San Diego Clean Water Activists Program
Clean Water Activists Program: An Overview
The Clean Water Activists program trains community members like you to support clean water issues in San Diego County. This free program requires volunteers to complete three one-hour training workshops in person or online. It includes attending two outdoor activities and networking opportunities, such as a beach cleanup.
The three in-person workshops will take place on Tuesday evenings in April and May from 6-7 p.m. at Ocean Discovery Institute in City Heights.
- In-person workshop: Tuesday, April 18, 6-7 p.m.
- In-person workshop: Tuesday, April 25, 6-7 p.m.
- In-person workshop: Tuesday, May 2, 6-7 p.m.
The two outdoor activities and networking events are:
- Beach clean up at Mission Bay: Sunday, April 16, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- “Activists in the wild” workshop: Sunday, May 7, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The first 25 activists to complete the program will receive a $75 Visa gift card. Light refreshments will be provided.
Clean Water Activists Training Program
The Clean Water Activists training program consists of three workshops designed to equip people with the knowledge and tools to participate in environmental activism. Participants will learn to understand the legal advocacy mechanisms, engage with elected officials, and provide public comment. From there, activists can take part in calls to action on current and upcoming campaigns.
Intro to Water Advocacy
The Intro to Water Advocacy workshop introduces the building blocks of effective clean water activism. We’ll take a deep dive into what advocacy is and how it works. You’ll get a quick overview of how water works here in San Diego and how the climate crisis and aging infrastructure affect San Diegans differently.
Water and Politics in San Diego
In Water and Politics in San Diego, you’ll learn about the governing bodies and regulatory agencies in charge of our water and the current issues facing us today. We’ll take a deep dive into our local and imported water supply sources, water pollution issues, and how climate change will affect the future of San Diego.
Current Water Campaigns
The Current Water Campaigns workshop will look at solutions addressing our region’s emerging and persistent water issues and what advocacy looks like in practice. You’ll learn how to get involved in clean water activism campaigns happening in San Diego and how you can make a difference.
Conclusion
The Clean Water Activists program aims to train the next generation of climate and water advocates for San Diego County. We need San Diegans passionate about water and climate resilience to help track policy and engage decision-makers in creating just and fair laws that protect people and the planet. This program will help connect you with like-minded people and equips you with the tools to help us protect and restore San Diego’s waters and wilds for future generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enroll in the Clean Water Activists program?
You can enroll in the Clean Water Activists program by visiting https://sdcoastkeeper.podia.com/ and clicking the “Become a Clean Water Activist” button.
Does the Clean Water Activists program cost anything?
The Clean Water Activists program is free to participate in. The first 25 activists to complete the workshops and apply for a stipend will receive a $75 Visa gift card at the end of the program.
How long does each workshop take to complete?
There are three workshops, and each session will take approximately one hour. The three workshops in the program are Building a Foundation, Water and Politics in San Diego, and Time for Action. You can complete each session in person or online.
How do I complete the training program?
To become Clean Water Activists, participants must complete the following tasks.
- Attend one beach cleanup
- You can join our event on 4/16, another local community cleanup, or conduct your own.
- Finish the three in-person or online workshops
- Participate in one call to action
- You can join our event on 5/7, complete a call to action for another campaign, or complete one for a different cause you are passionate about.
- Respond to short surveys and questionnaires throughout the program.
What happens after I complete the training program?
After completing the program, you will receive a certificate of completion and monthly advocacy email newsletters containing updates, calls to action, and career opportunities.
About Our Advocacy
As a Waterkeeper organization, advocacy is in our DNA. In addition to education, outreach, and science programs, we are committed to actively supporting policies that advance clean water, ensuring an environmental voice in every meeting where water quality is at stake, and meeting polluters head-on through Clean Water Act enforcement actions. As the region’s leading water quality “watchdog,” we don’t shy away from a fight. After all, we aim to create a movement worthy of the beautiful rivers, streams, and coastline that make our region so unique.
