Our Vision

We believe in a better world where people and nature thrive and are cherished for their inherent value, and where authentic democracies sustain climate stability and equitable economic prosperity.

We Are Guided by Our Core Values

• Climate and economic justice

  There is no climate justice without economic justice. Climate justice requires redressing existing harms in communities of color. We must create economic abundance by making equitable investments in natural systems, water, and clean energy infrastructure in low-income communities and communities of color.
  

• Collective action

  We need powerful coalitions with low-income communities and communities of color, environmental advocates, labor, philanthropy, government, and Tribes to build a better world.
  

• The rights of nature

  Nature (including people) has a right to thrive. We must protect all species, people, and the natural world.
  

• democracy and transformation

  We can achieve enduring climate resilience and economic prosperity for all through radical inclusion, caring, and democracy. Better World Group promotes community-led democracy to build power among those most burdened by pollution and climate change to transform institutions and systems.

Who We Are

Our team is motivated by an urgency to build a movement that is diverse, bold, and strong enough to heal the planet, forge racial, economic, and climate justice, and reinvigorate democracy. We elevate the voices of those who have been unheard and underrepresented and help to grow power among the people and places where investments are most needed. We excel at building bridges across communities, finding common ground even on the most challenging issues facing our environment, workplaces, and economy. We are deep thinkers and passionate dreamers.

We are smart, strategic, focused, pragmatic, and impatient to build a better world that is worthy of future generations.

Here’s Our Story

Founded in 1999 by Wendy James, an indefatigable strategist with unique expertise in the media, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, Better World Group has been behind some of the nation’s boldest climate policies and environmental programs. In its first 20 years, Better World Group played a major role in passing key ballot measures. It forged coalitions with leading environmental, environmental health, labor, and business groups to help California enact the first greenhouse gas standards for vehicles, develop the first Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard for electricity, and set the first CO2 standards in the nation.

In 2018, Wendy James passed the torch to Cecilia V. Estolano, an urban planner, land use and environmental lawyer, and visionary leader. Building on Wendy’s legacy of accomplishment, Cecilia grew the firm’s practice by attracting experienced policy leaders, veteran campaigners, and energetic, emerging advocates.