Organizing hope in tough political times: How PennEnvironment’s Flora Cardoni is fighting for a livable climate

The Deputy Director of PennEnvironment talks about the power of collective advocacy, the frustrations of politicking, and how you can get involved.

Green Philly’s latest Civic Catalyst is Flora Cardoni, the Deputy Director of PennEnvironment. 

Role: Deputy Director of PennEnvironment, a statewide environmental nonprofit that promotes clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate.

She oversees the Climate and Clean Energy campaign. 

Green superpower: Political organizing

How Cardoni wields her superpower: Helps PennEnvironment rally support for causes across various environmental and sustainability policies. Cardoni and her team have recently done “a lot of advocacy” around Governor Shapiro’s energy plan and pushed for full funding for mass transit across the state (as SEPTA begins its cuts). They also organized a Citizen Lobby Day for climate action in which more than 300 Pennsylvanians joined PennEnvironment for over 65 legislative meetings with state representatives and senators; and campaigned for Philadelphia Gas Works to embrace renewable energy and keep consumer rates down. 

In addition, Cardoni runs an action mass text chain and helps organize clean energy tours to talk about the benefits of renewables.

What she finds fun about climate organizing work: Helping people see a greener, more sustainable vision of the future. By working together, says Cardoni, people can “feel more hopeful, like they’re a part of something, and that change is possible.” In doing so, Cardoni is reminded that “none of us are alone.” 

Challenges to overcome in the sustainability movement: The existential threat of climate change can seem insurmountable, especially in political spaces. “It’s very hard to move anything through the General Assembly in Harrisburg,” says Cardoni, due to the influence of the fossil fuel industry, status quo, balancing many different priorities, polarization, and politicking. Having a front row seat to it all can be “frustrating,” but Cardoni has confidence that people continue to join in the fight for a better climate.

What she is looking forward to in Philadelphia’s sustainability sector: More schools are going solar in Philadelphia. As schools receive grants through the Solar for Schools program, Cardoni says that it will be a “win-win-win” in which schools can reduce their carbon footprints, lower their utility bills, and put more funding towards supporting education. 

Her advice for getting involved: Number one priority: “Everyone just needs to make their voices heard more often” by calling elected officials, says Cardoni. There can be a lot of jargon in the legislative process, so get involved with groups that will vet and distill the bills and their language. “You don’t need to know a bill number; you can just say ‘I care about this for this reason, and I want you to take action this session,’” explains Cardoni. 

How to get in touch: Stay updated with PennEnvironment’s work through their website and social media. You can also get plugged into action by joining the Mobile Action Network text line. Text “PennEnvironment” to 484-229-0050. 

Cover photo: Flora Cardoni

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Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that PennEnvironment is a network of 30 organizations. This article has been updated to better describe PennEnvironment as a statewide nonprofit.