As America marks 250 years, local volunteers head to Washington to demonstrate democracy in action

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As America marks 250 years, local volunteers head to Washington to demonstrate democracy in action

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 26–28, 2026 — At a moment when many Americans feel divided and frustrated with politics, local volunteers with grassroots climate advocacy organization Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) are traveling to Washington, D.C., to show another path forward: respectful dialogue, civic engagement, and working across differences to advance climate and clean energy solutions.

As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary this year, 2 volunteers from Hawaii will participate in the organization’s 2026 Summer Conference and Lobby Day, joining hundreds of citizen lobbyists from across the country to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff on Capitol Hill.

On July 28, volunteers from Hawaii will meet with the offices of Senators Hirono and Schatz, and Representatives Tokuda and Case, encouraging bipartisan progress on policies that support affordable, reliable, and abundant clean energy while strengthening communities and the economy.  They will push climate policies that accelerate cleaner energy deployment, reduce the pollution contributing to worsening extreme heat, strengthen grid reliability and help protect households and communities from rising energy costs. 

“As we reflect on 250 years of American democracy, this experience is a reminder that progress doesn’t happen by standing on the sidelines,” say participants Paul and Karina. “It happens when everyday people participate, engage respectfully with elected leaders, and work together across differences to strengthen their communities and move the country forward.”

Ahead of Lobby Day, participants will attend CCL’s 2026 Summer Conference, The Path to Clean Energy Runs Through D.C., where they will hear from speakers, participate in advocacy workshops, and prepare for congressional meetings.

This year’s training emphasizes CCL’s BRIDGE Advocacy framework, which equips volunteers to better understand the values and priorities of members of Congress and tailor conversations in ways that promote trust and build bridges.

“The goal isn’t to win arguments, it’s to build relationships and create the conditions for durable progress,” said Brett Cease, CCL's Vice President of Field Operations, who oversees bringing this training to CCL Hawaii volunteers and hundreds of other chapters nationwide. “Change happens when people participate in good faith, understand one another’s priorities, and work together to find practical solutions.”

Conference attendees will hear from leaders and policy experts including keynote speaker Jigar Shah, former Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office, and featured speaker Marc Hafstead of Resources for the Future, whose work explores the economic and environmental dimensions of energy policy.

CCL’s approach centers on thoughtful, nonpartisan advocacy with the belief that meaningful change is possible when citizens engage respectfully with their representatives.

As volunteers return home following Lobby Day, organizers say the message extends beyond climate policy: democracy can work when we participate, and through democracy, we can solve the shared challenge of global warming."

CONTACT:

Virginia Tincher, vatincher@gmail.com, (650) 996-9648

Image courtesy of Unsplash.

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Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization empowering everyday people to work together on climate policy. Our supporters are organized in 350+ chapters across the United States. Learn more at citizensclimatelobby.org