Climate Jobs Institute Holds Public Testimony Training for Colorado Union Members
On March 2nd, the Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) and Climate Jobs Colorado (CJCO), a coalition of unions advocating for clean energy and quality union jobs, facilitated a public testimony training for building trades union members in the Denver area. The training marked an important step as CJCO prepares to launch its first legislative campaigns, equipping workers with the skills and confidence to bring their voices directly to legislators.
Held at IBEW Local 68's union hall in Denver, the session was led by CJI's Emilie Slater and Rohan Palacios. Representatives from local chapters of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART), the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA), and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) discussed how their perspectives as union workers can help shape the future of Colorado's clean energy transition.
Participants began by reviewing examples of public testimony from union members of other climate jobs coalitions around the country. The group discussed what makes testimony effective, including the power of personal experience. Participants also shared what union membership has meant to them at different times in their lives. From there, they drafted, practiced, and delivered their own testimony, with fellow participants offering feedback on both the emotional resonance and use of relevant facts in each story.
The training also focused on how diverse worker voices can paint a fuller picture for legislators and the broader public, communicating not only the economic value of quality jobs, but the human stakes of the clean energy transition. At the close of the session, participants had the opportunity to record their practiced testimony with the communications team from the Climate Jobs National Resource Center (CJNRC).
As CJCO moves toward its first legislative campaigns, the workers who took part in this training will be ready to speak to policymakers from their own experience. The Climate Jobs Institute will continue to engage with labor partners across the country to help shape a clean energy future that is both equitable and union-built.
