Summer 2025 Climate Justice Organizing Fellowships

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Carol Brantley Climate Justice Organizing Fellowship

Chesapeake Climate Action Network’s Climate Justice Organizing Fellows gain hands-on

experience in grassroots organizing, deepen their understanding of the climate justice

landscape, and make professional connections to build their careers. In partnership with the

Earth Rising Foundation, the Fellowship prioritizes young people of color in Virginia, Maryland,

and Washington, D.C., who are interested in gaining experience in the climate and

environmental justice sectors. We have three positions available, one each with our Virginia,

Maryland, and Federal teams.

About Us
Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is the only group in the Chesapeake region of

Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. dedicated exclusively to building a powerful grassroots

movement to fight climate change. We envision an equitable energy future where truly clean

power sources — such as solar and wind — sustain every aspect of our lives and dirty fossil fuels

are phased out. We strive to include principles of justice and equity in every policy we advocate

for, with the knowledge that racial and social justice is foundational to climate justice.

Our team is working on bold campaigns to reduce emissions at a scale that matches the climate

crisis we face. For over a decade, we have been pushing the envelope of what’s “politically

possible,” using every tool inside and outside the box—from organizing to lobbying to litigation.

What You Will Do
Climate Change Grassroots Advocacy

Working alongside our campaign teams, you’ll learn how to advocate for climate solutions

effectively through outreach and volunteer management to build grassroots power.

Research and Writing

Whether it’s a blog, Facebook post, or an email to our members, you’ll learn how to

communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Campaign Strategies

You’ll participate in weekly meetings with your colleagues to learn how to plan campaigns,

organize ambitious and impactful tactics, and evaluate successes and lessons learned.

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Administrative Duties and Team Expectations

You’ll be responsible for a weekly work plan, checking in with your manager to report your

progress, and tracking your time and expenses.

Who you are
  • Passionate about solving climate change (familiarity with climate issues is a plus, but not

required!).

  • Committed to justice and amplifying the voices of those most impacted by fossil fuel
extraction and the effects of climate change.
  • Able to manage time, work independently, and ask for feedback and support when
needed.
  • Excited to collaborate with and learn from a team.
  • A strong writer and researcher.

The Details
Fellowships begin on May 27th, 2025. Fellows at CCAN work 10 to 20 hours per week over ten

weeks and are paid $25 per hour. The CCAN team works on a hybrid schedule. Each Fellow will

work with their manager to determine their weekly schedule.

Maryland Organizing Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of

Baltimore, MD.

Virginia Organizing Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of

Norfolk, VA.

Federal Organizing Fellowship applicants should live within reasonable driving distance of the

Takoma Park, MD office.

How to Apply
Please complete this Google form application by Friday, February 28, 2025. You will be

prompted to answer a series of short questions and asked to submit a resume and writing

sample.

CCAN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits

discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex,

national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender

identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring,

placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation,

and training.

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About Carol
Carol Brantley served on CCAN’s board from January 2017 until her

passing in 2018. Her passion for public service and climate justice

inspired our staff and board. She was dedicated to mentoring and

supporting young leaders in the climate and social justice

movements, including the young Quakers she worked with, who

created a team called Coolin’ 4 Carol in her honor for the 2019

Polar Bear Plunge.

Carol was a deep thinker and regular meditator with a rich spiritual

life. She lived a life of introspection, love, compassion, and loyalty.

Her natural gift for connecting deeply touched a wide circle of

lives—friends, family, clients, community—and left a formidable

legacy. Carol embodied beauty and elegance with striking, memorable minimalism. She had

known suffering and loss, leaving her compassionate and generous. She was widely respected,

and we have been honored to know her and be warmed by her light.

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