A Conversation with Deb McNamara on how activism is evolving

Alison Taylor, interviews our very own Deborah McNamara for her podcast Higher Ground.

We all need a little hope right now. So, what a delight it was to speak with Deb McNamara, Executive Director of ClimateVoice, an organization focused on employee- and company-driven action for policy change. The atmosphere on this topic is chilling in the United States, but Deb explains that is far from the whole story.

In fact, there is movement within companies. An increasing number of companies are leaving trade associations that don’t align with climate goals, political disclosures are improving, and employees are successfully pushing for green or socially responsible 401k options.

Deb shared so many concrete steps anyone at any level can take. You can get the facts about lobbying and trade association audits, team up with like-minded co-workers, find the levers for influence, and advocate for action.

I loved hearing that one big recent shift is that employees in the coalition are now working across companies to share best practices. So, while business leadership has been unusually quiet, employees themselves are deepening their resolve to take concrete action.

To check out more for yourself, see ClimateVoice’s Climate Action Checklist as a great place to start. Deb is an inspiration, and I am working with ClimateVoice on a very cool event as we speak.