By Bernadette Austin

Last week, CivicWell supported regional energy networks in convening the annual California Climate and Energy Collaborative Forum with the theme “Grounded in People, Guided by Possibility: Shaping our Future in a Changing California.” By convening this event for 17 years, CivicWell has cultivated strong partnerships with local governments, state agencies such as SGC and the CEC, organizations such as CCAs, and coalitions such as RENs and LGSEC. At CCEC 2026, over 500 attendees workshopped ideas with their colleagues and heard informative and inspirational messages from leaders in this field. But perhaps most importantly, we discussed ways to broaden our impact. 

For inspiration, I turn to the World Cup. It’s no secret that I am a soccer fan who has been looking forward to the US hosting the World Cup all year. I started playing soccer right after the US hosted the World Cup in 1994, and my son started playing competitive soccer right after the last World Cup in 2022. Despite this, I know that we are anomalies. Leading up to this sporting event, there was a lot of skepticism around the US hosting the World Cup in 2026. Soccer is not relevant in this country like it is in other countries. Our increasingly stringent immigration policies and disturbing enforcement practices have plagued international travel, and US engagement in military action globally has drawn the ire of the international community. However, I was shocked at the enthusiasm we have witnessed around the country as people embrace this sport and our international visitors. I believe we have seen an explosion of interest not because of passion for soccer, but because of the universal themes that have emerged. People are hungry for connection and celebration. We see our country through news eyes as we observe international visitors discovering our great American cities, our breathtaking National Parks, our comfort food, and most importantly, the warmth of our people. As one social media influencer wrote, “Is this what world peace feels like?”

Why is this relevant? Those of us passionate about building decarbonization and heat pumps have to find other ways to invite folks into our passion for climate and energy. We have to transcend our technical jargon to find ways to inspire people—not with goals we set for carbon emissions decades from now, but with strategies to address the concerns of regular people and improve their lives today. 

Day One Executive Director Christy Zamani, Bernadette Austin, SoCal REN lead and LA County Manager Lujuana Medina 

At the CCEC lunch plenary on Thursday, Lujuana Medina with SoCal REN reminded us, “It’s not just about environmental sustainability anymore. It’s about economic prosperity.” Christy Zamani from Day One urged attendees to “message in a way that people can relate to.” While the goal of a program they run subsidizes energy-efficient appliances, the people they serve have other priorities. She described one mother who broke the cycle of hospitalizations for her asthmatic child thanks to an air purifier. Ted Bardacke from Clean Power Alliance told us, “Let’s remember that folks are human and not their criteria.” He shared the story of how CPA maximizes the impact of the California Alternative Rate Energy Program (CARE) program by enrolling households when their children sign up for free and reduced lunch programs at school. As a result of this approach that centers on people, their program has the greatest proportion of qualified households enrolled in the program. 

Those of us working on climate change resilience must modify our messaging to address today’s pressing concerns rather than the less tangible long-term targets. Those of us working in the energy field must find ways to talk to others working in fields like public health and economic development to mobilize around shared goals. All of us need to center our clients, consumers, and constituents as we develop and implement programs. When we address concerns about utility cost affordability, wildfire recovery, and the top concerns people already have, we tap into the passion we need to mobilize communities and move the needle. 

Additional Photos from the 2026 CCEC Forum