Neighborhood Climate Action Network

Neighborhood Climate Action Network

Started by former Ashland High School science teacher Jim Hartman, the Neighborhood Climate Action Network is a collection of community climate groups. Neighbors gather together each month to discuss various topics such as how to protect homes from wildfire, transportation (the inside scoop on electric cars), and water usage in drought conditions. Then they socialize with a potluck!

In 2024, we had as many as 5 neighborhood groups throughout Ashland, with anywhere from 6 – 22 members in each group. 

Neighborhood Groups are a great way to…

  • Get to know your neighbors.
  • Help each other deal with climate change.
  • Enjoy being and working together.

If you want to go fast, go alone, If you want to go far, go together. – African Proverb

Why were neighborhood groups created?

  • We have a big challenge:  To keep our planet livable for our children, we need to reduce emissions by about 50% by 2030.
  • People are isolated and tuned into different media sources.
  • Half of Americans “don’t know where to start.”
  • People need concise practical information.
  • Our superpower is cooperation, working together.
  • Our goal is to build resiliency and reduce global warming emissions in Ashland.
  • If you join an NCAN group you can have fun doing your part to address climate change!

A welcoming and safe environment

  • We are here to be part of the climate change solution and help Ashland meet its greenhouse gas emission goals.
  • No politics.
  • Step up/step back.  
  • Learn from each other.
  • No judgment, low pressure.
  • Have fun!

Monthly themes

Jim Hartman, a former Ashland High School science teacher, developed a curriculum that groups cover when they meet with their neighbors. Here’s a sample of the topics.

  • Firewise
  • Transportation
  • Electrification
  • Food and Compost
  • Water and Lawn
  • Disaster Preparedness (Disruptive Scenarios)
  • Participatory democracy
  • Consumption
  • Plastic and recycling
  • Misinformation
  • Climate Anxiety and Despair
  • Carbon Footprint

Our vision

Everyone uses their unique talents to prepare for climate impacts and reduce their community’s greenhouse gas contribution. Everyone feels supported by their group and connected to their neighbors and friends in new and significant ways. Each participant feels capable and confident, knowing they have the necessary tools to make a difference.  

Current neighborhood groups

Right now, Ashland has five full-time climate clubs around town. Each one was started by either a single person or a small group of people who reached out to their neighbors and invited them to join. The Allison Street Climate Club has been meeting since 2019. To learn more about how they formed and what they continue to do, read this JPR Article by Juliet Grable: Five years in, Ashland ‘climate club’ is branching out.

Volunteer leaders needed!

Become a Neighborhood Climate Club leader and make a difference! The Ashland Climate Collaborative’s neighborhood network is growing and we need more climate leaders. Connect to your neighbors and address climate change together.

You can be a beacon of hope in your neighborhood on how to empower and energize meaningful climate solutions. You can also be a beacon of kindness. Being a leader is an incredible experience, enjoy getting to know your neighbors — connecting with people right next door.

“The information and guidance was wonderful and really inspired folks to make changes. Even more, it brought our entire neighborhood closer together, making us all feel more connected and supported!”

Eric Strong, Class of ’23

Learn valuable skills and information and make new connections in your neighborhood. No prior experience needed!

  • Time commitment – Flexible. Each group sets its meeting days and times. Recommend 6 times a year (meet every other month).
  • Average time investment: 10 hours for each meeting you decide to do. 
  • No need to fly solo! It’s great to share responsibilities: communicator, facilitator, and host.
  • All materials are prepared and tested.

Is this YOU? The ideal neighborhood leader:

  • Cares about their neighborhood
  • Enjoys being part of their community
  • Is open to new challenges
  • Is optimistic that local changes make a difference
  • Believes reaching out to neighbors is a good approach to addressing climate change

If you would like to learn more about becoming a neighborhood leader, starting a climate action network, or learning more, please email Jim Hartman, Leader, Neighborhood Climate Action Network, at jimhartmancc@gmail.com


NCAN is a volunteer network of the Ashland Climate Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) community nonprofit organization. 

Meet Jim Hartman

Jim Hartman
Chair and Founder of NCAN, Former Ashland High School Science Teacher

Jim has lived in Ashland since 1990. He recently retired from Ashland High School, where he taught environmental science for 27 years. Jim is passionate about protecting our community from the extremes of climate change. Throughout his teaching career, he taught his students global warming units. He was also on the Ad hoc Committee to develop Ashland’s Climate & Energy Action Plan (Adopted 2017). With the help of Ashland Climate Collaborative, Jim launched the Neighborhood Climate Action Network in the fall of 2022.  For fun he enjoys tennis, playing music, and adventuring with his wife Maggie.