Climate Voices Advocacy and Leadership Program
#TakeClimateAction

Join Climate Voices
Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, in partnership with Yarra City Council, invites you to join our 10-week Climate Voices Advocacy and Leadership Program. This free program is designed to equip community members with the skills and knowledge needed to take effective climate action and lead impactful campaigns. Climate Voices aims to empower individuals from underrepresented or at-risk communities by providing them with the tools to advocate for climate policies, and have their voices heard on the climate emergency.
The success of previous programs speaks for itself:
- 92% of participants said the program met or exceeded their expectations.
- Facilitators received a 4.9/5 rating for their engagement and effectiveness.
- Participants launched real campaigns on public transport affordability, greening public spaces, and divesting banks from fossil fuels.
What Participants Are Saying:
🌟 “It made my week attending the sessions. I felt truly inspired by all the people I met.”
🌟 “We love this class. After graduating, I never imagined I’d learn so much again.”
🌟 “On a personal level, I felt more connected and empowered to continue fighting for climate justice from this program than I did from anything I learnt from my tertiary studies.”
Program 6
- Target Group: Program 6 is open to anyone 18+. People from diverse backgrounds, working on the frontlines of the climate crisis, or working or volunteering for not-for-profit organisations are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Dates: June 15 – August 31 2026 (no class June 29 or July 06)
- Sessions: Mondays, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
- Location: Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre, 20 Princes Street, Carlton North, VIC 3054
- Deadline for Program 5: 5pm, June 4, 2026
This program provides tools and strategies to help people from diverse backgrounds build skills in climate advocacy, strengthen community resilience, and influence policies that protect people, communities, and ecosystems. Apply here.
Why Join Climate Voices?
- Gain Knowledge and Skills: Learn about climate advocacy, policy-making, and effective campaigning.
- Lead Impactful Campaigns: Develop and implement your own climate action projects.
- Network with Experts: Connect with like-minded individuals and guest speakers who are leaders in the field.
- Practical Experience: Engage in hands-on projects that make a real difference in your community.
How to Apply
Limited spots available—apply now to secure your place. We had 60 apply for program 5, so please tell give some thought to your explanation for why you want to be part of the program. Fill in the brief online form here.
Program Outline
Each session is designed to build your capacity as a climate advocate through a mix of workshops, practical projects, and expert insights. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:
- Week 1: Introduction to Advocacy and Systemic Change
- Week 2: Lessons from a winning climate campaign, and importance of intersectionality
- Week 3: Building a Campaign Strategy and a Campaign Team
- Week 4: Advocacy and Lobbying Techniques
- Week 5: Crafting a Compelling Climate Message
- Week 6: Grassroots Mobilisation and Community Outreach
- Week 7: Media Engagement, Digital Advocacy, and Submission Processes
- Week 8: Monitoring and Evaluating Advocacy Campaigns
- Week 9: Resourcing your campaign, and Final Preparations for Presentations
- Week 10: Graduation Presentation and Certificate Ceremony
About the Facilitator

Tony Milne, CEO at CNLC
Tony Milne, CNLC’s CEO, brings over two decades of experience in advocacy and campaigns, including a decade delivering advocacy workshops across New Zealand and Australia. His expertise in climate advocacy, combined with his leadership roles in various high-impact campaigns, makes him an ideal facilitator for this program.
Tony has successfully led Australia’s Make Poverty History campaign, advocating for ending poverty and climate justice in coalition with over 50 organisations. His extensive experience in political and social advocacy has contributed to significant policy change. Tony has also attended Barack Obama’s campaign leadership training in New York and completed a 12-month Australian Progress Campaign Fellowship.
Tony’s workshops are known for their practical approach and the tangible skills they impart to participants, consistently receiving positive feedback. His commitment to inclusivity and his deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalised communities make him a powerful advocate and an inspiring leader for this program.
Contact Us
For more information, please visit our website or contact us directly:
- Phone: 03 9347 2739
- Email: info@cnlc.org.au
- Address: 20 Princes Street, Carlton North, VIC 3054
Join us in making a difference! Together, we can take climate action and shape a more sustainable future.
Applications are particularly encouraged from women, people of colour, people with physical and intellectual disabilities and the LGBTQIA+ community.

