The Soapbox Project is a nonprofit organization founded by Nivi Achanta, focusing on fostering community around climate anxiety. The organization is set to launch publicly on January 7th with a launch party that will mark the beginning of their weekly Tuesday meetups at Slip Gallery in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood. Soapbox aims to bring people together, particularly those in the tech industry, to collectively engage in positive activism in response to the planet’s environmental challenges.
The group offers a weekly email called the “changeletter” containing bite-sized climate actions that people can take, along with online resources for organizing events and learning more about climate issues and solutions. Soapbox’s messaging is positive and upbeat, aiming to inspire action and create a sense of community among participants. While the organization has primarily attracted tech workers, it is open to people from all sectors, and partnerships with other organizations are being utilized to broaden participation.
Many tech workers are drawn to Soapbox due to feelings of climate anxiety and a desire to connect with like-minded individuals. The increasing use of energy-intensive artificial intelligence in the tech industry has also contributed to the sense of urgency and concern among employees. Additionally, the conflicting actions of tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft, who promote sustainability efforts while still utilizing fossil-fueled power, have sparked further interest in collective activism and community engagement.
In Seattle, where the headquarters of many tech companies are located, there is a growing emphasis on community-building initiatives in both business and climate spaces. The U.S. Chamber of Connection, a pilot initiative focusing on helping new residents connect, is based in Seattle. Other organizations, such as 9Zero, have launched climate-focused co-working spaces in the city. Despite positive community response, funding remains a challenge for Soapbox, and the organization relies on memberships and grants to sustain its operations.
Soapbox offers memberships that provide access to in-person events, online resources, and a book club, with pricing based on a sliding scale according to the individual’s ability to pay. Weekly events are also priced on a pay-what-you-can basis, making participation accessible to a larger audience. The organization has recently received nonprofit status and secured three grants to support its activities. Along with hosting events in Seattle, Soapbox also plans to expand to other cities such as New York City and tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay area, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C.
Nivi Achanta, the founder and CEO of Soapbox, is hopeful that the organization’s dedicated space in Seattle will bring people together on a consistent basis to realize the power of collective action. By providing a platform for individuals to connect, engage in climate activism, and support one another, Soapbox aims to address feelings of climate anxiety and disillusionment among tech workers and promote positive change within the community. As the organization continues to grow and expand its reach, it seeks to inspire a sense of hope and empowerment among participants and create a supportive network for collective action in response to the climate crisis.
