14,357,193Pounds of CO2 emissions already reduced
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Here are some inspiring testimonials from our program graduates...
"I am serious when I say that participating in Resilient Neighborhoods was transformative for me; not only for the actions my family took but also for really understanding the challenges and opportunities to get our residents to change their behaviors. Thank you for starting this program in our beloved city. We are all better - and that includes mother earth - because of you."
— Kate Colin, San Rafael Mayor /
“I have to say I’m very proud of what we have committed to. I’ve had lots of good intentions in the past but [the Resilient Neighborhoods] program is what is getting me to take action.”
-- Rebecca Wood
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Reva
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From Climate Anxiety to Climate Action
Reva came to RN as a new student at the College of Marin. For Reva, a child of Chinese-Tahitian immigrants who has lived in the Philippines as well as in the U.S., climate change is personal. “Developing countries and marginalized communities are the first and hardest hit by the impacts of climate change. You realize that growing up in the Philippines, which has consistently ranked among the top 5 countries most vulnerable to climate change according to the Global Climate Risk Index. To top it off, my family is from Tahiti in French Polynesia. With global warming raising sea levels, there is an ever-present idea of our home island going underwater, or at the very least losing major barrier reefs and coastlines.” "In my Climate Action Team, every other week, I connected with like-minded people who encouraged inquisitiveness and shared resources. It was a safe space where I could vent about my climate anxieties, and not only did the coaches understand, but they taught me what to do about it. Learning actual actions I could take, not just in my household but in my community as well, made me feel less helpless and disconnected. Detachment is a state we cannot afford to be in if we want change. Resilient Neighborhoods is a great program to start learning how to take action, no matter how big or small." |
David and Annie
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Climate Action Plan Yields a Carbon-Free Home
David Fox graduated from our fourth Climate Action Team “Green Hearts Unlimited” in 2011 and through planned climate actions achieved a carbon-free home in 2023. David and his wife Annie are now all electric and powered by solar, with two EVs. Here’s a timeline of their journey toward a Carbon-Free Home:
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Isis
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Resilient Neighborhoods' Lasting Impact
Isis Fernandez graduated from the San Rafael Earth Allies Team in 2017. Six years after completing the program, she wrote to us, saying, “ I still remember all the great things I learned during our class. I am still working to get that electric car which was part of my pledge. I enjoy getting the newsletters and seeing all the amazing work you continue to do! I still do what I can to contribute. I am the sustainability chair at my daughter’s middle school. I just ran a collection for unwanted shoes by partnering with our local recycling agency. We collected more than 1,000 shoes! Every little bit counts! My spring drive at school will be textiles. Long term plans - bring plastic free lunch and composting to schools. Just wanted to let you know that what you do matters! And it does have a lasting impact. Thank you!” |
Michelle
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What Benefits Our Planet Benefits Me
"When I signed up to participate in the Resilient Neighborhoods program, I did so with the knowledge that I would be called on to make sacrifices in my lifestyle. I was prepared to do so because I deeply believe in the necessity for change if we are to survive on this planet. The wonderful surprise was that each change I made actually improved the quality of my life as well!" --Michelle Meyers, resident of a mobile home living community in Marin and Resilient Neighborhoods Graduate. |
DJ and Family
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Climate Advocate and EcoStar
DJ Visaya, a first-generation Filipino-American, cultivated a profound respect for energy and water conservation, influenced by his remarkably resourceful Kalingan mother. During his tenure as a Peace Corps volunteer in Cape Verde, he embraced water conservation and reduced consumption in light of the country's severe drought. He endeavors to instill in his son an enriched sense of conscientiousness inspired by his upbringing, experiences, and mindfulness. DJ’s 2023 Climate Action team called themselves Climate Conscious for the Kids because they all cared deeply about the world their kids and grandkids would inherit. In the workshop, DJ and his family took action as well as advocating for wider community action. DJ motivated one friend to install solar panels, three friends and family members to start composting, another friend to sign up for MCE’s Deep Green energy, and encouraged their landlord to purchase an induction range and heat pump water heater. DJ graduated from the Resilient Neighborhoods program with ’EcoStar’ honors in recognition of his family’s direct actions and the actions he inspired others to take. |
