The Third Annual
A2 Climate Teach-In
From Climate Distress to
Climate Action
Sunday, May 4, 2025
1:30-5:15 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor
4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor. (Look for the wind turbine!)
(Background photo from the first teach-in, held at the University of Michigan on March 24, 1965 to protest the Vietnam War.)
To register for this in-person event CLICK HERE
This event is FREE. To make a donation to help cover Teach-in costs, click here
Agenda
1:30 p.m.
From Climate Distress to Climate Action In our current times of climate confusion and frustration, we need to hear stories of climate success. These four climate activists can inspire us with their stories of resilience and achievement.
Jan Culbertson, Ann Arbor/Washtenaw 2030 District
Beth Gibbons, Resiliency Office, Washtenaw County
Denise Keele, Michigan Climate Action Network
Julie Roth, Ann Arbor Solarize
Special Event for Youth
2:30 - 3:10 p.m.
Our Trash Tells a Story
Designed and enthusiastically undertaken by Ann Arbor Public Schools' Freeman Environmental Youth Council. Meant for middle and high school ages, but adults are also welcome to take part in this free, hands-on (well, gloves-on) trash project. Youth under 14 must have an accompanying adult on site. Please note that we don't know what will be in the trash! Safety precautions will be in place, but this may not be a good activity for those with severe allergies.
2:30-3:10 p.m.
Buildings Going Green (Session A)
Learn About the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor's Sustainability Initiatives
- Hear how UUAA implemented a multi-year sustainability plan.
- How the same concepts can be applied to other commercial buildings and homes.
- Financing options for congregations to install solar economically -- Rob Rafson of Solar Faithful.
Fahs Chapel
Our Trash Tells a Story
Join the Freeman Environmental Youth Council and Participate in this Hands-On Exercise to Identify the Components of Household Trash and Figure Out What to Do With It
- Led by Ann Arbor Public Schools' Freeman Environmental Youth Council
- Recommended for middle and high school students, though adults are welcome to participate.
- Additional details regarding this special activity, and preregistration requirements, can be found here.
Parking Lot (under the tent)
Climate Advocacy
How Volunteers -- Like You -- Can Make a Real Difference in Climate Advocacy
- Volunteers want meaningful activities that have an impact and they want to be part of a supportive community. Hear about volunteer experiences at local climate action groups:
- Citizens' Climate Lobby - Kris Olsson
- Michigan Climate Action Network -- Denise Keele
- Third Act Michigan -- Jeff Jones
Sanctuary
3:25-4:05 p.m.
Buildings Going Green (Session B)
Hear From Energy Professionals -- and from Ann Arbor Congregations
- Importance of an energy audit and results - Nate Munson of EverGreen Energy Savers.
- Updating buildings to energy-efficient heat pumps - Caleb Kline of Inclination Engineering.
- "Poster session" with local energy professionals and local congregations telling their stories.
Fahs Chapel
Resilience Hub: Defining and Visioning
Giving Community Services a Longer Runway in the Climate Transition
- Resilience Hubs are like snowflakes; each one is unique. In this session, you will learn how a Resilience Hub is designed and how the services provided out of Resilience Hubs give critical care providers a longer runway to serve their communities.
- In this exercise, you will build a mental model of a Resilience Hub and learn about the existing models in Ann Arbor, their impact on our community, and their role in the climate transition.
- Led by Bryce Frohlich -- Community Resilience Specialist for the City of Ann Arbor
Social Hall
Personal Climate Action Plan
Find Your Passion; Find Your Niche
- Many people want to engage in climate action but have a difficult time "finding their niche."
- This workshop will help you assess your values, talents, and opportunities.
- You will come out of the workshop with personal action steps and an understanding of your path forward.
Sanctuary
4:15 p.m.
Ann Arbor Public Schools' Freeman Environmental Youth Council
What Did We Learn From the Trash -- and What Does It Mean for You?
Sanctuary
4:35p.m. Networking
Social Hall
Local climate action groups will be available at tables to provide information and discuss your Climate Action Plan.
Food
- Argus Farm Stop, Blue Ocean Church/St. Clare's Episcopal Church/Temple Beth Emeth, New Roots Institute, VegMichigan
Home and Congregation/Commercial
- Ann Arbor/Washtenaw 2030 District, Ecology Center, Genesis of Ann Arbor, Solar Faithful, University Commons
Climate Advocacy
- Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2), Citizens' Climate Lobby, Huron Valley Group of the Sierra Club, Michigan Climate Action Network, Third Act Michigan, Washtenaw 350, Washtenaw Climate Reality Project
Climate Justice
- Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice
Government
- City of Ann Arbor A2ZERO, Washtenaw County Environmental Council, Washtenaw County Resiliency Office
Youth
- Freeman Environmental Youth Council
Free vegetarian snacks
Why Networking?
- “The most important thing an individual can do for climate change is be less of an individual. Join together with other people in movements large enough to effect changes in policy and economics that might actually move the system enough to matter. You can’t do it anymore, one lightbulb, one vegan dinner, at a time.” Bill McKibben
5:15 p.m. Close
Location
First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor
4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Look for the wind turbine!
Sponsors
Promotional Partners
To register to attend this in-person event CLICK HERE
This event is FREE. To make a donation to help cover Teach-in costs, click here
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To learn more about the May 7, 2023 First Annual A2 Climate Teach-in, click here.
To learn more about the March 10, 2024 Second Annual A2 Climate Teach-in, click here.
Contact us at info@A2ClimateTeachin.com
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