BostonCAN and Beyond!
BostonCAN offers many opportunities to get involved in climate action, from volunteering locally to table at a fair or sing in a skit, to hands-on energy efficiency assistance during the upcoming minga, to testifying at public hearings and joining protests. BostonCAN also takes part in coordinated actions and initiatives with other local and national climate organizations. With the New Year fast approaching, make a resolution to volunteer with BostonCAN as we support our many allies in the fight against climate change! The best way to stay on top of breaking action alerts is to subscribe to our announcements listserv by emailing your contact info to BostonClimateAction<at>gmail.com.
350.org and 350MA
350.org is an organization dedicated to building a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. 350.org engages in online campaigns, grassroots organizing, and mass public actions led by thousands of volunteer organizers in over 188 countries. 350MA is the newly founded Massachusetts affiliate of 350.org.
After a rousing visit from 350.org’s president and cofounder, Bill McKibben, on the Boston stop of 350.org’s Do the Math Tour, 350MA and other 350.org affiliates have several big actions and initiatives scheduled this winter:
- January 26, 2013: Join BostonCAN’s carpool to support a Stop the Northeastern Tar Sand Pipeline action in Portland, ME organized by 350 allies throughout New England.
- February 17, 2013: BostonCAN will help organize carpools toa 350.org action to oppose the KeystoneXL Pipeline in Washington, D.C., letting President Obama know that we still expect him to deny the permit.
- Ongoing: 350.org has joined forces with environmental groups at universities across the country to promote divestment from fossil fuel interests in the Fossil Free campaign. Recently, this movement received major coverage in the New York Times and on public radio’s “The Takeaway with John Hockenberry.” If you’re an alumnus or a student, visit gofossilfree.org to learn how you can encourage your school to divest from interests that promote our continued devastating dependence on fossil fuels.
Cool JP
Cool JP is a BostonCAN committee focused supporting people who want to work with their neighbors in “green blocks” to promote energy efficiency and more sustainable neighborhoods.
- If you are interested in organizing a green block or finding out about the upcoming minga in Jamaica Plain, contact Cool JP by calling 857-544-6846 or emailing BostonClimateAction<at>gmail.com.
Neighborhood of Affordable Housing
The Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) is an East Boston-based community development corporation that supports and collaborates with residents and communities in their pursuit of affordable housing strategies, environmental justice, community planning, leadership development, and economic development opportunities.
- In a recent blog post, “Storm Surge Coming to East Boston?”, NOAH examines how a storm like Sandy could impact Boston. To get involved in the discussion about disaster mitigation and storm impacts in East Boston, contact Kim Foltz, Director of Community Building and Environment, at kim<at>noahcdc.org.
West Roxbury Saves Energy
West Roxbury Saves Energy (WRSE) is a community-based organization committed to spreading the word that individuals can easily make positive choices that save money as well as the environment.
- Monday, January 14, 2013: From 7pm to 8pm at the West Roxbury Library, WRSE and Next Step Living will host a free program on total climate control systems, aka heat pumps. Learn about these innovative energy-efficient home heating and cooling systems!
GreenDorchester
GreenDorchester, formerly the Dorchester Environmental Health Coalition (DEHC), empowers local residents, grassroots groups, businesses, and institutions or nonprofit organizations working on community-based environmental change in Dorchester. The founder of GreenDorchester, Rosanne Foley, was recently profiled on WERS: http://median.emerson.edu/media/22715/.
- To find out how getting a free home energy assessment can help the historic Second Church in Dorchester with its energy improvements, go to http://www.heetma.com/content/second-church-dorchester, call Alphonse Knight at 617-872-5961, or contact the church office at secondchnaz<at>gmail.com.
GreeningRozzie
GreeningRozzie aims to make Roslindale a greener, more sustainable, and more cohesive community.
- January 14, 2013: GreeningRozzie will host the inaugural meeting of a sustainability book club at Select Café in Roslindale. From 6:30pm to 8:30pm, participants will discuss Bill McKibben’s article for Rolling Stone, “Global Warming’s Terrifying New Math.” Get more information, RSVP, or find out about other GreeningRozzie events at http://www.greeningrozzie.org/.
Renew Boston
Renew Boston offers free energy assessments to area residents and businesses and provides information about substantial subsidies to help finance energy-efficiency home improvements.
- For more information about Renew Boston and to sign up for a free energy assessment, visit http://nextstepliving.com/bcan.
For more information about local and national climate groups, visit our Resources page.

