Our 2020 year End "Appeal" Letter... Thanks for reading...
Dear Friend,
Oh, 2020. We are ready to see you in the rear-view mirror. We don’t have to remind anyone of the enormous challenges that have defined this year: a pandemic raging, racial injustice impossible to look away from, divisiveness, and economic hardship.
Oh, 2021. We couldn’t be more excited for you! We see ahead the bright lights, the silver linings, the possibilities, the climate progress, the movement we’ll continue to build together. If ever there was a time when bold ideas and ambitious action are called for, this is it.
That’s why we’re resolved to accelerate our work to address the climate crisis, which of course is not separate from but rather interconnected with the other dire challenges of these times. Call it active hope. Call it stubborn optimism. Call it utter commitment.
We write today asking for your support so we can grow our 2021 collaborative efforts (please see P.S. below).
Given this tough year, it may seem like our country didn’t see a lot of climate progress, but recent surveys show more people understand and care about climate solutions than ever before. And here at Climate Smart, our 2020 efforts are paying off and will accelerate in 2021. Our research, planning, and countless Zoom events and meetings have laid the groundwork for real progress in the months and years to come.
With your support, here’s a peek ahead to what we’ll be able to accomplish:
And, two things that will drive our work:
We have our eyes wide open to the opportunities and difficulties of the year ahead – those bright lights and the silver linings peppered with a few dark clouds. There are no simple solutions. We cannot just go plant a trillion trees, wash our hands and be done (though we can plant and care for more trees and you should wash your hands). We cannot shut down the grid, but can work toward a just energy transition, implement policies that conserve energy locally and go solar. Progress is not simple, but it is doable!
Even with a more climate-friendly federal administration, grassroots community efforts are crucial to accelerating momentum and centering climate justice. And, our work here in Missoula and in partnership with other cities will help create political will for change at the state level – and defend against any backwards movement.
Remember last spring, a few months after our BIG CLIMATE CHANGE event (see P.S.S.S. below), when the hills were ablaze with Arrowleaf Balsamroot flowers, bringing brightness to the bleak early pandemic days? With the help of stellar volunteers, we collected almost 15 pounds (!) of balsamroot seeds to be scattered across our open lands, turning weedy slopes into native plant rich hillsides. For us that is a fitting metaphor: even while things are a bit rough, we look for beauty, and collect for today what will blossom tomorrow.
You inspire us. We hope you can join us! If you have the means this year, you have options – head HERE!
Thank you for believing in climate action and the work we can do, together. Onward to 2021.
Amy Cilimburg, Executive Director
Together with staff: Caroline Lauer, Abby Huseth, & Mason Dow
and with our Board of Directors: Beth Schenk, Melissa Matassa-Stone, Karen Knudsen, Paul Herendeen,
Chris Brick, Peter McDonough & Gwen Lankford
P.S. We know COVID, like climate change, is not impacting us equally. If you or your family is under financial strain, we understand. If you’re spending your philanthropic dollars helping others in immediate need, we understand that too. We’re here for the long haul – support us today or when the time is right for you. This recently came in the mail, with a generous check, from someone with means (image right!):
P.S.S No matter where you are, join us December 10 for our Year 5 Celebration – virtual of course – from 5 – 6pm. We’ll give away our annual and coveted Smarty Pants awards. Details at missoulaclimate.org!
P.S.S.S. If you missed the Big Climate Change event, featuring Dr. Rob Davies (hands down the most inspiring climate presentation we’ve ever seen), you can watch it: see missoulaclimate.org!
Oh, 2020. We are ready to see you in the rear-view mirror. We don’t have to remind anyone of the enormous challenges that have defined this year: a pandemic raging, racial injustice impossible to look away from, divisiveness, and economic hardship.
Oh, 2021. We couldn’t be more excited for you! We see ahead the bright lights, the silver linings, the possibilities, the climate progress, the movement we’ll continue to build together. If ever there was a time when bold ideas and ambitious action are called for, this is it.
