New York has long been a national leader in climate change action, and the Cornell Climate Stewards volunteer training program provided through the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) will help support the state’s innovative Climate Smart Communities (CSC) program. The NYS CSC program is an effective and adaptable program that helps communities take proactive steps to encourage climate resilience and sustainability.
To support this program, CCE is looking to train and engage local Climate Stewards to spearhead projects in their communities. Cornell Climate Stewards volunteers receive comprehensive training on climate change science, while also learning about how to plan and implement solutions for NY communities.
Enrollment is now open for Cornell Climate Stewards Program. The cost is $75 to take the course and become certified as a Cornell Cooperative Extension volunteer. Scholarships will be offered to those in need of financial assistance. The Cornell Climate Stewards program is a 12-week course that covers topics such as climate science, impacts, mitigation, adaptation, public communication, interacting with local and state government, creating and planning local projects, and climate justice. Volunteers will learn how to develop and organize community projects, write grants, and more. They will also become part of a growing community of trained volunteers who meet to share ideas and network.
Classes will be held in a hybrid format in-person and via zoom from March 16 to June 22 on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. The class will take place at the CCE Monroe office on 2449 St. Paul Boulevard, Rochester. There will be days off from the course that correspond with holidays on March 30, April 20, May 25, and June 15.
To apply to become a Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension Climate Stewards volunteer, or to ask any questions, contact Natural Resource Educator Antonius Chess Jr. at arc279@cornell.edu or 585-753-2564 or visit https://monroe.cce.cornell.edu/environment/climate-stewards.
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