City of Cambridge Seeking Members for Cambridge Climate Committee

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking people interested in serving on the Cambridge Climate Committee. The application deadline is Monday, February 27, 2023.

What is the Climate Committee?

The Climate Committee is a volunteer group of community members who work together to provide feedback and ideas to the City on topics related to climate change. It was formerly known as the Climate Protection Action Committee. The Committee is made up of 15 members who are appointed by the City Manager. All 15 seats are currently open to applicants. Regular members generally serve a 2-year term.

What is the role of the Climate Committee?

The Climate Committee has three roles that help the City reduce climate change impacts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase equity, and serve as a partner to and example for other communities:

1. Provide feedback and ideas to the City on ways to reduce and live with climate change while prioritizing the needs of the most at-risk populations.
2. Share information about City climate programs with community members, listen to community concerns, and raise feedback with City staff so programs effectively serve all community members.
3. Stay informed about the City’s climate goals and provide accountability and feedback on barriers and opportunities to improve effectiveness.

Who can apply to join the Climate Committee?

All Climate Committee members must live or work in Cambridge. There is no age requirement. There is no requirement for a technical background to serve on the Committee; members should be interested in and understand climate change through lived or work experience. Members will have deep connections to communities in Cambridge, especially those most impacted by climate change, so that the Committee can represent the diversity of the City. The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All committee members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to effectively serve on the Climate Committee?

Members of the Climate Committee should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process with other Committee members
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives
• Show connections to the broader community
• Be interested in learning more about the impacts of climate change
• Actively contribute to meetings in dialogue with City staff and other community members
• Members do not need to have technical knowledge or knowledge of the City’s plans, but should be open to learning more about these and sharing with their communities

How much of a time commitment is the Climate Committee?

The Climate Committee currently meets on the second Thursday of each month for two hours in the evening; however this schedule may be changed to accommodate Committee needs and member schedules. The standard term is 2 years, beginning in April 2023.

Members are expected to attend all meetings, and should expect to spend an average of 1-2 hours each month outside of meeting time on activities such as:

• sharing information and opportunities for engagement on City climate initiatives with their communities
• collecting feedback on initiatives or programs to share back with the Committee
• planning events
• reviewing programs/projects.

The City is currently holding meetings of the Committee remotely using Zoom and may transition to hybrid or in-person meetings in the future.

How can I apply?

Individuals interested in being considered should apply using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Cambridge Climate Committee” in the list of Current Vacancies. A resume and cover letter describing why you want to join the committee, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. For more information on the application process, please contact Francesca Gaines in the City Manager's Office at 617-349-4300 or emailing fgaines@Cambridgema.gov. The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, February 27, 2023.