Join
Volunteer in Rhode Island
Citizens' Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan, grassroots climate organization powered by everyday volunteers, including thousands of us here in Rhode Island. We're glad you found us, and we look forward to getting to know you!
Join a chapter in Rhode Island
Fill out this form, and we’ll let your local chapter know you’re interested in joining! They’ll be in touch.
By clicking Join CCL, you verify that you are 13 years of age or older and agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Rhode Island CCLers in action

PROVE IT Act passes Senate committee after months of CCL support
On January 18, after months of support from CCL volunteers, the PROVE IT Act passed the Senate EPW Committee with a bipartisan majority vote.
Read more
A message from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse
As CCL continues to advocate for a price on carbon, we’ve received an informative, appreciative message from Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse.
Read more
CCL applauds Senators for bipartisan ag, climate bill
Sens. Braun (R-IN), Stabenow (D-MI), Graham (R-SC) and Whitehouse (D-RI) have introduced a bipartisan bill called the Growing Climate Solutions Act.
Read more2025 Rhode Island stats
125
Contacts with Legislators
11
Lobby meetings
3
Media publications
6
Outreach Events
Meet the Rhode Island State Coordinator

Rhode Island State Coordinator
Barbara Sullivan-Watts
Barbara Sullivan-Watts is a retired oceanographer whose research on impacts of climate change on marine species brought her to climate activism in CCL. Her work with K-8th grade science educators inspired her teaching of undergraduates about climate science and what to do about climate change. And her children and grandchildren, with whom she takes annual camping and hiking trips, are her ultimate inspiration.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a CCL chapter in Rhode Island?
Fill out the join form, and we’ll connect you with your closest local chapter automatically based on your zip code. A volunteer from your local chapter will reach out to let you know when their next meeting is being held and how you can start to get involved.
What will I do as a volunteer with CCL Rhode Island?
As a volunteer, you might get involved in any of these types of activities:
- Meet with your Senators, your Representative, and their staff about climate solutions.
- Write and speak about climate solutions in your local newspaper and to local journalists
- Talk about climate solutions to your community through local events and presentations.
- Educate and engage your local leaders so they can speak up in support of climate solutions.
- Organize your local CCL chapter to keep volunteers active, inspired, and effective.
When you sign up and get connected with your local chapter, your Group Leader will get to know you and help you find meaningful activities that fit with your skills and interests.
Can I participate if there isn’t a chapter in my part of Rhode Island?
Absolutely. Many Rhode Island volunteers participate from areas without a nearby chapter — you can dial into CCL’s national meetings on Zoom, take monthly actions from home, or volunteer with one of CCL’s national Action Teams.
We can also support you with all the training and information you need to start a chapter in your area.
What lawmakers does CCL Rhode Island meet with?
CCL’s mission is focused on advancing effective climate solutions at the federal level, so your local chapter meets with Rhode Island’s representatives and senators in the U.S. Congress.
What are the top climate issues in Rhode Island?
Climate change impacts of increased storm surge and rising sea levels are very evident along Rhode Island’s eroding sea coast and more frequent flooding. More intense rain fall is causing flooding at many inland sites. As marine systems warm once abundant fisheries such as winter flounder and lobsters have declined and made overall fish harvest less predictable.