Q: Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a volunteer with Climate Resilient Communities and what personally motivated you?
I first learned about Climate Resilient Communities (CRC) through one of its leads, Katelyn McDonald, during a one-on-one virtual conversation. We discussed my interests in sustainability, ESG, and climate change, as well as how these topics have inspired me to take a creative approach in my work. Given that sustainability and climate change are ever-evolving fields, my passion for research and data analysis—particularly in tracking developments over time—has deepened my engagement with these issues. Learning about CRC has further motivated me to refine my skills and integrate more creativity into my research and writing.
Q: Describe a specific project or event you were involved in. What were the goals, your role, and the outcomes?
As a Communications Coordinator, I led the development and execution of my first blog series on urban tree canopies in the City of Toronto, designed to raise awareness about the role of trees and green spaces in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
My responsibilities included creating a strategic communication plan, writing the blog content, developing social media materials, and ensuring clear and engaging messaging. Through in-depth research, I highlighted community initiatives aligned with Toronto’s TransformTO plan, emphasizing key takeaways to inform and engage the audience.
The series resulted in increased network engagement and a broader social media reach. This experience strengthened my ability to translate complex climate topics into accessible narratives and demonstrated the power of effective communication in inspiring action and driving meaningful change.
Q: What challenges did you encounter while volunteering, and how did you address them?
As a Communications Coordinator at CRC, one of my key responsibilities is strategic blogging, which involves researching and writing on various aspects of climate resilience. In this role, I have encountered challenges that have contributed to my growth as both a writer and researcher.
A primary challenge has been balancing technical accuracy with accessibility for a targeted audience. Effectively communicating complex topics such as sustainability and climate resilience requires thoughtful framing and language to ensure they resonate with diverse readers.
These challenges have ultimately served as opportunities to refine my adaptability, enhance audience engagement, and strengthen my ability to craft compelling and impactful narratives.
Q: Reflecting on your experiences, what insights can you offer to others about the importance of volunteering in climate resilience?
In my perspective, volunteering in climate resilience extends beyond contributing time—it is about amplifying impact. One key insight I have gained is the power of storytelling in driving change. Effective communication bridges the gap between complex climate science and community action, making resilience efforts more accessible and engaging.
Volunteering also offers a valuable opportunity to develop critical skills, including research, content creation, public engagement, and advocacy. It fosters collaboration by connecting individuals with like-minded people and organizations, ultimately strengthening collective sustainability efforts.
Most importantly, volunteering empowers individuals to play an active role in building a more resilient future. Whether through writing, outreach, or creative initiatives, every contribution helps inform, inspire, and mobilize communities to take meaningful action against climate challenges.
Q:. What are your aspirations within the organization, and are there particular projects you are looking forward to?
At CRC, my goal is to enhance the organization’s outreach by creating compelling, informative, and impactful content that engages diverse audiences. I strive to strengthen CRC’s messaging on climate resilience by making complex topics more accessible and inspiring action among organizations, industry professionals, and communities.
I am particularly excited about projects that integrate storytelling with data, foster community engagement through campaign initiatives, and drive digital advocacy. Whether through blog writing, social media campaigns, or multimedia storytelling, I look forward to amplifying the voices of those most affected by climate challenges and highlighting the meaningful work being done at CRC. Additionally, I am eager to collaborate on initiatives that explore innovative ways to educate and inform the public about climate resilience, sustainability, and environmental justice.
Join CRC!
Why Volunteer With Us?
🤖 Gain experience in climate resilience & data and AI technologies
💚 Contribute to a meaningful cause
🤲 Collaborate with a passionate and diverse team
👯 Expand your professional network
🎓 Grow your knowledge, skills, and more!
Ready to make a difference? Join us in creating a sustainable and resilient future. To apply or learn more about the roles, visit https://crc.place/contributors/
