Frequently Asked Questions

Why should my organization become a member of the Climate Solutions Accelerator?

Human-caused climate change is a global crisis of epic proportions, and it is incumbent on each region across the nation to collectively and collaboratively advance climate solutions. As a member, your organization will be part of a supportive, collaborative network of like-minded organizations dedicated to implementing climate solutions for our region and beyond. The Climate Solutions Accelerator is leading our region’s collaboration for climate solutions; every organization and individual involved is both a contributor to and beneficiary of our collaborative efforts.  

How are annual dues billed and collected?

We can accept membership dues via check or through our dedicated membership dues online contribution portal. A month before your one-year membership expires, we will send you a friendly reminder to renew your membership. If we don’t hear back from you, we will follow up with a reminder or two. If you still have not renewed your membership ninety days after the previous year’s expiration, your organization will be removed from membership.

Is there a specific enrollment period or deadline for organizations that are considering joining, or can my organization join at any time?

There is no enrollment period or deadline. We welcome qualifying organizations to the membership whenever they are ready to join! Renewal is due annually.

Can individuals be members?

At this time, membership is for organizations only. However, individuals can support the Accelerator’s work, both as volunteers and as donors. Individuals are welcome to attend Climate Solutions Accelerator events and annual meetings, can get involved with one or more of its climate-focused member organizations, and can take action in their municipality through the Color Your Community Green initiative. To have a conversation about which of these organizations or initiatives might be a good fit for you, or how you might get involved with the Climate Solutions Accelerator directly, connect with us at  hello@climategfl.org.

I see that membership benefits apply to ALL employees/members of an organization. What types of benefits does this include, and how do individuals claim these benefits?

Membership benefits that your organization’s employees/members could take advantage of might include discounted admission to events, discounts on services offered by other member organizations, and access to communications about local climate issues and news and action opportunities (via your organization’s liaison). 

Which specific businesses are offering discounts that my organization can take advantage of if we join?

This is an ever-evolving list. Please see our Member-to-Member Benefits page for current info.

Are my organization’s membership dues tax-deductible?

The Climate Solutions Accelerator is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. If your organization pays taxes, any contributions you make should be tax-deductible (minus any direct benefit, such as the value of a meal received at an event).

What if my organization isn’t ready to commit to membership, but would still like to be involved and support the Climate Solutions Accelerator’s work?

Organizations that aren’t in a position to become members can still support the Climate Solutions Accelerator’s work through sponsorship of events and programs. Sponsorship levels and benefits are event and program-specific. Benefits include brand visibility for the sponsor — logo recognition on event/program materials, communications, and signage, speaking opportunities, tabling at events, social media mentions, etc. If your organization is interested in discussing potential sponsorship opportunities, contact us at hello@climategfl.org or (585) 461-1023. 

 How does the dues waiver for environmental/climate justice organizations work?

In 2021, the Accelerator will begin waiving membership dues for existing and new members working for environmental justice/climate justice organizations, that meet the following criteria:

○ The organization’s programs work to address historical inequities

○ Provide direct/immediate service to historically marginalized communities

○ BIPOC-led (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)

○ Paying dues would be a barrier to participation

Process for assessing eligibility:

○ Existing and prospective members self-identify as environmental/climate justice organizations that meet the criteria above (prospective new members will be able to self-identify in the membership application)

○ Requests for the waiver will be vetted by community members who represent the target populations, and the Accelerator’s Climate Justice and Anti-Racism Committee.

What is carbon neutrality?

Carbon neutrality means that the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) you emit into the atmosphere is balanced out by an equivalent amount that you have sequestered or offset, to achieve net-zero emissions. To be carbon neutral, you must remove as much or more CO₂ from the atmosphere as you put in. This concept can and should include other greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride, measured in terms of their carbon dioxide equivalence (CO₂e).

How can my organization help the Climate Solutions Accelerator achieve carbon neutrality in the Greater Rochester Region?

There are many ways to make progress on climate, and since the current member organizations are very diverse, each will contribute to achieving carbon neutrality in different ways. For example, members that operate within a brick and mortar location might work to improve the energy efficiency of that facility, whereas a neighborhood association or civic club might work to educate its members about opportunities to advocate for climate policy solutions. Each year, your organization’s liaison will meet with the Climate Solutions Accelerator Membership Director to identify: 

• Specific goals for your organization

• Benchmarks to measure progress toward achieving these goals

• Resources you can take advantage of to facilitate progress

The specifics of the resulting plan will be carefully tailored to meet your organization’s needs.

Why would my sustainability-focused business want to offer discounts to other member organizations?

The Climate Solutions Accelerator is working to create demand for sustainable products and services in the Rochester area. The organizations and individuals who choose to become involved are more likely to be interested in purchasing sustainable products and services. By joining and offering discounts to other member organizations, your sustainability-focused business can increase the visibility of your brand and connect directly with primary audiences.  

How will my organization’s membership dues support the Climate Solutions Accelerator’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality in our region?

The motto of the 2014 People’s Climate March was, “To Change Everything, We Need Everyone!” This sentiment catalyzed the formation of the Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region and continues to inspire us as we build and strengthen the region’s climate movement. Motivating everyone to change everything is no simple task, and requires more time, energy, and resources than we currently have. We’re proud of the work we initially did as a team of committed volunteers, but now we have paid staff and need to continue ramping up our efforts and resulting “people power” to match the scale of the challenges we face.