Partnerships
The conservation movement is stronger and more sustained when we collaborate to advance common goals. CVSC builds partnerships into the fabric of our work to shape policy and amplify voices across South Carolina to protect the air, land, and water we love.
We use an inclusive, intentional, and strategic approach to developing impactful change for our state’s natural resources and the people and communities that depend on them. We continuously cultivate new allies, secure capacity-building resources to share with our partners, and strategize with community leaders to create a more equitable and just movement.
Our team understands that change begins when we center people. For us, that means elevating individuals and communities most negatively impacted by climate change, natural disasters, pollution, and other environmental harm. We lean into our “people-focused” value and work to ensure that our goals are a reflection of the needs of all communities and leaders in the conservation space.
Partnership describes an active, mutually beneficial, and trustworthy collaboration focused on advocacy, policy development, political efforts, and public engagement initiatives to ensure the responsible stewardship of South Carolina’s resources while advancing sustainability and social equity in its communities. Partnerships strengthen the relationships between CVSC, our allies, and the broader conservation movement by leveraging collective expertise, resources, and actions to promote environmental justice and drive meaningful policy change. All partnerships reflect the following principles:
- Mutuality
- Inclusivity
- Power-Sharing
- Justice
- Collaborative Impact
- Accountability
- Active Learning
- Holistic Transformation
- Appreciation
Grassroots Advocacy Programs
Conservation Advocates Alliance
The Conservation Advocates Alliance (CAA) is a community of dedicated South Carolinians channeling their passion into action, taking an active role in shaping the future of conservation. CAA members don’t just support the conservation movement, they lead it–serving on the frontlines of issues important to them, with CVSC’s support. With guidance and resources from CVSC, CAA members transform into conservation champions who meet with decision-makers, testify at hearings, mobilize support in their communities, and elevate environmental priorities across South Carolina.
Palmetto Leadership Academy
The South Carolina Palmetto Leadership Academy (PLA) is a program of the CVSC Education Fund designed to build a pipeline of local leaders ready to serve on public boards and commissions across the state. Grounded in our belief that conservation outcomes are shaped by the people in power, PLA identifies and supports emerging public servants who reflect their communities and are committed to protecting South Carolina’s land, water, and communities. Through a combination of training, mentorship, and appointment support, PLA equips fellows with the knowledge and tools to lead with impact, advancing conservation through service in local and state government.
Statewide Collaboration
South Carolina Conservation Coalition
CVSC staff supports the South Carolina Conservation Coalition (SCCC) through technical assistance and resource sharing. We also have team members who serve as members of the SCCC’s steering committee, creating a direct link between CVSC and the other organizations that comprise the SCCC. The SC Conservation Coalition is made up of nearly forty conservation-minded organizations across the state who create a legislative Common Agenda every year to coordinate shared advocacy goals. The SCCC has issue-focused committees, holds an annual retreat for professional development and strategizing on issue campaigns, shares opportunities to educate lawmakers, and meets in Columbia annually during the legislative session for a Lobby Day and Oyster Roast. Our partnerships team is always looking for opportunities to grow and engage the SCCC.
Energy Justice Coalition
CVSC is a member of the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition (EJC), a dynamic coalition of over 50 organizations across the four regions of South Carolina working to support communities dealing with high energy burdens and other inequities in the South Carolina energy system after the COVID-19 pandemic. Energy burdens were exacerbated during the pandemic as low-wealth communities were forced to spend more time and resources in the household, while working less hours. We are guided by facilitated dialogue (quarterly), our grassroots base, and environmental justice values as we advocate a just and clean energy future for all South Carolinians.
Questions about our partnerships work?
Contact Senior Vice President of Development & Operations, Meredith McNeely.
Our Impact
South Carolina is changing fast, and so are the challenges facing our environment. In response, CVSC has launched a bold 10-year Strategic Plan—a roadmap for achieving ambitious, long-term solutions to the state’s most pressing environmental threats. The plan focuses on electing conservation-minded leaders, protecting the spaces that sustain us, advancing clean energy, safeguarding water, and ensuring every South Carolinian has a voice in environmental decision-making.