The City of Nanaimo and the Regional District of Nanaimo are seeking new and existing groups who want to advance and inspire neighbourhood-based climate action. We have mutual goals to lower our emissions by 2030, and we need your help.

The ACT initiative was created to inspire, educate and encourage existing groups (such as neighbourhood associations, community groups, sports teams and businesses) and individuals looking to form new groups to work together to take action. The program includes a set of specific climate actions organized under six climate categories. When groups complete enough actions to earn the minimum points required for that category, they are awarded climate action badges and a chance to win fun, sustainable prizes. 

Read below for a program overview, or check out our toolkit for detailed program information, including the step-by-step process to join ACT and suggestions on choosing and implementing climate actions that fit your team’s priorities. 

Sign up early to secure your spot! In 2023, we have space for 15 groups to join. This page will be updated when all the spaces are filled.

How it works

Step 1: Get your team together!

Step 2: Sign your team up for ACT by completing the application on the project website.

Step 3: Attend the kick-off meeting hosted by the RDN and the City of Nanaimo.

Step 4: Choose your ACTions and plan for success!

Step 5: Complete your ACTions.

Step 6: Celebrate and share your success!

Who should join

This ACT initiative is ideal for all local groups that are dedicated to making a positive impact in the region through climate action. Team members are encouraged to promote the ACT initiative to friends and neighbours to increase climate participation and ACT membership.

Groups of two or more can include but are not limited to:

• Neighbourhood associations or block watch groups
• Community groups, such as environmental or stream keeper groups
• Religious groups
• Recreational organizations, clubs or teams (e.g., running group, baseball team, etc.)
• Non-profits
• School/university/college classes, groups or clubs
• Groups of your own making (e.g., family, friends, co-workers, etc.)

Businesses are also encouraged to participate in the program but will not be eligible for prize draws.

If you’re an individual who would like to join an ACT team near you, please contact the ACT program administrators at sustainability [at] rdn.bc.ca or sustainability [at] nanaimo.ca.

Why join

In addition to the benefits listed above, participants will receive:

• Project guidance from City of Nanaimo and RDN staff
• ACTion Badges recognizing your commitment to climate action
• Entry into a draw for a chance to win a prize each time an ACTion Badge is achieved

Resources

• Download the ACT Volunteer Brochure to read a brief description of the initiative, see the list of ACTions your group can accomplish, and find information about signing up. 

 

Download

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• Download the Volunteer Toolkit for an in-depth description of how the initiative works and which actions your team can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build community resilience, and protect the environment. 

 

Download

Taylor Nielsen, Climate Action Outreach Coordinator
Regional District of Nanaimo
sustainability [at] rdn.bc.ca or 250-390-5422 

Dave Stewart, Environmental Planner, Sustainability
City of Nanaimo
sustainability [at] nanaimo.ca