ABSTRACT
Professional organizations act as a collective focus for members or participants around particular themes, occupations, or issues of mutual interest. This chapter describes climate change education-related work of science education professional organizations that are 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. This is done primarily through the cases of two organizations, the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and the National Geoscience Teachers Association. It offers an insider’s perspective, as both authors have been extensively involved in the relevant efforts of both organizations. Both organizations place their reputations on the line through position statements on issues important to science education, especially in terms of evolution and climate change science. Both organizations also facilitate the development and sharing of curriculum resources and professional development to support the teaching of climate change. NAGT also engages in direct lobbying on a limited scale in accordance with the limitations the International Revenue Service places on such activities. The chapter discusses the range of resources professional organizations provide and how to engage in this work.
