top of page
Green Coral and Fish

Our Power, Our Planet,
Moving from Awareness to Action: 
Opportunities for Engagement

Legislative Advocacy

Legislative Advocacy

  • 350.org is focused on ending fossil fuel dependence through direct action, grassroots organizing, and lobbying local and state governments for climate-forward policies.

​

  • California Environmental Voters focuses on electing climate and environmental champions, tracking voting records and lobbying for progressive environmental laws at the state and federal level.

​

  • California Environmental Justice Alliance (CEJA) is a statewide coalition of grassroots environmental justice groups advocating for equitable climate policy, clean energy, and healthy communities in California through legislative advocacy, research and grassroots mobilization.

​

  • California Interfaith Power & Light (CIPL) is a faith-based network that works to inspire and mobilize religious communities to advocate for climate policies, clean energy legislation, and environmental justice in California.

​

  • The Citizen’s Climate Lobby is a non-profit, nonpartisan grassroots advocacy for climate change organization focused on policies to address climate change.  It empowers everyday people to work together on climate solutions, including a price on carbon, healthy forests, building electrification and efficiency and clean energy permitting reform.  They have over 500 active chapters in the US as well as internationally. 

​

  • Climate Action California is a volunteer-led, grassroots climate advocacy group in our state that takes science-based positions of climate action.  Current campaigns include Make Polluters Pay with the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act, Implement a Passive House Standard in Title 24 and more.

​

  • The Climate Reality Project provides opportunities for civic engagement. They offer a Climate Reality Leadership Training to learn how to become an effective activist, leader and public speaker. Our Climate Moment mobilizes activists to advocate in Congress and with the White house to address climate solutions.  The non-profit organization was created by former Vice President Al Gore.

​

  • Coalition for Clean Air works to improve air quality and address climate change through advocacy, research, and public policy campaigns at the state level. They are known for helping shape California’s landmark air quality and climate laws.

​

  • Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is a grassroots environmental justice organization with a strong focus on legislative and legal advocacy for low-income communities and communities of color harmed by industrial pollution.

​

  • Earthjustice is a public-interest environmental law firm that works at the intersection of litigation and legislative advocacy, fighting for stronger environmental protections and clean energy policies in California.

​

  • Sierra Club California. The state-level chapter of the national Sierra Club, this organization focuses on promoting renewable energy, clean air, forest protection, and climate-smart transportation through legislative and regulatory advocacy.

​

  • Stand-LA is an environmental justice coalition of community groups that seeks to end neighborhood drilling to protect the health and safety of all Angelenos.

​

  • The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) California Office plays a major role in drafting, lobbying and defending strong climate and clean energy laws, including California’s cap-and-trade program and zero-emission vehicle standards.

​

  • The Nature Conservancy - California Chapter is focused on conservation, and works on legislative and policy solutions for climate resilience, water management and biodiversity protection.

​

  • Third Act is a community of Americans over sixty determined to change the world for the better.

​​

Green Leaf Close Up
Biodiversity Protection

Biodiversity Protection

​

  •  Audubon California is focused on bird conservation and healthy ecosystems.  Work includes advocating for wetlands, migratory bird habitats, and biodiversity legislation.

​

  • Cabrillo Marine Aquarium There are opportunities for community service and service learning that are offered to help students fulfill academic service hour requirements and to help us fulfill our mission to educate the public about our local Southern California marine environment. For more information on community service or service-learning requirements, please click here.  There are also ongoing volunteer opportunities.  For a list of opportunities click here.

​

  • The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) is focused on the conservation of native plants and habitats.  Work includes Science-based advocacy, habitat protection, rare plant monitoring, public education, and support for biodiversity-related legislation.

​

  • California Wilderness Coalition (CalWild) is focused on protection and restoration of wild lands and waters.  Their work includes advocating for federal and state wilderness designation, wild & scenic rivers and habitat connectivity for biodiversity. 

​

  • The Center for Biological Diversity is focused on legal advocacy for species under the the Endangered Species Act. The Center has a strong presence in California focused on protecting species and fighting habitat destruction through litigation and policy change.  

​

  • The Endangered Habitats League (EHL) is focused on Southern California biodiversity and smart land use. CalWild advocates for land use planning, wildlife corridor protection, and legislative advocacy for habitat preservation.

​

  • The Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM )is focused on long-term stewardship of native species and ecosystems. CNLM works to achieve ownership and management of  preserves across California, supporting endangered species recovery and habitat protection.

