraiser to help CCL students and possibly other WI CCLers needing financial assistance travel to Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Summer Conference & Lobby Day to advocate for effective climate policy, with a particular focus on permitting reform and accelerating clean energy and infrastructure projects. Our goal is to help as many people as possible who wish to attend the Conference and Lobby Day but otherwise could not afford the costs of travel, lodging, and meals.

We are very excited to announce that we have a match donor again this year! With a huge thank you to Karen Kendrick-Hands and Larry Hands of Madison CCL, all donations will be double-matched up to their contribution of $6,000!

May 28 CCL Student Members Panel

As part of this effort, we’re hosting a virtual panel discussion on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 7 pm, in which two Wisconsin CCL students who went to last year’s Conference and Lobby Day, and two who would like to go this year, will share their thoughts on climate advocacy, what they’ve learned, and their motivation for attending the Conference and Lobby Day. More info and the registration link are here. The event will be recorded and also available for viewing later. A shorter, highlights reel of important excerpts will also be shared. Anyone can use these videos in donation requests to family and friends who may want to help. Please consider helping to lift diverse voices for climate action!

How to Apply

Scholarship applications should be submitted here. Selection will be based on financial need, demonstrated commitment to climate advocacy and to participate responsibly and effectively in conference meetings and events. Funds will be used only for approved scholarship-related expenses such as transportation, lodging, registration fees, and meals directly connected to participation in CCL advocacy activities in Washington, D.C. If fewer qualified applicants apply than expected, remaining funds be reserved for future advocacy scholarships. See scholarship guidelines for full information.

How to Donate

If you would like to contribute right away, please click on the Donate button above. Thank you!

Financial barriers should not prevent people from climate advocacy education and civil participation. Help local volunteers engage as constituents directly with members of Congress and their staff about climate and energy issues. Your support in this effort would be deeply appreciated!

Jill Mitchler Events, Fundraising, Lobbying, Uncategorized

2025 Summer Conference and Lobby Day Report from Wisconsin

Over 800 volunteers from Citizens’ Climate Lobby attended the July 2025 Summer Conference, participating in more than 400 lobby meetings on Lobby Day. We had a 28-member contingent from Wisconsin, with 10 young people fully or partially funded through CCL Wisconsin’s new scholarship program. See our state’s photo album here. We thank everyone who donated, especially Larry Hands and Karen Kendrick-Hands, who funded the large Two-for-One Match donation!

Asked how the experience changed her, Emelyn Beaster, leader of the Lawrence University CCL chapter stated, “By lobbying Congress, and being right on site in DC, I gained a lot of hope for the impact of the voice of the community in climate work. This lobby day came at a time where it’s been really easy to lose that hope or feel burnt out in climate work, but the conference reminded me that together, a community like CCL can become this really influential collective voice of action.”

We hope to bring as many or more volunteers of all ages together in Washington, DC, for the 2026 Conference and Lobby Day. Meanwhile, we continue our efforts from home by taking actions suggested by CCL National and by supporting the outreach and development work of our local chapters.

Our climate advocacy continues to be very important, especially in these difficult times. As climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe puts it, “The science is clear: every fraction of a degree of warming we prevent reduces suffering and saves lives. We already have the technology, the knowledge, and the ability to transition to a clean energy future, cut emissions, and build resilient communities. The biggest thing we’re missing is the collective will to act—and that’s something each of us can help create.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher, but so too are the opportunities. By choosing action, we not only protect what we love; we are also building a safer, healthier, and more equitable future. The power to turn awareness into momentum, and momentum into change, is in our hands.”