About MAPS

Massachusetts Power Shift (MAPS) is a network and organizing body that strengthens the Massachusetts youth movement for climate action in connection with the efforts of its allies. MAPS is primarily youth led but open to anyone who wishes to participate. In the spirit of the state climate conference by the same name, MAPS utilizes the resources and experience of its members to run collaborative campaigns in support of climate solutions, green jobs, and green justice. Through education, training, and networking, MAPS also connects passionate activists with outlets for effective action, ranging from policy creation and promotion to non-violent direct action.

We are aspiring lawyers from Harvard, hand-drummers from Berkelee, astrophysics majors from Smith, and everyone in between. We are entrepreneurs, community leaders, architects, religious clergy, and public officials from both sides of the aisle. We work from the bottom-up community awareness and direct action models, as well as for top-down change at the government level necessary to stop long-term threats to human existence. Together, we stand and make noise to ensure that we don’t go down without a fight.

The Challenge

Dirty energy and global warming threaten our economy, health, and security both at home and globally. The science tells us we must make a full and rapid transition to a clean energy economy, or face catastrophic consequences for generations to come -- with the poor being hit the hardest.

The Vision

If we do what's needed to solve global warming, we can build a more secure, just, prosperous future; we can grow a new economy that generates new green jobs, strengthens the middle class and creates new pathways out of poverty for many more. By retooling our factories, revamping our schools, and rebuilding our communities, we can create a sustainable, just, and prosperous future for all.

The Choice

The Global Warming Solutions Act would clear the way for green jobs in our state, and cut climate pollution 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. This is our chance in Massachusetts to lead America forward.

The Global Warming Solutions Act is a first and necessary step towards climate solutions, clean energy, and green jobs, but we’re also here calling for “green justice:” we must make sure no one is left out of the new green economy.

We know change must come from the bottom up and the top down. We’re here to reclaim our civic power, and tell our elected officials we expect them to do their part in clearing the path to the clean energy future; meanwhile, we’re also charting the path towards growing green jobs and green justice in our own communities.