Climate Action California Leadership & Governance

We welcome volunteers at all levels of the organization!

The Steering Committee of 30-50 core volunteers and the campaign teams are the collective engine that drives Climate Action California. These teams conduct research, draft policy papers and comments on bills and agency rulemakings, and partner with other organizations and coalitions to mobilize people and build support for climate-friendly policies.

The organizations and coalitions we partner with are part of our movement and in many cases are represented on the Steering Committee, but remain independent in their decision-making, policy positions, and bill endorsements. Our partners and allies may join CAC in some of our actions and decline to join others. 501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from endorsing candidates, although they may lobby on legislation and policy as a portion of their activities.

The outer green band represents our thousands of supporters, in California and around the country. Supporters receive our newsletters, action alerts, invitations to meetings with their elected representatives—and opportunities to become more actively involved in our work.

The Steering Committee operates by modified consensus as described in our bylaws. This allows CAC to make swift decisions on issues requiring immediate action.

The Board is the executive branch of the corporation. It keeps the organization running by overseeing operations, finances and legalities.

Our Policy Teams bring together volunteers interested in specific emissions sources or climate topic areas. These teams do the important work of reviewing and discerning positions on legislation and regulatory policies. The teams’ decisions drive our plans and strategies. Teams and volunteers also propose legislation that we share with key legislators.

Members of our Capitol Team, a joint effort with 350 Sacramento, are our on-the-ground representatives at the Capitol in Sacramento. They are embedded with our policy teams so that they are fully informed about the legislation they advocate for.

Climate Action California, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization. As described above, we advocate for science-based policies and legislation, endorse climate champions running for elected office, and staff our Capitol Team. As a 501(c)(4) we are a tax-exempt non-profit, but contributions are not tax-deductible to donors.