DEI-Climate Justice Monthly Meet-up
- Date
- 2021-09-03
- Host
- MCJ
About this event
Climate action is only as strong as the communities shaping it. The DEI-Climate Justice Monthly Meet-up is a space to connect with people who care about both environmental progress and equity, and who want conversations about climate to include the lived realities of different communities. If you have been looking for a room where justice, inclusion, and climate work are treated as inseparable, this is that room. About the Event This monthly meet-up is an in-person gathering built around connection, shared learning, and practical conversation. It brings together people interested in the intersection of diversity, equity, inclusion, and climate justice for a discussion that is both grounded and open. The focus is not abstract networking for its own sake; it is about meeting others who are asking serious questions about how climate work can be more fair, representative, and community-centered. Because this is a meet-up, the format is designed to be approachable. You do not need to arrive with a polished point of view or formal expertise to participate meaningfully. You can come to listen, to share your experience, to meet collaborators, or to better understand how climate and justice work overlap in practice. This kind of space matters because climate conversations often move quickly toward policy, technology, or organizational strategy without making enough room for who is affected, who is included, and who gets to lead. This event creates room for those questions in a way that feels social, thoughtful, and useful. What to Expect Expect a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere where conversation is central. As a monthly gathering, the event is well suited for both first-time attendees and returning participants. You can come to build new relationships, reconnect with familiar faces, and stay in ongoing dialogue with people working through similar questions. The flow will likely center on a mix of informal networking and group discussion. That may include: Introductions and space to get to know who is in the room Conversation around current climate justice challenges and opportunities Sharing perspectives from different backgrounds, sectors, and lived experiences Informal relationship-building with people interested in community, advocacy, and climate work Space to exchange ideas, resources, and next steps Because the event sits at the intersection of climate, community, and social connection, you should expect both substance and ease. This is not a passive audience experience. It is a setting where people can talk honestly, ask better questions, and leave with a clearer sense of who else is engaged in this work. There is also real value in the monthly rhythm. Regular gatherings create continuity, which makes it easier to deepen conversations over time instead of starting from zero at every event. That ongoing format can help turn introductions into trusted relationships and ideas into actual collaboration. Why Attend If you care about climate issues but want to engage them through a stronger equity lens, this meet-up offers a practical place to do that. You will be in conversation with others who understand that climate solutions are not just technical or environmental; they are social, political, and deeply connected to access, representation, and justice. You may leave with: New contacts in the climate and justice space Better language for talking about DEI in environmental contexts Fresh perspectives from people with different experiences and priorities A stronger sense of how community-building supports long-term climate work Momentum to keep showing up in this work with more clarity and connection This event is also useful if you have felt caught between different worlds, such as community organizing, workplace DEI efforts, environmental advocacy, or local civic engagement. The meet-up creates a shared space where those interests do not compete with each other. Instead, they inform one another. Just as importantly, attending in person changes the quality of the conversation. You can read articles, follow debates online, and attend virtual panels, but there is something distinct about being in a room with people who are willing to talk directly, listen carefully, and build trust face to face. Practical Details This event is in person, which means you should plan to attend on-site and be ready for a more direct, human kind of interaction. In-person meet-ups are ideal for relationship-building, especially when the subject matter depends on nuance, honesty, and mutual understanding. The meet-up takes place on Friday, September 3 at 12:00 PM EDT. A midday time slot makes this a strong option for people who want to break up the workday with something more energizing and relational, while still keeping the commitment manageable. A few helpful ways to prepare: Come ready to introduce yourself and what draws you to climate justice Bring curiosity, especially if you are still learning about DEI in climate spaces Be open to listening across difference and engaging with respect If networking matters to you, think about the kinds of people or collaborations you hope to find Whether you are attending to meet peers, expand your understanding, or stay connected to a values-driven community, this monthly meet-up offers a clear and grounded reason to show up: meaningful climate work gets better when more people are meaningfully included in it.
Who should attend
This meet-up is for people who want climate conversations to be more inclusive, more honest, and more connected to real communities. - You work in or around **climate, sustainability, environmental justice, policy, education, or advocacy** and want stronger conversation around equity and representation. - You care about **DEI and social impact** and want to understand how those commitments show up in climate work, not just in theory but in community. - You are a **community builder, organizer, nonprofit professional, student, or engaged local resident** looking to meet others who share these concerns. - You want a **networking space with substance** where people can exchange ideas, perspectives, and potential collaboration without forced formality. - You are early in your learning and want a place where you can **listen, ask thoughtful questions, and build your understanding** without needing to be an expert. - You have been looking for people who see **climate justice and inclusion as linked**, and you want to be part of an ongoing monthly conversation rather than a one-off event.