From extreme heat to flooding, Illinois communities are already living through the impacts of climate change. Be part of the solution by turning concern into collective action; take the Climate Stewards Training offered this fall by University of Illinois Extension.
Learn more about what it means to be a climate steward and meet the local program hosts at the Climate Stewards Informational Session with Extension Climate Resilience Specialist Jessica Rudnick.
Sign up by Aug. 17 to access the online meeting link. This session will also be recorded and made available for later viewing.
For more information about the session or the training, contact Jessica at jrudnick@illinois.edu.
About the Climate Stewards Program
The University of Illinois Extension Climate Stewards program is a four-week, interactive local program led by university scientists and researchers that equips community members with the tools they need to communicate effectively about climate change, activate local collective solutions, and motivate others to join them.
Sessions will include conversations with local leaders, real-world scenarios, relationship building with peers, hands-on learning opportunities, and field trips.
Climate Steward participants will gain:
An understanding of local public opinions and knowledge on climate.
Strategies for navigating the social, psychological, and emotional aspects of environmental, conservation, and climate work.
Tools for effectively communicating about climate impacts in Illinois.
Knowledge and skills to get involved in local adaptation, mitigation, and resilience efforts.
After the program, Climate Stewards are encouraged to volunteer in activities ranging from community and participatory science, land and water stewardship, civic engagement, and education and interpretation activities.
Local in-person training sessions will be 3 to 6 p.m. on October 14, 21, 28, and Nov. 4. Trainings are available through five Extension offices across Illinois:
Quincy, Adams County
Various locations, Cook County
Champaign, Champaign County
Naperville, DuPage County
Vienna, Johnson County
Program hosts
Climate Resilience Specialist Jessica Rudnick
Climate and Energy Outreach Associate Linda Derhak
The Climate Stewards program is offered through Illinois Extension’s natural resources, environment, and energy team, which provides research-based education for awareness and action to sustain healthy environments and ecosystems that support quality living and resilient communities. Extension staff empower people across Illinois to make a difference through the Master Naturalist, Climate Steward, and Master Watershed Steward volunteer and training programs.