​

  • The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) that focuses on heritage conservation within the city of Santa Monica.The Santa Monica Conservancy's mission is to discover and preserve significant places through advocacy, community engagement, education, and partnerships. The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy's mission is to acquire and preserve land for open space, wildlife habitat, and public recreation

​

  • The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is a state agency dedicated to preserving land for open space, wildlife, and public recreation. It is focused on biodiversity in the Santa Monica Mountains and the surrounding region. 

Ocean Conservation
Sea Turtle

Ocean Conservation

  • The California Ocean Science Trust is a nonprofit partnership between scientists, citizens, and policymakers, this group works to bring rigorous, impartial science into California's ocean and coastal management decisions.

​

  • Heal the Bay is a regional environmental nonprofit organization dedicated to making Santa Monica Bay and Greater Los Angeles’ coastal waters safe and healthy for people and marine life. Progress toward the mission is achieved by effectively combining the use of science, advocacy, community outreach, and public education to create positive change in our local environment.  They offer volunteer opportunities that include beach clean-ups.  New Volunteer orientation takes place at the Heal the Bay Aquarium in Santa Monica.

​

  • The Marine Mammal Center is focused on marine mammal rescue, veterinary care, research, and education. They rescue and rehabilitate seals, sea lions, and whales along California’s coast while advancing global ocean conservation through science and advocacy. The organization is located in Sausalito, California.

​

  • The Ocean Conservancy is a national organization, their California-based projects focus on marine protected areas, sustainable fisheries, plastic pollution reduction, and climate-resilient ocean policies. The California office is located in Santa Cruz.

​

  • The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, located in Laguna Beach rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine mammals stranded along the Orange County coast, while inspiring ocean stewardship through research, education, and conservation outreach.

​

  • The Surfriders Foundation is a grassroots nonprofit that protects and enjoys the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network. Their programs address coastal preservation, plastic pollution, clean water, and coastal access. The organization is based in San Clemente with chapters statewide.

Land, Coastal, and Wetland Habitats

Land, Coastal, and Wetland Habitats

  • Friends of Madrona Marsh You have skills and we would be delighted to have you share them at the Preserve and Nature Center. We are really searching for a few Friends who would share a few hours of their time. Opportunities include: gift shop, docents, outreach, writers, clerical, receptionist, animal care, habitat restoration and special skill opportunities.

​

  • The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority offers opportunities to volunteer. The MRCA volunteer naturalist program is administered by the non-profit partner Community Nature Connection.  Volunteer Naturalists provide guided interpretive nature programs, host the nature center and facilitate environmental education programs for school field trips online and at the Franklin Canyon Park in the Santa Monica Mountains.

​

  • Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy  Volunteering with the Conservancy is a rewarding way to give back to the local community and environment. The peninsula is a green oasis in L.A. County, providing volunteers with the opportunity to escape the hustle and stress of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. By giving your time and energy, you will be rewarded with the knowledge you have made a difference and helped the Conservancy fulfill its mission. Located in Palos Verdes, CA.

​

  • South Bay Parkland Conservancy is looking for volunteers willing to plant around the amphitheater and dune hilltops at Hopkins Wilderness Park. The Key Club has already approved this project and deemed it safe for students.  Please sign up using the following link.  There are also opportunities in other areas.

​

  • Tree People  inspires and supports the people of Los Angeles to come together to plant and care for trees, harvest the rain, and renew depleted landscapes.  Minimum age is 12.

Plastics & Pollution
Plastic pollution floating in ocean

Plastics and Pollution

  • 5 Gyres Institute. Based in Los Angeles, 5 Gyres focuses on scientific research and advocacy to reduce plastic pollution, particularly in oceans. 

​

​

​

  • CalRecycle This state agency implements programs to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics, aiming to build a circular economy in California. 

​

  • Californians Against Waste is focused on waste reduction, recycling, and pollution prevention, including fighting marine debris like plastic pollution which is a major threat to ocean health.

​

  • Clean Oceans International. Based in Santa Cruz, this organization focuses on reducing ocean plastic pollution through research, innovation, and education. 

​

  • Paddle Out Plastic is a movement and nonprofit organization dedicated to removing plastic litter from waterways through paddling activities. It encourages individuals and groups to paddle in kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, collecting and removing trash, primarily plastic, from the water.  

​

  • Plastic Pollution Coalition. A global alliance headquartered in California, this coalition works to reduce plastic pollution through education and advocacy. 

