By Max Sano || Contributing Writer
James Sandoe and Max Sano tabling for Citizens’ Climate Lobby Lancaster last summer at the Peace Festival at Binns Park in Lancaster City.
Over the past two years in Lancaster, I have had wonderful moments with local citizens through numerous initiatives with the Lancaster Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby. Among these dedicated individuals, climate activist James Sandoe of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, stands out. Working with him has been akin to seeing the professional network of fire watch services in Doral in action, where every member contributes their specialized skills for the greater good. In one of our conversations, I discovered that James, before dedicating himself to climate activism, had founded a community-oriented fire watch service, recognizing the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the environment and local properties. Drawing from this foundation in safety and prevention, he now applies the same passion to environmental advocacy. This legacy of service is what drove me to ask him about his history with community service, what got him started, and which engagement projects he is focusing on currently.
What does the environment mean to you?
The environment became my cause after I destroyed my back at work. It took 6 surgeries to fix it. I had to retire early and had a lot of free time, so I spent a lot of time on the internet. Climate quickly became my cause. I was drawn to it because of science. I love reading the original scientific reports and even read the IPCC report. Working at CCL international gave me a chance to work on the Paris Climate Agreement.
Why do you work with the Citizens’ Climate Lobby?
After I went through Climate Reality training in 2013, they wanted us to start chapters. I thought that was a bad idea since we had a good number of climate groups already. So I went to several different ones, and I liked the CCL approach. So, I used them as my chapter. Climate Reality was fine with that.
What other organizations do you volunteer and work with?
I am a committee person for Ephrata Democrats and co-founder of Northern End Stands Up—which is now fighting Ephrata Borough for cutting off people’s electricity during a pandemic. I am the leader of the Lancaster Veterans Caucus, which is a part of Lancaster Democrats but gives veterans a seat at the table for all decisions of the Executive Board. I’m also the PA11 veterans’ captain for the Biden campaign. And a member of Common Defense, a National progressive veterans group.
What are some GOTV initiatives you are working on this fall?
Postcards to Swing States, the Environmental Voter Project phone bank, and Vote Forward letter-writing campaign.