Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is a non-profit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change. CCL’s 12 chapters in Virginia are part of a network of over 500 chapters and 170,000 supporters worldwide.
Our Work
Our volunteers lobby Congress and build public support for federal climate policy. We focus on a policy called Carbon Fee & Dividend – which was built into an ambitious climate bill called the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act (H.R.2307). We also advocate for complementary climate policies. Our priority is to cut emissions quickly in line with the science and ensure that lower-income families are protected during the transition to clean energy.
To build support for climate policy, we organize our work into “Five Levers of Political Will“: Lobbying, Media Relations, Grassroots Outreach, Grasstops Engagement, and Chapter & Volunteer Development.
Our Chapters
- Alexandria
- Charlottesville
- Fairfax County
- Hampton Roads
- Harrisonburg
- Loudoun County
- Lynchburg
- New River Valley
- Prince William
- Richmond
- Roanoke
- Winchester
Our State Coordinators
CCL Virginia is coordinated by volunteers: Chris Wiegard and Stephanie Burns. They help volunteers across Virginia communicate and collaborate with each other. They also work to expand CCL’s network of chapters across Virginia.
Chris Wiegard is a librarian, grandpa, and volunteer with the Richmond CCL chapter.
Stephanie Burns is a research consultant from Arlington and leads the Alexandria CCL chapter.
Our Values
Focus
We are focused on what we see as the single most impactful solution to climate change — a national carbon fee and dividend. We know it will not solve the problem entirely, and appreciate the work that our friends in other groups are doing. So that we can be effective, we do not let ourselves get distracted by work that does not support our core purpose. After we accomplish our goal, we will tackle the next most impactful solution.
Optimism
We believe that people are good, and that democracy works. We are confident that our approach will work because we see progress. We stand for a solution, not in protest of other solutions. We don’t expect perfection from ourselves or others; this is a process and we know that people can improve. Together, we are a community that offers one another comfort, support, and fun as we work.
Relationships
We take the most generous approach to other people as possible — appreciation, gratitude, and respect. We listen, we work to find common values, and we endeavor to understand our own biases. We are honest and firm. We know that there is a place for protest, but our approach is to build consensus — that’s what will bring enduring change. That’s why elected officials and their staff, no matter what their politics, say they are happy to see us — and mean it.
Integrity
We are prepared and do our research. We are always on time for meetings. Our approach is thoughtful & thorough. We consult experts and use data. We are open to new information; in fact we solicit opposing opinions. We refine our solutions to make them better. We follow up when we are asked. We keep on.
Personal Power
We use our voices to be heard. This simple act transforms us from spectators to engaged citizens, and it reveals the true nature of democracy to us. We are volunteer-driven — trusting volunteers to make important decisions, and to create and develop things that will be valued by Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
Being Nonpartisan
Our group is open to all who are serious about solving climate change. You are welcome no matter where you live, what you wear, what you do for a living, or who you voted for in the last election. We work with elected officials and community leaders from across the political spectrum because we believe that everyone is a potential ally.
Diversity
We empower everyone in exercising their personal and political power regardless of race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, ability, socio-economic factors or political affiliation. We seek out, support, and elevate people whose voices may not have been fully heard.
Citizens' Climate Lobby of Virginia 