​

  • Plastic Free Future (PFF). Founded by Matt Warren, PFF is committed to reducing plastic pollution by promoting reusable alternatives, with a focus on outreach to underserved communities. 

​

  • Reusable LA. A coalition aiming to reduce plastic pollution in Los Angeles through legislative advocacy and community engagement. 

​

  • Save Our Shores. Operating along California's Central Coast, Save Our Shores engages in marine conservation efforts, including beach cleanups and educational programs. 

​

  • Surfrider Foundation.  Headquartered in San Clemente, Surfrider works to protect oceans and beaches through activism, including campaigns against plastic pollution.

Green Schools & Climate Literacy
Trees

Green Schools & Climate Literacy 

  • LA Climate Reality Curricula Committee is a volunteer-led group working to develop, promote, and distribute climate change curricula for K–12 schools and beyond, especially aligned with California standards. The committee connects educators with vetted, accessible climate education resources and fosters collaboration between teachers, advocates, and environmental organizations in the LA region.

​

  • The Climate Reality Project — Green Schools Campaign is a global initiative with active California chapters. It is a student-led campaign empowering young people to advocate for their schools to transition to 100% renewable energy. Offers toolkits, mentoring, and a network of peers worldwide working toward clean energy transitions in schools and school districts.

​

  • California Youth Climate Policy Program (CYCP) is a youth-centered leadership program that prepares California students to understand, engage in, and shape local and state climate policy, especially related to schools and education. Students learn advocacy skills, policy literacy, and real-world civic engagement aimed at climate resilience in their school communities.It is led by Ten Strands, Sierra Club California, and Undaunted K12.

​

  • Undaunted K-12 is a nonprofit organization that supports U.S. public schools in transitioning to carbon-free, climate-resilient campuses. They offer policy guidance, technical resources, research, and campaigns like “California Climate-Ready Schools” to accelerate decarbonization in the education sector.

​

  • Ten Strands. works to integrate environmental literacy into California's K–12 public school system. They partner with school districts, government agencies, and nonprofits.

​

  • The Green Schools National Network (GSNN) is a national organization that is active in California.  It advocates for green, healthy, and sustainable schools through leadership, best practices, and networking.

​

  • California Environmental Literacy Initiative (CAELI). is led by Ten Strands and supported by the California Department of Education. It is a collaborative effort to bring environmental literacy into all California K–12 classrooms. It hosts a CAELI Partner Portal to provide a central directory for community-based organizations who offer environmental education programs in-classroom, field trip, overnight and more.

​

​

  • Green Schoolyards America helps schools transform their grounds into green, outdoor learning environments that foster climate resilience and student health.

​

  • Mycelium Youth Network prepares youth for climate change through education in both tech and traditional ecological knowledge.

Healthy & Equitable Communities

Healthy & Equitable Communities 

  • ​Stand-LA is an environmental justice coalition of community groups that seeks to end neighborhood drilling to protect the health and safety of all Angelenos

​

​

​

​

  • Liberty Hill Foundation is focused on social justice philanthropy, environmental justice grants, and leadership development for grassroots leaders.

​

​

Electrification
Electric Charging Station

Electrification

  • Switch Is On is a California-based public education campaign designed to accelerate the adoption of clean, electric appliances in homes. It aims to help homeowners, renters, and contractors transition away from gas-powered appliances (like gas stoves, water heaters, and furnaces) to modern electric alternatives like heat pumps and induction stoves.

​

  • Rewiring America is a national nonprofit focused on electrifying everything — homes, vehicles, and businesses — as a core strategy for solving climate change. They advocate for federal, state, and local policies that accelerate electrification, especially making sure that low- and middle-income households can benefit.

​

  • Climate Resolve. Climate adaptation and local solutions including building decarbonization and electrification in Los Angeles.

​

  • Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI). Clean tech startups, transportation electrification (especially through their Transportation Electrification Partnership), and workforce development for a zero-emission future.

​

  • Sierra Club — Angeles Chapter (Clean Break Campaign). Electrification of buildings and vehicles across Southern California, policy advocacy for clean energy adoption, and public engagement. Electrification of buildings and vehicles across Southern California, policy advocacy for clean energy adoption, and public engagement.

​

  • Coalition for Clean Air Advocacy for air quality, clean transportation, and building electrification in California. They are highly active on EV policy, zero-emission freight, and reducing combustion in buildings.

