Raise your health voice and make an impact! Join a dynamic community of health leaders dedicated to driving climate action and creating lasting change.
The Climate Advocacy Lab’s Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle is a free training program designed for experienced leaders at the intersection of climate and health. This regional initiative combines in-person workshops and virtual sessions to foster peer learning and collaboration. Participants will refine their leadership skills, gain strategies for community engagement, and exchange insights with a network of accomplished peers. If you're ready to amplify your impact and drive systemic change, this program will equip you with the tools and connections to lead transformative climate action.
The health impacts of climate change are undeniable—and the time to act is now. As a health professional, you have the power to protect human health and inspire change.
We are currently conducting regional cohorts across the U.S., each featuring an in-person gathering and a series of virtual sessions. This structure enables participants to connect deeply with peers in their region while also building a broader national community of practice.
So far, we've completed:
- Midwest Cohort | Twin Cities, MN | March 2025
- Northeast Cohort | Philadelphia, PA | April–May 2025
Applications Now Open: Western & Southern U.S. Cohorts!
We’re now accepting applications for the Western and Southern U.S. Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle Cohorts. These free, regional training programs include an in-person kickoff and a series of virtual learning sessions, designed to support health professionals leading climate action in their communities.
The Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle invites health professionals from diverse disciplines—including nursing, medicine, public health, behavioral and mental health, social work, veterinary medicine, and other clinical and health-related fields—who are ready to elevate their impact in combating climate change. This program empowers participants to deepen their understanding and refine their skills in effectively communicating and engaging their audiences and communities, inspiring meaningful and sustained climate action.
Individuals should meet the following requirements in order to be considered for this opportunity:
- Must be based in the U.S.
- Must identify as a health professional (this may include but is not limited to health educators, health scientists, nursing, medicine, public health, behavioral and mental health, social work, veterinary medicine, and other clinical and health-related fields)
- Must be at least 18 years or older
- Have a campaign—failed, ongoing, or proposed—that they can actively apply the program’s content and strategies to during the cohort.
In addition to the basic requirements listed above, we’re especially excited about individuals who:
- Are passionate about motivating others to take climate action and are seeking guidance to grow, amplify, and strengthen their efforts
- Are established leaders within their communities with a track record of influence
- Are eager and able to apply the knowledge and skills they gain to drive real-world impact
Apply now to join a powerful network of peers driving health-centered climate solutions in your region.
Apply for the Western Cohort The Western region cohort is designed for participants living in: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
Apply for the Southern Cohort The Southern region cohort is designed for participants living in: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Attend an info session on July 2, 2025 3-4pm EST: Register Here
Not in these regions? We’ll be offering this training in other regions later this year. Complete our interest survey to be considered for future cohorts in other regions. We will notify you as soon as the application for your region becomes available.
By completing the survey, you’ll help us:
- Identify priority regions for our in-person workshops.
- Match participants to cohorts based on availability and regional focus.
- Build a database of professionals passionate about climate and health solutions.
Health professionals are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between public awareness and action by communicating the profound health impacts of climate change and the benefits of climate solutions. Despite growing concerns, many people, particularly vulnerable populations, lack critical information about how climate change affects their health and how they can protect themselves and their communities. By participating in this training, health professionals can strengthen their role as trusted messengers, equip themselves with evidence-based strategies to educate and empower others, and advocate effectively for policies that promote climate resilience and health equity.
During the program, you’ll will have the opportunity to:
- Build your confidence and skills as a climate advocate and communicator through evidence-based strategies like crafting and sharing your unique climate story, building personal and collective influence, and reshaping climate narratives to inspire action.
- Discover practical approaches for motivating and sustaining climate engagement within your community or audience.
- Work alongside the Lab’s experienced team to create your own tailored channels for effective climate communication.
- Join a supportive, diverse community of peers to exchange ideas, overcome shared challenges, and grow together in your climate advocacy journey.
What's the Commitment?
The program consists of two components:
Four-Week Intensive:
- One (1) 2-day in-person workshop (dates will align with regional cohorts)
- Approximately 6-8 hours of weekly participation
- Pre-work assignments
- Virtual meetings
- 1:1 coaching sessions
- Skills application exercises
- Peer-to-peer learning through our virtual community Slack space
- Completion of all cohort evaluations (intake assessment, post-session rapid evaluation, closing assessment, 3-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up evaluations)
Ongoing Commitment (Quarterly Virtual Meetings and 1:1 coaching):
- Three (3) quarterly virtual meetings over the course of one year following the intensive, designed to support continued learning, apply skills, and grow the community of practice by merging cohorts.
