As a UC San Diego undergrad, I was there to see the polar bear - definitely a great adage to the event. Beforehand there was a panel discussion involving everyone from scientists to sociologists to politicians. It was great not only to talk about the reality of what's going on and what we want to see happen, but also how to go about making it happen. Congressman Filner of San Diego who attended the panel definitely brought up good points about how to bring about change in policy - to change the language. It has to sound appealing to those people who aren't exactly onboard. He noted the harmful effects of negative language - for example, in terms of water recycling, termed "from toilet to tap" by some, negative images have really had a harmful effect on implementation of such ideas. We all have to think about how to present the ideas of taking care of the earth in ways that influence those who won't normally listen.

Looking For An Activist Career?

Students in our master's program in Environmental Advocacy and Organizing are trained for activist careers as public interest advocates and grassroots organizers working for climate protection, ecological sustainability, social justice, and the democratic control of corporations. Our motto is "Democracy is not a spectator sport."

Become A Social Change Leader.

Our training program focuses on five key areas: ecological literacy, big-picture political analysis, vision, and strategy; social action skills; organizational leadership; and self-renewal. Here, you will hone your ability to organize dynamic campaigns that win significant reforms, mobilize increasing numbers of citizens, and build stronger progressive organizations and coalitions.

Practice Makes Perfect

You will also get practical experience through two, 300-hour field placements, as well as our Advocacy Clinic seminars, where you will do real work for real clients, offering them research, public policy critiques and analysis, strategic planning, campaign materials, action planning, and development plans.

Examples of Student Internships

Environmental Advocacy and Organizing internships include working for nonprofit organizations such as Alternatives in Community and Environment, CorpWatch, Sierra Club, New England Coalition Against Nuclear Pollution, Clean Water Action, and the American Friends Service Committee's Fair Trade Program. We have also created an EAOP/Congressional Progressive Caucus Fellowship Semester in DC for selected students.

What Do Others Have To Say About the EAOP?

"There are just too few institutions that help inspire, train, and nurture progressive activists. That's why I'm so excited about Antioch University New England's Environmental Advocacy and Organizing Program. It's a graduate program that offers in-depth activist training and even connects its graduates into an ongoing support network. I encourage everyone seeking to work as a public interest advocate or a grassroots organizer to check out Antioch's advocacy and organizing program."  -- Eli Pariser, Executive Director of MoveOn.Org