Member Stories

I was inspired to co-create the Elders Climate Action chapter in the Twin Cities to answer two questions. The first one was asked by poet Drew Dellinger: 

“What did you do once you knew?”  

The second one is from Jonas Salk who said we must ask ourselves: 

“Are we being good ancestors?” 

We believe that elders have the power to bring their voices, votes, and collective power to protect the earth, looking out for the best interests of the future and preserving the precious contract between generations. Taking actions together brings hope!

I joined ECA due to climate issues and wanting to be involved with like-minded seniors. I am a native gardener. Decrease and possible extinction of pollinators, butterflies and birds has spurred me on. I want my grandchildren to experience all of them in natural settings, not only seeing them pictured in a book.

I joined ECA Twin Cities to connect with other elders realizing that our warming world endangers our future.

I also realized that my passion and skills learned through Citizens’ Climate Lobby could empower other elders to take effective legislative action. Our generation has been a major contributor to burning fossil fuels; now we can turn that awareness to action and healing our relationship with people and our planet.

I became a member because I wanted to help leave a better world for my grandsons.  I have learned a great deal about climate change from being a part of ECA TC.  

I am grateful for the opportunity to try to make a difference.

My reason for joining ECA was fourfold: Reese, Riley, Haddie and Hank. My grandchildren. I am fearful of the world they are inheriting and I believe I can only make a real impact when I can join hands with like-minded people. 

Joining TC ECA is a wonderful way to improve my climate action footprint. I care about the voiceless generations after us, and the positive steps we take today will affect their future. Inaction is a decision!

I originally joined Twin Cities ECA to learn more about climate change. Then I got involved in the Legislative committee and helped pass legislation. It is something I have always been interested in but didn’t have the time to follow and advocate for change. I have met and made new and interesting friends and made connections with other people interested in activism.  I have 2 grandchildren that I think about all the time.  I want to fight for their future and leave a lasting Legacy. 

There are many great and important organizations fighting climate change to get involved in. ECA has a culture of open-hearted welcome and pragmatism that accompanies its determination to move the needle toward a humane, livable earth. The culture draws me in. It's a place to develop my climate-fighting chops.

I joined ECA because working together to combat climate change is a top priority for me. We've known what is happening for at least the last 25 years, and now it is imperative that we act collectively to create systemic change in the way we do things. 

I'm impressed with the local leadership and the work that is being done for climate justice. I'm also impressed with the Climate Action Now app, which encourages and allows us to take action on behalf of the climate every day and have committed to do my part.

I was invited by one of the founders when she heard me share my anxiety and frustration about climate. I joined to find the strength in sharing with like-minded people and have done so.

ECA offers many ways to learn and to take meaningful action with others in a supportive environment. It's a much-needed antidote to cynicism and fatalism. I'm grateful for the chance to try to make a difference for ourselves, for future generations, and for all life on our beautiful and precious planet.