What It Takes to Run a Nation-Wide Climate Movement | Projects on Purpose

Why It Matters

Effective project management turns large‑scale climate actions into measurable successes, enabling NGOs to amplify impact and attract further support.

Key Takeaways

• An Taisce organized 400 climate events in one week.
• PMI introduced modern project‑management tools and processes.
• Volunteer passion combined with structured planning boosted execution.
• Project management shifted from a tool to a value driver.
• The partnership transformed NGO event‑running and future collaborations.

Summary

Climate Action Week, now in its ninth year, is an ambitious Irish initiative run by the heritage and environmental group An Taisce. The organization staged 400 events across a single week, a logistical feat that exposed gaps in their project‑management capabilities.

Peter Glynne, president of PMI’s Ireland chapter, described how his team assessed An Taisce’s processes, introduced contemporary planning tools, and re‑engineered workflows. By framing project management as a strategic asset rather than a bureaucratic requirement, volunteers—already highly motivated—gained clearer guidance and measurable outcomes.

Glynne highlighted a pivotal mindset shift: “Seeing project management done well changes perception of its value.” The new methodology enabled An Taisce to track progress, allocate resources efficiently, and deliver all 400 events successfully, marking a tangible improvement over prior years.

The collaboration illustrates how NGOs can leverage professional project‑management expertise to amplify impact, reduce risk, and scale initiatives. As An Taisce plans future Climate Action Weeks, the partnership signals a broader trend of nonprofit‑private sector synergy in tackling climate challenges.

Original Description

What does it really take to scale a national movement?

As Climate Action Week in Ireland grew to hundreds of events nationwide, An Taisce faced a challenge: how to stay aligned and effective with a small team.

Through Projects on Purpose, with support from Project Managers Without Borders (PWMB), PMI Ireland Chapter volunteers introduced practical project management tools—helping deliver 400+ events, mobilize 3,500 members, engage over 12,000 people, and reach millions through coordinated communications.

The result: earlier planning, stronger collaboration, and a more scalable way to deliver impact.

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