Cass is a freelance writer and through her words, she’s on a mission to make the world a greener place. Climate justice, sustainability, and environmental issues are the things that make her fingers run fast on the keyboard. She is truly and deeply passionate about these topics.
And it was this passion that made us curious and willing to learn more about her story, that we hope could be of inspiration for many.
Cass, tell us what is your area of expertise?
I am a freelance climate communications consultant. I work with the communications teams of purpose-driven organizations working on climate justice and environmental sustainability.
How did you become a Freelance Writer and Communications Consultant?
Ever since I first became interested in climate issues, I have been combining communications with advocacy for a greener world. As a student, I started a student magazine about sustainability, then realized I could turn it into a career. I moved to Brussels and worked as a trainee for Fair Trade and Oxfam, then in the media team at Friends of the Earth Europe. I did part-time freelance work alongside my full-time job, then in April last year finally took the plunge to full-time freelancing!
What do you enjoy the most about being a freelancer?
A cliché because it’s true – the ability to shape the way I work around my life! My working style is much more in sync with my natural working rhythm now that I’m not constrained to a 9-5 routine. I love the variety: new projects, new topics, working from new places, the list goes on.
If you would not be freelancing, what would you be doing?
Well just after I accepted my traineeship in Brussels, I was invited to a late-stage interview to be someone who adds words to the dictionary. So… probably that.
What are your goals? (Also not professionally speaking)
Professionally, I’m keen to devote more time to growing my climate action newsletter. I’d also like to do more work communicating with the general public to make climate issues seem less alienating.
On a personal level, I want to embody the values I am advocating for: sustainability, community, and justice. So this year I’m spending less time slaving away at the laptop and more time connecting with my community, taking time to explore the world we’re trying to defend, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone. For example, I am learning Dutch, reading books by the Global Majority, and going on more solo trips.
What makes you feel you’re contributing to a better world?
I do what I do because I believe climate action should be accessible and understandable to everyone. It’s hard to tell sometimes if what you’re doing is ‘making a difference – professionally, personally, and any time you read the news. But the reality is that every day is an opportunity to do some good – from working with a climate campaign to supporting a social enterprise or checking in with a neighbour – and if I’ve done anything at all to put that good in the world, then I have made it a bit better.
Favourite organization, and why?
Too many to choose from! I really admire Intersectional Environmentalist for their dedication to exposing the links between climate and social justice.
Do you want to learn more about Cass?
If you want to learn more and you need support from a content writer focused on climate justice and environmental sustainability, connect with Cass at Work for Impact. If you want to share your story as a freelancer, you can reach us at community@workforimpact.com.
Read more stories from WFI Freelancers here.