MyRWA’s new Climate Leaders program has had a wonderful first year! Throughout 2025, thirteen resident leaders from Arlington, Chelsea, Everett, and Malden have been engaging their neighbors with climate preparedness by running meetings and educational events.
Check out some of their highlights from the fall below:
Chelsea: Stay Warm in the Winter Education and Supply Distribution
100 bags with supplies like beanies and gloves, tea, soap, hand sanitizer, heating pads, keep-warm educational materials, and educational coloring books. Credit: Mariangelí Echevarría-Ramos
Keydi: The event we had was very educational, as many people who attended received a lot of information that is rarely discussed in our community. There should be more programs that help the community with this kind of information about climate change.
Spanish: El vento que tuvimos fue de mucho aprendizaje. Ya que muchas personas que asistieron al evento tuvieron mucha información de la que casi no se habla en nuestra comunidad. Deberían haber más programas que ayuden a la comunidad con este tipo de información sobre los cambios climáticos.
Silvia: My favorite part was that the children were given a little coloring book. The book is called Ready Calixto Prepares for the Cold. The reason I liked it is because the children learn at an early age — and, most importantly, they learn while playing. They also learn to take care of one another during cold times. For example, when they go outside, they should wear several layers of clothing so they don’t freeze when leaving the house. And Calixto makes sure the emergency kit is ready at home with his family.
Spanish: Mi parte favorita fue que a los niños se les dio un pequeño libro para colorear el libro se llama Listo Calixto se prepara para el frío. La razón por la cual me gustó es porque los niños se dice que aprenden a temprana edad. Y sobre todo aprenden jugando . Y aprenden a cuidarse uno al otro en tiempos de frío. Por ejemplo: cuando salgan afuera deben ponerse varias capas de ropa para no congelarse al salir de casa y Calixto asegura el kit de emergencia en casa junto a su familia. 🥶
Chelsea climate leaders providing educational session on how to stay warm in the winter and sharing wellness and emergency preparedness tips. Credit: GreenRoots
Maritza: At the event we held, we had the opportunity to talk about winter. For example, we learned how to dress warmly to keep ourselves comfortable. We also learned about the importance of maintaining our heating system so that it works perfectly. We learned about different organizations that help pay bills. It’s important to keep our skin well-hydrated so the cold doesn’t dry it out. What I liked most about the event was the supplies we distributed.
Spanish: En el evento que realizamos tuvimos la oportunidad de hablar acerca del invierno, como por ejemplo aprendimos a como abrigarnos bien para mantenernos calientitos. También aprendimos la importancia del mantenimiento de nuestro sistema de calefacción. Para que realize un trabajo perfecto. Aprendimos sobre diferententes organizaciones que ayudan a pagar billes. Es importante mantener nuestra piel bien hidratada para que el frio no reseque la piel. Lo que mas me gusto del evento fue supply que distribuimos.
Malden: Tabled at UMass Boston’s Conference Bridging Communities with Hope: An Environmental Justice Conference for All and the Malden Health Fair.
Feedback received at the Malden Health Fair. Credit: Marissa Zampino
Kayla: At the CEJM Environmental Justice Conference, attendees who came to our table were really excited to hear about the work we are doing to engage people in Malden. I got to talk to a lot of other community organizations from the Greater Boston area; like Green Roots, Speak for the Trees, and more, and learned a lot about how to reach a wider audience within our community. I really loved engaging with people at the Malden Health Fair, where Marissa and I shared information about our favorite places to get outdoors in the Mystic. Some people were surprised to find out you can kayak and canoe on the river! (one based on each event).
Kathleen: Working with the Mystic River Watershed Association has been really refreshing and fun, especially when you get to see what the community is up to and meet new people. I loved explaining to kids and curious adults about the projects we have going on to combat climate change. It’s honestly been a great reminder to be outside and talk to new people while going to school.
I will say though, especially at the Malden Health Fair, that the past couple of weeks have been freezing so we’ve been seeing less faces but freezing together with our communities is still very nice.
Arlington: Tabled at Arlington’s town day event and distributed information about projects regarding roofs, light absorption, and maintaining a cool environment.
Yujia: I have really enjoyed working as a climate leader, and I loved it when we got the chance to help out with Arlington’s town day. I’ve also liked collaborating, and we helped introduce the project a great deal, engaging many parts of the community. I hope to continue with climate advocacy work, and being a climate leader has been incredibly impactful for me!
Want to learn more about the Climate Leaders? Check out their other updates from this year: The Latest Wicked Cool News | Meet the MyRWA Climate Leaders.
