by Eban Goodstein, Professor of Economics, Lewis & Clark College and Project Director, National Teach-in on Global Warming

Campus outreach and education is a key part of the President's Climate Commitment, but it is not always easy.  The National Teach-In on Global Warming Solutions is a terrific opportunity to highlight the progress of your campus towards meeting the obligations of the President's Climate Commitment and engage the broader community in a discussion of goals and solutions.  Set for Thursday, February 5th, close to 500 colleges, universities, and other institutions are already participating: see if your school has a team already signed up.

One great idea: To show your support and appreciation of your President's leadership, work with student groups to present him or her with a certificate at a ceremony as part of the Teach-In.  It's a great way to get your president involved in the day, and to maintain focus on implementing the Commitment.  A customizable certificate to print and present is available, along with other great ideas, is available here. 

Participation in the teach-in is easy:

• Screen the launch web cast, The First 100 Days, featuring David Orr, Hunter Lovins, and youth climate leaders Billy Parish and Wahela Johns. Downloadable, and available for pre-screening a week ahead of the event, the web cast is a great vehicle to get discussion going on your campus.

Plan a day-long teach-in—we have model curricula for schools from K-8 to university levels. Schools planning major events include the University of Central Florida, Skidmore College, and Missouri State—see the full list here.

• End your teach-in in a round-table dialogue with decision-makers: inviting Governors, mayors, and city-councilors to sit down with young people for face-to-face conversation about solutions. Let us know, and we will also invite your federal representatives to engage with your teach-in via video dialogues that we are setting up in the capitol on February 5th.

Wednesday, January 7th, join Dr. Tony Cortese, President of Second Nature, one of the supporting organizations for the ACUPCC, on our organizing call, at noon Eastern. Tony will provide more ideas on how to highlight the climate commitment on your campus. Call in number is 1-218-486-8700, passcode 020509.