Co-Chairs: Peg Dublin at pegdublin@gmail.com or Meg Evans at megevans33@gmail.com
Meetings: Usually held the fourth Wednesday of the month at 9:30 am on Zoom.
“Inequality and climate change are the twin challenges of our time, and more democracy is the answer to both.” Heather McGee.
As Third Act elders who have watched the vacillation of our country’s commitment to equality and a healthy planet over the decades, we know that sustained commitment to both requires leaders with vision and values consistent with what is best for the planet and all of its inhabitants in the long term.
A strong democracy ensures that the voices of those most affected by climate change – low income communities, indigenous peoples, and younger generations – can be heard. These groups are often marginalized in policy debates, despite being on the front lines of environmental harm and the consequences of inequality. That is why we believe protecting voting rights, strengthening democratic participation, and restoring trust in institutions are not separate from climate action. They are prerequisites for it. Only through an inclusive and representative democracy can the U.S. develop just, durable, and equitable climate policies.
Confronting the current attacks on democracy and climate science also strengthens the nation’s ability to lead globally on climate issues. The U.S. cannot incredibly call on other nations to take bold action if it is failing to uphold democratic values at home. Current efforts to suppress voting rights and impose authoritarian values must be resisted at all costs. Authoritarian systems suppress climate science, silence activists, and prioritize short-term gains over long-term survival.
Ultimately, defending democracy and confronting climate change are part of the same struggle to ensure a livable future, where people have both the right, and the means to shape their destinies. If we allow democracy to be eroded, the chances of enacting strong science based climate policies diminish dramatically. The two fights cannot be separated – they are bound together in the task of safeguarding both our freedoms and our planet.
This is why Third Act champions defending democracy with our work in the Democracy and Voting Committee.
We welcome all those who care about our democracy and a livable planet for our children and grandchildren to join us. It’s simple really. Just join Third Act (it’s free) and you will be informed about all of the activities coming up. No matter your age, your mobility, or your time constraints, there are things you can do that matter.
Our first priority in 2026 will be working to elect people who are committed to fighting climate change and protecting democracy. Partnering with multiple organizations with great expertise in this area, we will be canvassing, phonebanks, post-carding, and more. In our meetings you will learn about effective pro-democracy strategies and also meet leaders doing this work. The elections of 2025 demonstrated that we CAN elect good candidates across the board. It was a clean sweep for us. You can help us win back the House of Representatives and perhaps the Senate. There is much at stake in this election.
- We will also be engaging in mass mobilization efforts to combat authoritarian efforts on the ground, like the No Kings rallies and other efforts to protect our neighbors.
- We will also offer relevant trainings and link members to partners’ activities such as Indivisible, Common Power, Working Families Party to engage in electoral work and mass mobilizations.
07022026