Kevin Izzo Selfie

December Climate Champions Update

Posted on December 6, 2022 by Mass Audubon

Climate Champions is a Mass Audubon grassroots volunteer program to advocate for policies that advance nature-based climate solutions. With training from policy experts, Climate Champions advocate for local and state policies that help achieve the state’s goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reverse negative health impacts of climate change for Environmental Justice communities.    

Meet a Champion, find out how it’s going and what’s next, and learn how you can get involved.

Climate Champion Spotlight: Kevin Izzo 

“As I became more climate aware, I realized that reducing my individual impact wasn’t enough and that I needed to do more. Not having previous advocacy experience I wasn’t sure where to start. Climate Champions has provided me a way to educate myself and become more active. It is a thoughtful group with wide-ranging concerns. Since joining, I’ve: 

  • Researched local adoption of three climate initiatives, 
  • Written letters to influence building code design, 
  • Phone banked with the Environmental Voter Project, 
  • Participated in a Massachusetts solar siting survey, 
  • Helped to recruit new members, and 
  • Weighed in on legislative priorities.” 

How It’s Going 

Climate Champions celebrated the passage of a major Economic Development bill that included $540 million to support nature-based climate solutions, clean energy, and climate resiliency. Climate Champions pushed for these investments at our Beacon Hill Lobby Day in June, and the House and Senate responded. We hope this success inspires you as it has us!   

Champions were also briefed on the Community Preservation Act (CPA) that helps to preserve open space and cheered the passage of CPA in five towns at the mid-term election.  

As a way to grow the program, champions participated in recruitment workshops, where they learned about the variety of program recruitment materials available and brainstormed their own outreach to recruit more Climate Champions. 

In addition, champions had the opportunity to: 

  • Complete the MA Department of Energy Resources’ Solar Siting Survey to advocate for solar projects that protect our natural and working lands 
  • Submit comments on proposed changes to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) regulations to advocate for the reduction the time and costs involved with restoring wetlands 

What’s Next 

Climate Champions will be trained by Mass Audubon’s policy experts about local town government, how to take local climate action, and the resources available to facilitate that action. Champions will begin researching their local legislators, learning about their influences and interests, in preparation for future advocacy engagement. 

Mass Audubon’s Policy and Advocacy staff will be finalizing the Legislative Agenda for the 2023-2024 legislative session after reviewing insightful feedback from both Climate Champions and Youth Climate Leadership Program (YCLP) volunteers. 

Get Involved

Become a Climate Champion, no matter your time constraints or experience level! 

Find out more and sign up > 

A view of the saltmarsh at Allens Pond in Dartmouth and Westport. The marsh grass is bright and verdant and there is a small, white egret wading in the water in the distance.

Mass Audubon Issues Call for Indigenous Artists

Posted on November 29, 2022 by Ryan D.
A view of the saltmarsh at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Dartmouth and Westport.

Mass Audubon invites local, Indigenous artists to submit interest applications for consideration to design a structural, elemental art installation to be featured at one or more Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries. The artwork is intended to spotlight, honor, and celebrate Indigenous relationships with nature and the land of Massachusetts and/or New England.  

Funding and Budget 

At this time, Mass Audubon has received funding from the Mass Cultural Council to pay an artist for conceptual and final designs. Once an artist is selected from the pool of interested applicants, Mass Audubon will pay $2,500 for conceptual drawings and another $2,500 for a final design. Mass Audubon is currently seeking funding for the fabrication and installation of the artwork. When funding for the installation is secured, the selected artist will have the opportunity to fabricate and install the final artwork. 

Design Parameters 

The final piece(s) should be constructed with elemental or natural materials (wood, stone, etc.), preferably sourced from in or around the New England region, and be able to withstand outdoor conditions. Pieces should be tactile and interactive in nature, celebrating and provoking reflection upon the Indigenous sovereignty, culture, and heritage of the region, including past, present, and future. The artwork may also highlight the artist’s own connection to nature and the land in Massachusetts and/or New England. Interpretive signage may be developed to accompany the piece, if appropriate.  

The Intent 

The application process is intended to find and contract with a local, Indigenous artist whom Mass Audubon will commission to design a concept for a future art installation. The application is for artists to express interest in consideration for the project; fully developed concepts are not required at this point.  

The interest form requests the following information: 

  • Name and contact information 
  • A brief description of the artist’s interest in the project and their personal connection with their Indigenous heritage and the nature and lands of what is now called Massachusetts 
  • A description of the artist’s work, style, and preferred medium(s) 
  • Links to examples of previous work, such as a digital portfolio, public Instagram account, or similar platform 

The application deadline is midnight on December 31, 2022.

To apply for consideration, please complete the interest form.

If you wish to upload photos of your past work, please do so here.