Networking for Nonprofit Environmental Advocates

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘾𝙖𝙣 𝙀𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙋𝙞𝙫𝙤𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙? Yesterday’s post focused on job leads and resources. Today, let’s talk about you. This is about how to pivot, not just react. Let’s get real: Losing your role at the EPA or a mission-driven org isn’t just a career hiccup; it’s a gut punch. But here’s the raw truth: Your impact isn’t tied to a badge or a title. I’ve watched colleagues turn layoffs into launching pads (yes, even in this messy climate). Here’s how to pivot without losing your purpose: 1. 𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 "𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞" 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 "𝐀𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲" 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 Stop saying, “I only did permitting/compliance/fieldwork.” Example: Your EPA regulatory expertise? Private firms salivate for that. They need people who can navigate NEPA reviews like a second language. e.g., a friend reframed “enforcement officer” into “risk mitigation strategist”. 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧: 𝙒𝙚 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙝 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙩𝙨-𝙤𝙣-𝙩𝙝𝙚-𝙜𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. 2. 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 (𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐞!) The private sector isn’t the enemy. Utilities need pros who understand water equity and infrastructure gaps. NGOs don’t care if you’re ex-EPA—they care that you can fight for clean water in courtrooms and boardrooms. State roles are hiring like crazy for climate resilience. Pro tip: Use ECO-USA.net to find hyper-local gigs where your federal experience = instant credibility. 3. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 Join LinkedIn groups like “Environmental Consulting Network” and “Sustainable Jobs.” Attend industry webinars (many are free via ACS, AWMA, WEF). Find mentors outside EPA. If you only network with former colleagues, your search stays too narrow. Forget LinkedIn spam. Do this instead: Slide into the DMs of NEIWPCC or NAEP webinar speakers. Say: “Your talk on PFAS regs resonated. I’m pivoting from federal work—any advice?” (Works 10x better than “Looking for jobs!”) Join WEF’s “Young Professionals” Slack. They’re 24/7 hype squads for water nerds. 4. 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 It’s okay to grieve. But: Your “why” still matters.  You don’t need another degree, but micro-credentials & certifications can boost your resume. Certified Environmental Professional (CEP) GIS for Environmental Applications Project Management (PMP) Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗶𝘃𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻: Rewrite your LinkedIn headline: “EPA Alum | Bridging Regulation + Innovation in Water Equity” Pick 3 firms from the previous post. Research their projects, then email a manager: “I helped streamline EPA permitting for [X]—can I share insights on your Y project?” #Environmentaljobs #PivotWithPurpose #MissionDrivenHustle

Networking is crucial for job hunting, but many have fear, get stuck, and don’t know where to begin. Here’s a proven technique that works for our climate-motivated job seekers to break into the space and create real opportunities for themselves through active job listings and accessing the "hidden job market". ➡️Step 1: Narrow Your Focus Target Specific Roles: Pick 1-2 job titles. (If you’re not looking to leave your non-climate job, Drew Wilkinson has tons of resources for you) Target Specific Climate Verticals: Use resources like Work on Climate, MCJ Collective, ClimateTechList, Climate Tech Action Network, Terra.do, OnePointFive (opf.degree), Voiz Academy, Project Drawdown and Climatescape to identify the climate solutions you're most passionate about. ➡️Step 2: Identify Companies Leverage LinkedIn: Follow relevant companies and executives. Explore Accelerators: Find innovative companies through climate-focused accelerators. Use Market Maps: Identify key players in specific climate sectors (Sightline Climate (CTVC) has lots). Climate Specific Job Boards (hey ClimateTechList, Climatebase, The Green Jobs Board - greenjobsearch.org) ➡️Step 3: Connect with the Right People Search Smart: Use job titles and keywords to find contacts. Ask for Referrals: Get introduced to relevant people. Use #OpenDoorClimate: Find professionals open to networking (s/o Daniel Hill). ➡️Step 4: Build Genuine Relationships Be Prepared: Have specific questions ready. Show Authenticity: Treat networking like building friendships. Express Gratitude: Always thank and follow up with your contacts. ➡️Step 5: Enjoy Networking Engage in Fun Activities: Network in environments you enjoy. Be Yourself: Authenticity builds stronger connections (Laurie McGinley teaches this exceptionally well). ➡️Step 6: Test and Track Outreach Experiment: Try different message templates and track their success. Stay Organized: Keep records of your outreach and analyze what works (here’s a template that can help: https://lnkd.in/eSf7TiEV) ➡️Step 7: Handle Rejections Be Proactive: Keep reaching out and participating actively. Normalize Rejections: Understand that rejections and lack of responses are part of the process. ➡️Step 8: Showcase Your Value Highlight Unique Skills: Clearly articulate what sets you apart (This is Mona Johnson, MS’s specialty). Address Challenges: Understand and solve the company's pain points. ➡️Step 9: Join Climate People's Climate Career Bootcamp! Get Practical: Our 4-hour session provides templates, resources, and confidence to enhance your job search. It’s jam-packed with actionable steps and will give you access to our network. This session is geared towards highly-motivated job seekers ready to put in the work! Learn more about the Bootcamp here! https://lnkd.in/epFH3xxx Read more of this networking advice in our most recent blog:  https://lnkd.in/eG4S3sQY 

Let’s talk about why networking matters—especially in global advocacy. When I started representing youth at UN summits and international forums, I quickly realized that access isn’t just about a badge or registration—it’s about relationships, credibility, and purpose. Here are a few tips I always share: 1. Don’t network just to say you were there. Go with a mission. Know what your NGO stands for and why your voice matters in that space. 2. Be genuine, not transactional. The most meaningful connections I’ve made at the UN, the World Bank, government, the State Department, or diplomatic roundtables didn’t come from handing out business cards—they came from honest conversations about shared goals. 3. Stay consistent with your cause. People can feel when you’re genuinely passionate. Whether you’re speaking at a side event or joining a coffee chat, your commitment to foreign policy and social impact should show. 4. Impact comes from follow-through. Showing up is only the beginning. Build on those summit conversations, send proposals, share ideas, and stay involved in the space. 5. Titles don’t make you credible—your actions do. It’s not about being a “delegate” or “representative.” It’s about using your role to make change, amplify marginalized voices, and contribute to lasting solutions. Remember: these spaces aren’t just about being seen—they’re about doing something meaningful. If your NGO wants to access these summits, build real partnerships, and drive policy conversations, start by showing the world what you stand for—and keep showing up. #YouthInDiplomacy #ForeignPolicy #NetworkingTips #UNAccess #CivilSociety #GlobalAdvocacy #Leadership #PurposeDriven #ImpactOverTitle