Resource Type: Experiments

Here’s the glimmer: we’re getting smarter on narrative & messaging too. Today we’re sharing highlights from what we’re learning about building support for clean energy programs with a key constituency: Rural America. With our partner [Resource Rural](https://resourcerural.org/), we set out to find out answers to some key questions: Are we telling effective stories about the role of federal investments in people’s lives? Is talking about the benefits of economic growth more effective than economic loss or stability?

This month, we’re bringing you a double feature that’s all about harnessing the power of storytelling to create change in today’s quickly changing landscape. Dive into updates from our panel session at RootsCamp 2025 and from our virtual training with SolarUnited and Generation 180.

Following our training “Powering Change: Telling Effective Stories to Build a Just, Inclusive, & Equitable Clean Energy Future,” this tip sheet offers practical guidance on using storytelling to promote equitable clean energy solutions.

This week, we hear from 2023-24 Climate Justice Micrograntee Groundwork Ohio River Valley. This program provides funding to help document and amplify “lessons learned” from U.S. climate justice organizations who are advancing equitable, community-based solutions to the climate crisis.
Groundwork Ohio River Valley has created a report and toolkit on the findings of the Climate Advisory Group (CAG) program model from their Climate Safe Neighborhoods Program (CSN) initiative, a national effort through Groundwork USA to identify neighborhoods that are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change because of racial and social injustices, engage frontline resident leaders and partners, and ignite action towards climate resilience. The report outlines the latest lessons learned and challenges encountered when implementing the community organizer model.
We’re excited to feature their report back in our Lab insights this week! Keep reading to learn more about the project and their reflections.
Watch this short video to get a preview of the project before diving into the insight!