Climate Democracy Project

The Climate Democracy Project (CDP) brings civic and climate literacy to students in grades 8-12 across Massachusetts. Participants learn to identify local climate justice issues important to them, then design and lead civic action projects that address those issues, creating healthier, more resilient communities.  

CDP is funded through the Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Education grant and the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences.  

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Participating Climate Democracy Project Cities 

Mass Audubon educators collaborate with public school classroom teachers and community partners in five locations with significant populations of lower-income families:  

• Pittsfield 
• Springfield 
• Worcester 
• Attleboro 
• Fall River 

How can I bring CDP to my school? 

We are currently at capacity for the 2024-2025 school year, but we would love to know about your school for the future! Email [email protected] to connect. 

The Climate Democracy Project Curriculum  

CDP combines classroom-based lessons and guest speakers with experiential learning opportunities such as field outings and student-led civic action projects. Students walk away with real-world experience using civic engagement as a strategy for confronting climate change.  

Students begin by reflecting on their values and personal communities, connecting the dots between concerns in their day-to-day lives and climate change.  

After grounding in a basic, scientific understanding of what climate change is, classes dive into climate justice and local issues impacting their own communities.  

They then select initial topics that they’d like to investigate through their civic action projects and hone their understanding through lessons on topics like collective impact, local government, and media literacy.  

The final, critical weeks of the program are spent on action projects. Students investigate and narrow their local climate issue, seek solutions, and engage in civic discourse through communication with local leaders. Ultimately, students propose new strategies, or support existing ones, that will positively impact their local communities.  

Inspired by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education guidelines for Student-led Civics Projects, students wrap up the program by reflecting on and showcasing their action projects locally or at a regional DESE Civics Project Showcase. 

Read about CDP’s programs this year

Climate Democracy Project Professional Development 

CDP brings valuable professional development to classroom teachers, Mass Audubon staff, and our community partners through a three-session online series in which participants: 

• Gain baseline knowledge on the science of climate change through presentations and knowledge swaps 
• Investigate climate justice and its application in their local communities via guided analysis of real stories 
• Prepare to facilitate strong student-led civic action projects in their classrooms using an innovative rubric and best practices from DESE 

Teachers and community partners also participate in a full-day, in-person summer workshop to reflect on the program and refine it for next year.  

The teachers, schools, and community partners who participate in CDP receive stipends in recognition of their time and expertise.  

Learn more about professional development at Mass Audubon

Contact us 

If you have any questions, please email [email protected].