Transportation, Walkable, Bikeable Communities
Sustainable Food and Agriculture

Transportation, Walkable, Bikeable Communities

​

  • The South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) is a joint powers authority — a collaboration of 16 cities and unincorporated L.A. County areas — working together on regional issues like transportation, sustainability, climate, housing, and infrastructure.

​

  • South Bay Forward is a community-led initiative that focuses on building equitable, sustainable, and people-friendly communities in the South Bay region of Los Angeles. Their vision is for cities to prioritize affordable housing, active transportation (walking, biking, public transit), climate resilience, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

​

  • California Walks. Pedestrian safety, complete streets, and walkable neighborhood policy advocacy at the state and local level.

​

​

​

  • Streets for All (Los Angeles). Safe street design, active transportation, and political advocacy for bike and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in LA.

​

  • Move LA. Coalition building for public transit expansion, sustainable communities, and walkable neighborhood planning in Los Angeles County.

​

  • Transform. Land use, public transportation, climate-smart housing, and walkable, transit-oriented development policy.

​

Biking

Sustainable Food & Agriculture

  • Food Finders rescues millions of pounds of food annually through our volunteer mobilization application.  We focus on rescuing perishable and nonperishable foods, from dairy and bakery items to produce, deli, meats, and prepared items, along with canned and packaged goods. Food donations are supported and encouraged by the federal Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and the California Health Code, so donors are protected from liability when donating to a non-profit.

​

  • Food Access LA.  Operates several certified farmers' markets in underserved neighborhoods, supports nutrition education, local growers, and CalFresh access.

​

  • Food Forward. Food recovery and waste reduction — rescues surplus fruits and vegetables from backyards, farmers' markets, and wholesalers for redistribution to hunger relief agencies.

​

  • LA Compost supports active community composting to create healthy soils and thriving ecosystems.  People drop off household organic materials at farmers markets and volunteers host food scrap collection, while monitoring for contamination of non-compostable materials.

​

  • LA Food Policy Council Builds partnerships to promote healthy, affordable, and fair food systems through policy, urban agriculture, and equitable business models like worker-owned food enterprises.

​

  • Kiss the Ground (based in Los Angeles) Public education, farmer training, and advocacy for regenerative agriculture as a climate solution — especially soil health.

​

  • California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) — SoCal chapter supports organic farmers, promotes sustainable growing practices, and helps businesses transition to organic certification.

Green Volunteer & Advocacy Opportunities

Green Volunteer & Advocacy Options

​

  • Do Something focuses on youth volunteer, social change, and civic action campaigns to make real-world impact. Causes include education/STEM, Mental Health, Voter Registration and the Environment.  Examples of environmental projects include activism, recycling, planting trees, and conserving water.

​

​

  • Food Finders rescues millions of pounds of food annually through our volunteer mobilization application.  We focus on rescuing perishable and nonperishable foods, from dairy and bakery items to produce, deli, meats, and prepared items, along with canned and packaged goods. Food donations are supported and encouraged by the federal Good Samaritan Food Donation Act and the California Health Code, so donors are protected from liability when donating to a non-profit.

​

  • TreePeople.  Urban forestry and sustainable land care in Los Angeles, with programs that intersect with soil health, edible landscapes, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Screen Shot 2025-08-10 at 9.54.56 PM.png
Volunteer Websites
Helping Hands

Volunteer Websites

  • All for Good is a digital hub for volunteerism and community engagement, and a service of Points of Light. Organizations can post local opportunities that may be searched by zip code.

​

  • Indeed.com is a free resource where you can search for internships and jobs by location.

​

  • Do Something is a youth led movement for good.  As the largest not-for-profit exclusively for young people and social change, DoSomething’s millions of members represent every US area code and 131 countries. Using our digital platform, DoSomething members join our volunteer, social change, and civic action campaigns to make real-world impact on causes they care about.

​

  • JustServe.org is a website where the volunteer needs of organizations may be posted and volunteers may search for places to serve in the community, providing opportunities to help those in need and enhance the quality of life in the community. 

​

  • Volunteer Match  As the world leader in volunteerism unites the broader community by providing a directory of COVID-19-specific and virtual volunteering opportunities. Explore hundreds of virtual volunteer opportunities in cause areas like health and medicine, education, and community building, that you can do from a computer, from home or anywhere.

​

  • Volunteer Crowd allows you to find volunteer opportunities and track hours for college applications and employment.

​

  • The Volunteer Center, South Bay, Harbor, Long Beach list organizations offering volunteering in the South Bay of Los Angeles. It also lists volunteer search databases.

