Make a Google Doc, Save the Planet (many small synergies)

I've written previously about my winding journey into climate advocacy and how, since finding CCL, I've continually found myself outside of my comfort zone. Some of that journey has involved "big scary things" like lobbying on the Hill or taking responsibility for big technical projects. Those high-stakes things are what I tend to remember and talk about.

But then I was in a meeting with my local CCL chapter the other day and it made me wonder if those big things are really even the most impactful thing I'm doing. They're important sure, but maybe they're also secondary. We were having a discussion about an upcoming virtual training we're doing and the trainer, a decades-long veteran in this work, and one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated people I know, asked nervously if anyone would be willing to host the Zoom meeting. When I volunteered her relief was palpable and she thanked me profusely. In my chapter I've become known as the "techie" person, even though that mostly just involves things like putting together Google Docs, helping to make slides, or hosting meetings.

Those things don't deserve those kinds of plaudits that I get for them. Actually running the training or doing the presentation is the hard part, and is what would give me cold sweats. And this whole scenario just underscores for me how the thing that you take for granted–the thing that comes naturally to you–might be exactly what's needed right now. Yes, doing "big things" is important, and getting well outside your comfort zone is good for you–and is also needed–but no one should think that they don't have something to offer in the work that needs doing right now.