What is a Node at 350VT?

A “node” is an ultra-local group, focused in a specific town/city or area, that meets regularly, works for climate justice in their local community, and participates in statewide campaigns and actions. 350VT encourages nodes to connect with each other to share resources, experiences, trainings, and more, and the staff supports and connects nodes across the state.

350VT is building a people-powered and people-led climate justice movement in Vermont for a just, thriving world. 350VT nodes are the people powering and leading this work!  They are key to building our movement to make the transformational change we need in our state.  Nodes organize on the local level - bringing in new people and engaging their communities - as well as take part in actions and campaigns on the state level, coordinated with other local nodes around Vermont.

What are the expectations of a 350VT node?

• Be aligned with our mission and values.  350VT is building collective power for climate justice and our nodes should understand and be aligned with what makes us different from other environmental groups.  We are guided by the voices, experiences, and solutions of those most impacted by the global climate crisis.  We strive to work at the intersections of the climate crisis and social justice to address the climate crisis equitably and effectively.

• Be open to and intentional about bringing in new people.  Relationships and Community are among our core values and nodes are one of the key ways that new activists find their way into the climate movement.  It is through community that we can find a shared purpose, collectively guide our movement, and identify the resources we have to create the world we aspire to.  It is through community that we can transform Vermont.

• Develop a leadership team or structure - people who can liaison with statewide staff and other local nodes and help guide the local work. 

• Engage with your local community on climate issues.  This looks different for every node depending on your local needs and the interests of the group. 

• Engage with statewide campaigns or actions.  We ask that every node participates in at least one statewide event, program, or project a year, and for many nodes this is a large part of their work. Being a part of coordinated statewide climate campaigns is an amazing way to feel powerful, connected, and impactful! 

• Have a representative at our monthly statewide Community Leaders Zoom Call, where staff both inform and get input from our base (that’s you!) on statewide priorities and campaigns.  Give input into our statewide work in other ways as asked. 

• Have a representative attend one or two statewide Leader Gatherings (in-person) each year.  This is where we go deeper into coordinating our statewide work, plus celebrate accomplishments together.  We prioritize time to eat a delicious meal and enjoy being together as a growing and powerful statewide network.