Next Act Program

Next Act: Alumni for Climate Action

The Next Act Program of Climate Action Labs International (CALI) invites university alumni associations to activate a Climate Action Labs initiative, hub, or chapter within their community.

Internally, this may be organized as a Shared Interest Group (SIG) focused on climate leadership, sustainability, and community innovation. The Next Act platform provides the structure, learning pathway, and partnership network to help alumni transform their collective expertise into tangible climate solutions.

Across the world, alumni carry knowledge, networks, and resources powerful enough to move systems. Next Act turns these assets into coordinated action by linking alumni with students, faculty, and local leaders to co-create solutions for climate adaptation, resilience, and regenerative development.

Why Next Act?

From Legacy to Leadership

Alumni are stewards of their university’s values and legacy. The Next Act Program channels that legacy into leadership through community-based projects that promote sustainability, inclusion, and innovation.

A Bridge Across Generations

Next Act creates a space for intergenerational learning. Alumni guide students through real-world projects while students contribute new ideas, digital skills, and creativity.
Together, they co-design climate solutions for cities, campuses, and communities.

“When alumni and students learn from each other, the university becomes a living lab, and the city becomes its classroom.”

A Platform for Collaboration

Each participating alumni association can form a Next Act Shared Interest Group or Climate Action Hub that connects:

• Universities for research, education, and outreach

• Cities for climate action and policy collaboration

• Communities for participation and co-creation

• Enterprises for innovation and investment

How It Works

1. Activate a Climate Action Labs Initiative

Your alumni association may start by launching a Climate Action Labs initiative, hub, or chapter within the association’s activities.
This can be formalized internally as a Shared Interest Group (SIG) under the alumni relations office or alumni federation.

The group becomes a community-based platform where alumni professionals, students, and city leaders collaborate on local and regional climate innovation projects.

2. Build Hubs and Teams

Each Climate Action Hub focuses on a theme or location.

• Thematic Hubs may focus on Renewable Energy, Climate and Health, Blue Economy, or Circular Cities.

• Geographic Hubs may focus on cities, regions, or barangays where alumni are active.

• Teams of 5 to 15 members design and implement projects aligned with local climate action goals.

3. Join the Learning Journey

Each year, participating groups can join a six-month hybrid fellowship to:

• Learn organizing and leadership methods

• Co-design an alumni–student project

• Participate in city or regional Climate Action Labs learning exchanges

4. Showcase and Scale

Projects are featured in the annual Next Act Summit, where alumni, students, and partners present outcomes, share insights, and explore new collaborations.

What Alumni Bring

Experience and Expertise

Alumni bring real-world experience from many fields including public service, business, research, and community work. They mentor student teams and guide collaborative projects that link universities and local governments.

Networks and Resources

Through professional and civic networks, alumni can connect projects with funding, partnerships, and policy influence.

Continuity and Commitment

Alumni sustain long-term engagement for Climate Action Labs, ensuring continuity and institutional memory that extend beyond student life cycles.

Why It Matters

For Students

• Access to mentorship and hands-on learning

• Fieldwork and career opportunities in sustainability and innovation
  
  

For Alumni

• A meaningful way to give back through action

• Learning and business opportunities in emerging climate sectors

• Deeper connection with peers and younger generations

For Universities

• Stronger alumni engagement aligned with sustainability goals

• Enhanced collaboration between campus and community

For Cities

• Access to academic expertise and youth engagement

• Co-owned innovation projects aligned with city climate plans

Examples of Next Act Initiatives

• Campus-to-City Solar Network: Alumni engineers mentor students and LGUs in developing rooftop solar cooperatives.

• Health Resilience Hub: Medical alumni collaborate with nursing and public health students to develop community heat and health programs.

• Circular Cities Innovation Group: Alumni entrepreneurs and designers co-create waste-to-value enterprises with barangays.

• Coastal Regeneration Fellowship: Marine science alumni partner with local youth and fisherfolk to restore mangroves and coral reefs.

Examples of Alumni Climate Groups

Harvard Alumni for Climate and the Environment

Oxford Climate Alumni

Columbia Alumni Global Sustainability Network

Get Involved

Who Can Activate a Next Act Group

• University alumni associations and federations

• City or regional alumni networks

• Professional alumni societies

• Student councils collaborating with alumni affairs offices
  
  

How to Begin

1. Express interest to the CALI Secretariat.

2. Form an organizing team of two to six volunteers.

3. Host a House Meeting to clarify your shared goals and local opportunities.

4. Co-design your first alumni–student project with guidance from CALI.
   
   

Recognition and Growth

Participating groups receive CALI accreditation and access to:

• The Next Act Fellowship for alumni leaders

• The Intergenerational Mentorship Platform

• The Climate Impact Fund for project seed grants

• CALI’s growing lab network
  
  

Be Part of the Next Act Movement

“The most powerful climate solutions emerge when those who once learned together act together again.”

Activate a Climate Action Labs initiative within your alumni community.
Start a hub, build a team, and help shape your university’s next generation of climate leaders.

Start a Hub
Become a Mentor
Partner with CALI