Conversations with Chelsea Alexander

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Alexander.

Hi Chelsea, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I came to grassroots community organizing for the climate when I moved to Denver in 2021. I had been working at animal welfare non-profits in Bloomington, IN and Chicago, IL, running volunteer programs, building community connections, and managing various projects. But as the climate crisis intensified every year and I continued to learn more about it, I felt I needed to shift gears. I was hired as the Movement Building & Volunteer Director at 350 Colorado, the largest Colorado-based grassroots network focused on taking action to stop climate change. And although my background in working with and empowering people to do good work was there, there was still a lot to learn in this dynamic field. It’s been an incredible journey working on the greatest issue that humanity has ever faced, and seeing people across the state step up and take responsibility in the face of such uncertainty has been deeply rewarding.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Challenges are inevitable, and meeting them with the right mindset and being resilient is key. In organizing for climate issues, there are new obstacles each week. Although Colorado has all of the means to be a leader in the US when it comes to bold action that reduces our greenhouse gas emissions, and protects our air, water, land, and communities, we see time and again that our elected officials and appointed leaders move too slowly. The climate crisis is not just a test, but a timed test, and failing to act with the necessary urgency continues to puts everything we know and cherish at risk. So each day I am tasked with responding to what is most important, being strategic, remaining calm, and ensuring I take care of myself and others so I don’t burnout. And grassroots work like this requires on-going funding, so supporting 350 Colorado with donations helps alleviate significant challenges we can face!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As the Movement Building and Volunteer Director at 350 Colorado, I work to build a powerful, resilient, passionate grassroots movement for the climate and for our communities across the state. That means working with individuals to build trust, skills, and mutually supportive relationships that give people the community they need to keep showing up and contributing to campaigns. And whether those campaigns involve cleaning up our air, promoting and securing solutions for our energy systems and agricultural practices, or passing strong policies, there are many ways to slow the climate crisis and build a more regenerative world. I enjoy getting to help people in their organizing journey and seeing them do incredible things, pushing past feelings of being uncomfortable and seeing it give way to confidence and leadership. I am most proud of bringing my unique background and experiences to this space and creating new opportunities for people to get involved in, and being bilingual in Spanish, I am passionate about ensuring our work is accessible and inclusive for everyone in Colorado.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I feel deeply fortunate to have had incredible mentors and supporters in my life, people who helped make me who I am today. Jenny Gibson, who first fostered my interest in non-profit work out of college, and who encouraged me to always do what is right, not what is easy. Nanette Schonberg, who guided me in my professional development in Chicago, and who lovingly pushed me to be the best I can be. Deb McNamara, who supported me as I got started in my position at 350 Colorado, and who showed me just how courageous and fierce authentic compassion can be. And of course my parents, Bob and Jo, who have always believed in me and supported me no matter what. Without the foundation they helped create for me as a young person, my journey would look incredibly different and surely would have been much harder.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.350colorado.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/350colorado/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/350Colorado
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@350colorado4

Image Credits
Edward DeCroce and Dan Van Note