A Community Climate Collaboration

The Calgary Climate Hub is pleased to work with Arusha Centre to develop and amplify our climate change work for Calgary’s future. The Climate Hub has hosted Community Climate Conversations and follow up Activations, building profile and networks of Calgarians that are informed and motivated. The Arusha Centre has granted dozens of citizen environmental projects from its Take Action Grant program and delivered environmental education programming for the City, business, and educational institutions for 10 years. Together, the Hub and Arusha see the urgent need to grow the climate movement in Calgary from the citizens up to improve policy through concrete projects and strong climate networks. 

This collaboration brings the staff and volunteers from the Hub and Arusha together to provide ongoing support to community associations, resident associations, and community groups to:

  1. Encourage climate action at the community level
  2. Guide community association members through the process of taking on a community-level project and apply for Take Action Grant funding at www.arusha.org
  3. Provide an avenue for engagement of Calgary volunteers both to community groups and climate projects as well as advocacy and policy change.=
  4. Create a network of people across Calgary who are taking climate action
  5. Celebrate the achievements of community groups

What does this look like? The Sunalta Community Association audited their existing programming for climate change impacts and what is the highest priority for their programming. 

Their wildflower garden was identified as having a greater public education role regarding pollination. They applied and received a Take Action Grant from the Arusha Centre to organize regular sessions with residents to share knowledge about local food and preparation as well as work in the garden together. 

A volunteer with the sign for the Sunalta Community Wildflower Garden

Another example in Hillhurst-Sunnyside is the Repair Cafe, coordinated by Jan Ooi. This project empowers residents to repair household items, and meet at their community association. This project educates about the community association, the urgency to move to a circular economy, and connects residents who want to reduce environmental impact.

Erin (l) is holding her repaired hair dryer

Organizers of the community association-related projects are invited to participate in the Climate Partnership with other project leaders to learn how to amplify their work. The Climate Partners will be showcased at the Moving Mountains gathering Sept 30-Oct 2 at the University of Calgary.

Grant applications are due on the 15th of each month and you can learn more about funding and the Climate Partnership at www.arusha.org and click on “Climate Action, Grants and Equipment.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

This collaboration was made possible by donations from people like you. To support this important work, donate today!