Neighbours United for Climate Action (NUCA) is Merri-bek and Darebin based community group that is all about local-level connection and action to address the climate emergency. NUCA aims to create a vibrant, diverse, and empowered network of neighbourhood-based action groups, sharing resources, supporting each other’s campaigns, inspiring great momentum, and creating the change they want to see in the world from a grassroots level.
Local action and support
Since early 2019, NUCA has supported individuals and small groups of locals to take action at a very local level, whether it’s encouraging and educating residents to take care of newly planted trees on council land near their homes, lobbying Council to take steps to reduce single use plastics in shopping strips, or contacting all the local schools, kinders and child care centres to promote School Strike 4 Climate rallies.
Free fortnightly Community Climate Action Series
One of NUCA’s key programs is their free fortnightly Community Climate Action Series (which was held online during COVID) with the aim of building knowledge and awareness of some of our key climate challenges, whilst also sharing solutions and developing resilience. Nerida of NUCA says “whether it’s divestment, composting, engaging your MP, mending your own clothes, understanding our food security in a climate emergency – we’ve got it covered!”.
Nerida of NUCA says “whether it’s divestment, composting, engaging your MP, mending your own clothes, understanding our food security in a climate emergency – we’ve got it covered!”.
NUCA also produce a comprehensive monthly newsletter, sharing the successes and challenges various action groups have experienced, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective impact.
Empowering the community through collective action
There have been multiple benefits for members of NUCA and their collective action approach explains Nerida.
“Members of the NUCA community feel more connected, more empowered, and therefore more hopeful. Climate grief is a growing issue that is yet to be properly tackled. Coming together with other neighbours and local friends to share the experience of taking action is a powerful antidote to climate grief. We have met people who have wanted to take action, but had been unsure how to go about it, then join NUCA and feel supported and encouraged enough to act.”
On their plans for the future, Nerida says “we’re always planning more actions! How can we stop? We’re always here to support locals to take actions, and there’s always a stream of new ideas and projects, and so many campaigns to support!”
How can I get involved?
Attend one of the NUCA Community Climate Action Series events, or simply join the mailing list for a comprehensive regular update on local climate action. NUCA team members have flexibility around where and when they meet too to fit in with everyone’s busy lives.
If you’re a local organisation, NUCA would love to work with you and find ways to support each other.
Get in touch with NUCA
Website: nuca.org.au
Email: neighboursunitedca@gmail.com
Stay in the loop with their upcoming events via Facebook.
