Programs · MAP × Philosophers for Sustainability

Climate Ambassadors.

Minorities and Philosophy and Philosophers for Sustainability are collaborating on the MAP Climate Ambassadors Initiative: a network of MAP organizers working to effect positive change toward environmental sustainability within and beyond academic philosophy.

Become a Climate Ambassador What it involves

The initiative

One ambassador in every chapter.

Each MAP chapter is encouraged to have at least one Climate Ambassador. Ambassadors have the opportunity to collaborate with one another, and to attend and organize events focused on strategies for advocating for sustainability. They are expected to share what they have learned with their own MAP chapter and department.

For example, an ambassador might attend one of the Philosophers for Sustainability virtual workshops on the APA Good Practices Guide as it relates to sustainability. Following the event, they could put on a similar workshop on their own campus or in their region.

There are many ways to participate. We expect this to be a dynamic group that has a significant impact on the field of philosophy.

What is expected

Three commitments.

Meet once a semester

Each semester, attend a one-hour virtual meeting for all MAP Climate Ambassadors.

Lead one thing a year

Each academic year, play a lead or co-lead role in at least one local, regional, national, or international event or project related to philosophy and climate change. It must include some component related to responding to climate change in practice (as opposed to, for example, an environmental ethics reading group). Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Holding a Workshop on Sustainable Practices in Philosophy within a department, graduate student workshop series, faculty meeting, or conference
  • Incorporating an event on climate action into a MAP conference or initiative
  • Writing or editing a blog series on how philosophers can usefully respond to climate change
  • Liaising with the APA Graduate Student Council or another committee to advocate for sustainable practices that also bring better conditions for students and/or MAP members
  • Helping with outreach or coordination for the MAP Climate Ambassadors initiative
  • Helping to organize a climate-related campaign or advocacy project in philosophy, such as the APA 2+1 Campaign or a Philosophers for Sustainability advocacy team
  • Participating in a virtual Climate Hub by presenting, chairing, or offering organizational or technical support
  • Something else that no one has thought of yet

Hold both memberships

MAP Climate Ambassadors must be members in good standing in both MAP and Philosophers for Sustainability. Both memberships are free, and being a MAP Climate Ambassador meets the time commitment expected of Philosophers for Sustainability members.

Why it is built this way

Sustainable, enjoyable, career-building.

The MAP Climate Ambassadors initiative is designed to address structural injustices in academic philosophy, remove barriers that impede participation in academic philosophy for members of marginalized groups, and shift philosophy and the world toward sustainable practices.

We will keep the time commitment minimal. And we encourage Climate Ambassadors to list their MAP membership, their Philosophers for Sustainability membership, their Climate Ambassador role, and any particular event or project leadership roles on their CVs, where appropriate, so that their work is recognized.