Peer Learning Program

Learn from climate adaptation peers and build foundations for new partnerships!

Mass ECAN (Ecosystem Climate Adaptation Network) is a community of practice for climate adaptation practitioners and researchers interested in ecosystems and nature in Massachusetts. Our Peer Learning Program is a unique opportunity to bring together a small cohort of these practitioners over an 8-month period to learn from each other and foster community. This program will run from late February/early March to October 2026.

Participants will bring their own expertise and experiences to share with the cohort and leave the program with new perspectives on climate adaptation practices, renewed energy for our collective work, and relationships that can serve as the foundations for future partnerships. This opportunity is made possible through funding from the Barr Foundation. Participants will be compensated for their time spent in the program.

See the Call for Applications below!

Call for Applications
 

Quotes from past participants:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • This program brings together a small cohort of people working in MA on climate adaptation to:

    • Learn from each other through peer-to-peer sharing

    • Create space for and facilitate the formation of relationships that lead to successful partnerships and networks for social and climate resilience across organizations

    • Community: Develop relationships with peers over 8-month period that can last beyond the program

    • Recognition: Share your work and expertise with the cohort and the entire Mass ECAN network

    • Learning: Explore different perspectives and approaches to climate change adaptation

    • Participant-driven: Discuss topics that interest you and your peers

    • Motivation: Gain inspiration and hope through engaging with others on shared goals

    • Skill-building: Build and sharpen critical climate change communication skills

    • Relevance: Collaboratively work through real challenges you face in your work now

  • Individual applicants should be:

    • Working in Massachusetts on climate adaptation and interested in ecosystems and nature

    • Working as staff in a nonprofit, community based organization, consulting firm, state or regional agency, or municipality at any career level

    • Able to commit to meeting over the 8-month program

  • The following criteria will be assessed when reviewing applications:

    • Openness to learning and sharing experiences

    • Excitement about and investment in the program

    • Commitment to the timeline and expectations

    • Alignment with the program values and format

    • Representation from a variety of organization types

  • We will be accepting between 8-12 participants.

    • Estimated 25 hours of participation over 8 months with participants compensated for this time

    • All cohort members will present on an adaptation project that has potential for collaboration

    • Participate in pre- and post-evaluations

    • Share expertise through skill-building presentations and lead community building exercises (both optional)

  • Zoom mostly! There will be a few in-person meetings in pairs and one with the whole cohort.

  • This program will run for 8 months from February 2026- October 2026.

  • We estimate 25 hours over 8 months including meetings and individual time.

  • Yes, Participants will be compensated $720 for time spent in the program.

  • See here to learn more about why peer learning is effective and important for climate change adaptation.

  • If you have additional questions, please contact us at massecan@umass.edu.