That’s why we’re resolved to accelerate our work to address the climate crisis, which of course is not separate from but rather interconnected with the other dire challenges of these times. Call it active hope. Call it stubborn optimism. Call it utter commitment.
We write today asking for your support so we can grow our 2021 collaborative efforts (please see P.S. below).
Given this tough year, it may seem like our country didn’t see a lot of climate progress, but recent surveys show more people understand and care about climate solutions than ever before. And here at Climate Smart, our 2020 efforts are paying off and will accelerate in 2021. Our research, planning, and countless Zoom events and meetings have laid the groundwork for real progress in the months and years to come.
With your support, here’s a peek ahead to what we’ll be able to accomplish:
- Grow our recently launched carbon offset “Footprint Fund”
- Decarbonize our building stock with our community-wide Building(s) for the Future effort
- Complete a Roadmap to 100% clean electricity for Missoula – with partners and commitments
- Co-lead the implementation of Climate Ready Missoula – our county-wide resiliency plan
- Bring clean air directly to more at-risk individuals, and educate everyone for wildfire smoke season
- Be ready to pounce on opportunities created by a new federal administration hell-bent on climate action
- Again host, when safe, our Clean Energy Expo and myriad creative events to bring our community together (see P.S.S. below – our Year 5 virtual Celebration & Happy Hour, December 10!).
And, two things that will drive our work:
- A stronger emphasis on equity and inclusion and working to dismantle systemic racism
- A more vibrant movement, especially as we come out of COVID lockdown, with creativity, art and young voices at the fore.
We have our eyes wide open to the opportunities and difficulties of the year ahead – those bright lights and the silver linings peppered with a few dark clouds. There are no simple solutions. We cannot just go plant a trillion trees, wash our hands and be done (though we can plant and care for more trees and you should wash your hands). We cannot shut down the grid, but can work toward a just energy transition, implement policies that conserve energy locally and go solar. Progress is not simple, but it is doable!
Even with a more climate-friendly federal administration, grassroots community efforts are crucial to accelerating momentum and centering climate justice. And, our work here in Missoula and in partnership with other cities will help create political will for change at the state level – and defend against any backwards movement.
Remember last spring, a few months after our BIG CLIMATE CHANGE event (see P.S.S.S. below), when the hills were ablaze with Arrowleaf Balsamroot flowers, bringing brightness to the bleak early pandemic days? With the help of stellar volunteers, we collected almost 15 pounds (!) of balsamroot seeds to be scattered across our open lands, turning weedy slopes into native plant rich hillsides. For us that is a fitting metaphor: even while things are a bit rough, we look for beauty, and collect for today what will blossom tomorrow.
You inspire us. We hope you can join us! If you have the means this year, you have options – head HERE!
Thank you for believing in climate action and the work we can do, together. Onward to 2021.
Amy Cilimburg, Executive Director
Together with staff: Caroline Lauer, Abby Huseth, & Mason Dow
and with our Board of Directors: Beth Schenk, Melissa Matassa-Stone, Karen Knudsen, Paul Herendeen,
Chris Brick, Peter McDonough & Gwen Lankford
P.S. We know COVID, like climate change, is not impacting us equally. If you or your family is under financial strain, we understand. If you’re spending your philanthropic dollars helping others in immediate need, we understand that too. We’re here for the long haul – support us today or when the time is right for you. This recently came in the mail, with a generous check, from someone with means (image right!):
P.S.S No matter where you are, join us December 10 for our Year 5 Celebration – virtual of course – from 5 – 6pm. We’ll give away our annual and coveted Smarty Pants awards. Details at missoulaclimate.org!
P.S.S.S. If you missed the Big Climate Change event, featuring Dr. Rob Davies (hands down the most inspiring climate presentation we’ve ever seen), you can watch it: see missoulaclimate.org!