- 1:1 coaching sessions
Information Session:
July 2, 2025 Virtual Information Session 3-4 EST pm
Western Cohort:
September 15-17, 2025 In-Person Workshop
October 2, 2025 Virtual Session 3-4:30 EST pm
October 9, 2025 Virtual Session 3-4:30 EST pm
Southern Cohort:
October 27-29, 2025 In-Person Workshop
November 13, 2025 Virtual Session 3-4:30 EST pm
November 20th, 2025 Virtual Session 3-4:30 EST pm
All Cohorts, Building a Community of Practice Virtual Sessions:
June 26, 2025 2-4 EST pm
Hear from our previous Cohorts!
Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle ’22-’23 Participant
Richmond, California
Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle ’22-’23 Participant
Portland, Oregon
Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle ‘22-’23 Participant
Washington, DC
Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle ‘22-’23 Participant
Washington, DC
Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle ’22-’23 Participant
Santa Monica, California
Climate + Health Peer Learning Circle ’22-’23 Participant
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Meet The Climate + Health Cohort Leads!
Jo Bjorgaard (She/Her), DNP, RN, PHN, CSSBB
Senior Climate and Health Manager
Jo Bjorgaard is a dedicated leader in public and planetary health, bringing over a decade of experience in partnering with health systems and communities to create impactful climate solutions. Currently the Senior Climate & Health Manager at the Climate Advocacy Lab as well as being an independent consultant, Jo focuses on the critical connections between climate change and human health. She holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Health Innovation and Leadership and is a former Harvard C-CHANGE Climate and Health Organizing Fellow, as well as a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Passionate about educating communities on planetary health, Jo has delivered numerous trainings and presentations at hospitals, academic institutions, and conferences. Through her work, she applies quality improvement methodologies and systems thinking to drive systemic change, fostering resilience and sustainability in health practices.
Maliyah Womack (She/Her)
Program Associate
Maliyah is a passionate advocate for environmental justice and racial equity, with over seven years of experience in community engagement, event, and program management. Her journey in the environmental field includes transformative fellowship experiences with Defend Our Future, the University of Maryland School of Public Health's Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice, and Health (CEEJH), and Green 2.0. In her previous roles, Maliyah has had the privilege of collaborating with diverse communities, including engaging youth to combat the climate crisis through education and action.Maliyah’s long-term vision includes establishing her own nonprofit organization dedicated to uplifting frontline communities by creating adaptable, community-centered events that promote environmental justice. Through her work, she strives to bridge gaps, build resilience, and ensure that those most affected by environmental injustices have the resources and support needed to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are applications due?
Applications for the Western, U.S. and Southern, U.S. Regional Cohorts are now open! The application deadline is July 6th, 2025.
We are currently collecting interest and identifying regional focuses for our other 2025/2026 training cohorts. Please take 5 minutes to complete our brief survey to express your interest, and we will notify you as soon as the application for your region becomes available.
By completing the survey, you’ll help us:
- Identify priority regions for our in-person workshops
- Match participants to cohorts based on availability and regional focus.
- Build a database of professionals passionate about climate and health solutions.
Who do you consider a “health professional”?
Anyone who identifies as a health professional (this may include but is not limited to health educators, health scientists, nursing, medicine, public health, behavioral and mental health, social work, veterinary medicine, and other clinical and health-related fields)
Is there a cost associated with participating in the Circle?
No, we are able to offer this opportunity free of cost with generous support from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.
Are any stipends provided for participants?
We want to ensure that participants are both honored and compensated for the time they invest in our programs. Travel compensation will be provided for the in-person workshop, including airfare or mileage, accommodations, and meals.
What do you mean by "peer learning"?
In addition to being trained on a core set of content, a peer learning experience is responsive to the needs of the participants and will be co-created throughout the application process and program. It includes the opportunity to tap into the wealth of experiences in the room, learning from others as well as contributing your own expertise. We are committed to building a collaborative and interactive experience for everyone and we hope you will help us put the "peer” in “peer learning” as we share, learn, and grow together!
Do I have to be a member of the Climate Advocacy Lab to apply or participate?
No, participants do not have to be members, however, we highly encourage participants to sign up for free membership as we have plenty of amazing resources to help level up your advocacy work, regardless if you participate in this program or not.
Do you have accessibility alternatives for completion of the application for those who need it?
We are more than happy to provide additional support for those who would like to use an alternative process for submitting an application, like interviews or video/audio submissions. Please contact us with your request at one of the emails listed below.
I have a question about the program or application. Who can I contact for clarity?
Please feel free to contact Jo Bjorgaard with any questions.