Paige Miller, Digital Campaign Manager at NextGen Climate
Paige Miller is Digital Campaign Manager at NextGen Climate, a political organization that works to fight climate change and promote prosperity for every American. She is dedicated to engaging the public around environmental and community-based issues, and formerly worked at the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment and San Francisco Department of the Environment. Paige is also interested in keeping involved in her local community: she leads a group of transportation advocates in her neighborhood and serves on the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Citizens Advisory Committee.
Do you have any mentors that have helped or inspired you to reach your aspirations?
I’ve been fortunate to have been surrounded by inspirational women throughout my life – from my mother, who raised two kids while running her own business, to a few women who have been not just mentors but my champions. These women have played powerful roles in my life and have helped me with everything from planning my next career move to deciding whether or not I should go to graduate school. These relationships showed me the value of female mentorship and are what encouraged me to get involved with the Women’s Environmental Network.
What are your suggestions on how WEN members can become more involved in your sector and the environmental movement?
With the Trump administration attacking everything from our health to our fundamental rights, women’s voices are crucially important. I’m sure many WEN members are already quite engaged, but here are a few options for anyone wanting to try something new or do more.
- Keep informed and speak up. One way you can do this is by signing up for NextGen Climate’s email list for alerts on how to act on climate change, protect our democracy, and fight for a more equal, just society.
- Engage locally. You might be surprised how much of an impact you can have at the local level. Consider joining a local political group or city committee, or hold your representatives accountable at city council meetings and town halls (the Town Hall Project and Indivisible are great resources for this).
- Donate and subscribe. If you have a few dollars to spare, consider making a donation to an organization whose mission you believe in. I signed up to donate $20/month to the ACLU when Trump’s travel ban went into effect, and I know that it is money well spent. You can also subscribe to news organizations you follow to help empower the press to hold our legislators accountable.
- Run for office. Women are less likely to run for office than men, and make up just 19% of Congress and 21% of mayors. But together, we can change that. If you want to learn more, check out Emerge California, Emily’s List and Run for Something. And of course, getting involved with your local community is a great way to start making change in our political system.
May is Bike Month, and we know you’re an active bicyclist. Can you tell us about one of your recent rides?
I am very excited about bike month! When I first moved to San Francisco, I barely knew how to ride a bike in the city. Joining the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and participating in Bike to Work Day was a great way for me to learn how to navigate the city streets. Now, I am comfortable biking anywhere, from the city to the desert.
Speaking of which – in February, I biked 250 miles across Death Valley to raise awareness about climate change and fundraise for climate action with Climate Ride. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow cyclists who care about the planet, all while raising money for a good cause. Climate Ride does a bunch of bicycle and hiking trips each year in amazing places across the nation (and the fundraising part is a lot easier than you think!).