Green Internship Opportunities

Green Internship Opportunities

  • The California Conservation Corps is a program that provides young adults 18 – 25 years old a year of paid service to the State of California. During their year of service, Corps members work on environmental projects and respond to natural and man-made disasters. Through this work, they gain skills and experience that lead to meaningful careers.

​

  • The California Climate Action Corps leverages AmeriCorps to advance climate actions.  They feature an 11 month program from September through August.  Participants must be 18 years of age and have an Associates degree or equivalent

​

  • The California Youth Climate Policy Program empowers ninth- to twelfth-grade students to take climate action into their own hands.  During the program, students participate in a summer retreat (August) 

​

​

​​​

  • The LA Clean Tech Incubator (LACI) helps startup companies develop technologies, secure funding and financing and supports access to new customers and markets.  They offer an innovators incubation program.

​

​

  • Port of Long Beach Internship Program The Port offers paid internships to college undergraduate and graduate students in various fields, providing exposure to the maritime industry and opportunities to engage in environmental initiatives. 

​

​

  • AltaSea's Ocean Pathways High School Mentorship Program.  This initiative provides high school students with hands-on research experience and mentorship in marine biology, sustainability, and environmental conservation. Students engage in fieldwork and analysis to gain insights into environmental challenges, particularly in their communities. AltaSea Applications close on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 5pm

​

  • USC Sea Grant's Community Engaged Internships. Aimed at undergraduate students from under-resourced and underrepresented communities, this program offers training and mentorship in coastal, ocean, climate, and sustainability science education. Interns are matched with local organizations to undertake research, education, and communication-related projects that integrate local knowledge. 

​

  • West LA College’s Summer Internship:  Every Career is a Climate Career Summer Internship.  This program places students in 12-week paid internships across various sectors of the climate action space, including clean tech companies and community-based organizations. Interns learned about climate solutions, advocacy, policy, science, and technology while enhancing their general work skills. The program is expanding in 2025 to accommodate more participants. 

​

  • USC Wrigley Institute's Undergraduate Internships.These internships offer hands-on professional experience in environmental fields, including research projects related to coastal ocean processes. All internships are paid and include professional development and mentoring. dornsife.usc.edu

​

Green Job Boards
Green Energy Turbines

Green Job Board 

  • The Green Jobs Board is a source for environmental jobs with companies that prioritize sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The site allows you to search by job title, region and more.  It includes career pathways, position types, experience on onsite/remote positions.

​

  • Climatebase features a job board focused on climate tech companies and nonprofits around the world.  They also offer a fellowship program. You are able to search by title, skill or company and note your location. They also have a newsletter with climate news.

​

​

  • Good Food Jobs (GFJ) posts the intention of “satisfying the hunger for meaningful work” The job board has some jobs related to agriculture, farmers’ markets and foodbanks The search engine allows you to search by location, job type and compensation.  It also lists educational opportunities in food.

​

  • GreenBiz Sustainability Jobs lists careers in sustainability, climate tech, renewable energy, net zero, the circular economy, ESG and more.

​

  • The Green Jobs Network is a job board and global network is dedicated to environmental and social impact. It features internships & fellowship opportunities.  You may sign up for a newsletter and join a Green Jobs Network on Linked-In.  

​

  • Idealist helps people find social impact jobs at companies and non-profits. 

  • LA 2050 has a jobs board that includes jobs in the Los Angeles Area and includes some environmentally oriented jobs

​

  • Recyclesaurus provides a job board for “the Coolest Jobs in the Waste and Recycling Industry”.

​

​

  • Terra.do is focused on climate action.  It has a job board as well as educational resources and a climate fellowship program. 

​

​

Career Exploration
Pine Trees

Career Exploration

​

  • Career One Stop, My Next Move and O’Net are Federal government sponsored websites published by the US Department of Labor.  They provide a variety of job exploration tools, career assessments, career profiles, career office locations and training information.

​

​

  • The Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) works with states across the country to make renewable energy systems more affordable.  They feature clean energy career maps in the green buildings sector, a solar career map and careers in climate control technology (HVAC/R).

​

​

  • The National Wildlife Federation EcoLeaders Career Center has the mission of helping high school juniors, seniors, college students and young professionals explore and map out their own career paths. It has a career planning tool and career sector outlooks in a variety of environmental sectors.

​

  • Net Impact – Job profiles and Listings. Net Impact mobilizes next-generation leaders to use their skills and careers to make a positive impact on the world.

​

​

​

bottom of page