Are you ready to build your knowledge and take your contributions to the Sustainability Movement to the next level? Sustainable Contra Costa’s Certified Sustainability Advisors (CSA) Program trains passionate volunteers and community leaders to be more effective and impactful in their work toward creating socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable communities.
In 2018, a survey of climate action leaders conducted by the Bay Area chapter of the United Nations Association found that “lack of public engagement” was a fundamental barrier to achieving our climate action goals. Creating sustainable communities requires deep cultural changes. Businesses, government, nonprofits and the public all need accurate, objective and relevant advice on how to make sustainable choices and implement sustainable solutions in every aspect of living, working and playing. The CSA Program is designed to create and build a corps of trained and committed volunteers to address this critical need.
Training & Certification
Beginning in April, CSA trainees will participate in a series of in-depth online classroom-style meetings and independent training modules to learn about the fundamentals of sustainability and key sustainability practices. Each topic module will feature presentations by subject matter specialists and practitioners as well as group discussions and activities. Topic modules will emphasize actionable solutions for home, business, and community.
In addition to learning topical material, trainees will also explore strategies for engaging key segments of our communities with the goal of motivating effective actions toward meaningful change. Trainees will develop practical public outreach and engagement skills then put these skills to work with Sustainable Contra Costa through various volunteer opportunities.
Key Topics
- Fundamentals of Ecology, Sustainable Living, Health & Wellbeing
- Waste & Pollution Reduction
- Clean and Efficiency Energy & Transportation
- Economics & Food
- Water Conservation & Stewardship
- Effective Outreach Skills & Engagement Tools
The CSA Program is ideal for individuals with good communication and interpersonal skills who want to learn more about sustainability and strengthen personal effectiveness as a mission-driven sustainability leader. Working together, we are more effective. CSAs collaborate as a network of community and civic leaders, practitioners, teachers, and advocates for local and global sustainable action. CSAs meet periodically to stay up-to-date with current best-practices, support each other, and have fun!
CSA service opportunities include:
- Interacting with the public at special events to raise awareness, share solutions, and inspire action
- Supporting educational workshops, presentations, activities, and campaigns
- Being an internal activist and advocate for sustainability within a business, organization, or agency
- Developing and implementing targeted outreach campaigns
- Creating new community engagement programs
Submit your CSA Application Form here to get started.
About Sustainable Contra Costa
Sustainable Contra Costa (SCOCO) - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2008 - is a community citizens, organizers, leaders and educators committed to ecologically sustainable, economically vibrant, and socially just communities for all. Together, we help thousands of people each year live more sustainably and make changes to save water and energy, reduce waste, grow food, and build healthy, resilient communities.
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