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City, RDN seeking community groups to participate in climate initiative

Acting for Climate Together initiative enters its second year

Organization logo, see content for who is part of this release
Organization logo, see content for who is part of this release

JOINT NEWS RELEASE - Distributed February 7, 2024 11:00 AM

The City of Nanaimo and Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) are inviting both new and existing groups to join the 2024 Acting for Climate Together (ACT) initiative, which was created to inspire action to reduce our climate impact. Through the program, participants are encouraged to complete desired climate actions, connect with other groups and learn from their peers, City and RDN staff and local climate experts. While the City and RDN staff will provide several recommended climate actions, groups are encouraged to develop their own projects.

By joining ACT, groups will receive support and recognition from the City and RDN for acting on climate change, including one-on-one meetings with staff, connections to other groups in the program and potential access to project grant or seed funding. The City and RDN will provide ongoing support through direct communication with staff and invitations to learning events and group check-ins. Individuals are also welcome to join but will be encouraged to connect with a group through the program.

In early 2023, the City and RDN launched the ACT program to support volunteer climate action among groups. Sixteen different teams signed up for ACT, representing approximately 373 individuals. Those teams completed twenty-six actions to reduce climate emissions and protect our environment. Actions completed by last year’s ACT members included hosting an Earth Day event, neighbourhood tree planting events, participating in go by bike week and organizing a tour of energy efficient homes. Based on participant feedback, program improvements are being made, such as access to project funding and more regularly scheduled group meetings to connect with peers. Many of last year's participants will be returning to complete more climate actions and offer peer mentorship to newer teams joining ACT.

ACT participants or those interested in joining are encouraged to attend an online information session on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, from 6 - 7 p.m., and the in-person project kickoff meeting on Saturday, Mar. 23, 2024, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Oliver Woods Community Centre in Monarch Rooms 1 and 2.

To learn more about joining ACT and to register for the information session and/or the kickoff event, please go to the RDN website, or email the program administrators at sustainability@nanaimo.ca or sustainability@rdn.bc.ca.

Key Points

  • The City of Nanaimo and Regional District of Nanaimo invite both new and existing groups to join the 2024 Acting for Climate Together (ACT) initiative.
  • The Acting for Climate Together (ACT) program was created to inspire climate action and connect groups with each other, City and RDN staff and other climate action leaders.
  • New this year, participants will have access to project funding to support groups in completing eligible community projects.
  • Those interested in participating in the ACT program can register on the RDN Get Involved website and/or attend an online information session from 6 - 7 p.m on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024.

Quotes

"It's wonderful to see the City and RDN come together to champion the Acting for Climate Together initiative. On behalf of Council, thank you to the many citizens who demonstrated their commitment to combating climate change. Let's build on the success of last year's ACT teams! Your participation matters, and I invite everyone to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and resilient Nanaimo."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"The Regional District of Nanaimo is pleased to partner for the second year with the City of Nanaimo to help our residents take climate action. Helping residents share ideas, access funding, and connect with others working on this challenge is an important part of protecting our vital lands and ecosystems and to managing the impacts of climate change in the region."

Vanessa Craig
Chair
Regional District of Nanaimo

"Participating in the ACT program was a great experience for me! Staff from the City and RDN provided not only helpful information but also the opportunity to make meaningful connections with others. I met amazing people from all around the city who are working towards sustainability through collective climate action. The group was inspiring and encouraging."

Theresa Deering
ACT participant
Rock City Neighbourhood Association

Quick Facts

  • The Acting for Climate Together program started in early 2023 and included 16 different teams who completed twenty-six climate actions
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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251
Rebecca Taylor
Communications Coordinator
Regional District of Nanaimo
250-390-6502

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