Climate Champions
Sustainable Communities Division Champions Program
The Sustainable Communities Division (SCD) launched a Sustainability Champion’s program in September 2014 to accelerate integration of sustainability in state APA chapter level activities throughout the United States. Today, this group has been tasked with extending SCD’s outreach and message on climate action by engaging their respective states and fostering regional dialogue and collaboration. The Climate Champions are also tasked with engaging directly with their state APA chapters to foster increased collaboration between the national APA and the state chapters. The Climate Champions will be an integral part of a national sustainability network focused on the following:
Facilitating cross-regional collaboration for climate action and sustainability
Building capacity in their respective states and local chapters in association with SCD leadership and other Champions
Being a local and regional resource for planners and allied professionals
Focusing on empowering planners to advance climate action to create sustainable, resilient, and equitable communities
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Learn more about the Program
Essential Minimum Functions of a Climate Champion
The Climate Champions are an essential extension of the SCD in helping to advance climate action for planners and allied professionals in individual states and regions. As such, there are minimum requirements to receive and maintain the designation of a climate champion. These include:
Participate in monthly virtual Champion meetings with SCD leadership
Post a minimum of one monthly update to SCD’s social media platforms regarding state-related climate action
Collaborate with other Champions within respective APA regions to host at least one annual regional roundtable discussion
Develop one climate-related piece of content annually (e.g., article, study, presentation, podcast, video, brochure, etc.) which highlights a particular state-related climate issue or solution for dissemination via SCD’s media platforms
Submit a session proposal on climate issues or action for the respective state or regional chapter conference. The overall Champions group will be tasked with collaborating and developing an annual conference template proposal and PowerPoint which can be used by all Champions
Contribute to division climate-related research and policy initiatives including outreach and engagement with constituents located within respective chapters or states
Minimum Qualifications of a Climate Champion
Designated Climate Champions will be tasked to provide leadership on climate issues in their respective states. This requires a minimum level of climate understanding and professional experience. This also requires a level of self initiation and accountability, and a propensity for collaboration and networking. As such, there are several minimum requirements to be eligible for being designated a Champion. These include:
Commitment to serve a two year position term
3 years of professional expertise with an emphasis on climate action
Active member of the SCD
Proven experience in development of original content
Experienced in networking and collaboration related to local and regional climate action
Continued commitment to meeting the Essential Minimum Functions of a Climate Champion, as set out above.
Champion Selection
Champions will be selected based on a competitive process beginning with a nomination and continuing with the submission of a simple, one‐page application, including three references from colleagues. The application should clearly demonstrate the candidate’s expertise and passion, as well as outline how he/she will champion the cause of climate action and sustainability within his/her state and APA chapter. In the instance of having multiple qualified candidates, SCD leadership will select what they deem is the most qualified person to serve as the Champion for their state and will task that person to collaborate with other individuals as part of a state-based subcommittee of motivated climate professionals. Champions who do not meet minimum requirements or cannot fulfill essential functions will be removed by SCD leadership.