Mom and Daughter Carbon Crunchers

Last summer, I had a delightful conversation with Kathren Murell Stevenson that significantly altered the course of my life. Kathren shared her exciting journey with Resilient Neighborhoods, from joining in summer of 2023 to her  appointment as Executive Director in spring of 2024.

Kathrens enthusiasm ignited a spark within me. While I've always strived for an environmentally conscious lifestyle, I realized I could—and should—do more.

Intrigued, I immediately researched the organization. The website resonated deeply, and the timing felt incredibly fortuitous. I promptly enrolled in their five-week online workshop. This decision was especially poignant as my daughter, Wren, had recently expressed her growing concern about the climate crisis, coupled with a sense of helplessness. She voiced the frustration felt by many young people—awareness of the problem, but a lack of direction on how to address it.

The workshop proved transformative. Meeting weekly on Zoom with other Marin County families, we collaboratively tackled actionable steps towards reducing our carbon footprint. The provided resources, including an online handbook and toolkit and the structured Action Plan were invaluable; it was like organizing a chaotic collection of sticky notes into a focused, achievable list. The points system, which visually represented our progress in lowering our carbon emissions, added a layer of gamification that made the process engaging and motivating.

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For Wren, the impact was profound. Her initial anxiety began to dissipate as she actively participated, charting her own behavioral changes. She embraced the opportunity to make a difference, sharing her newfound commitment with the group each workshop session.

​Wren's newfound agency was inspiring: "I'm choosing to drive my mom's electric car instead of our gas guzzler, and I'm being much more mindful of my purchases. I even signed up to volunteer with our local emergency response group. Before, I didn't realize how impactful my choices could be," she shared.

Initially, our family's actions might have seemed insignificant - small steps in a vast landscape. However, the collective effort and the long-term commitments we outlined in our Action Plan instilled a sense of empowerment and hope.

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Months after completing the workshop, I contacted Kathren again. I felt a strong desire to get more involved. It was perfect timing – they were seeking someone with my skillset, and I was eager for a career change. I felt like I'd been rewarded for actively participating in the Action Plan!
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As the Interim Community Engagement Director, I now collaborate with Kathren and Jennifer Hammond to spread the critical message of Resilient Neighborhoods throughout our community. The journey from curious participant to active leader has been enriching; for me, it is a testament to the ripple effect of individual commitment and the power of collective action.

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