Abstract: Many scientists desire to create a more informed public on the topic of anthropogenic climate change but have limited time and energy to contribute to this cause. The Climate Consensus is a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to create capacity for such work through scholarship and stipend awards, and by creating a formal network across academic institutions and departments for resource sharing. We are a group of concerned students, faculty, and staff from 12 teaching- and research-focused universities who are promoting a culture shift toward the prioritization of public outreach on the topic of climate change. We are encouraging upcoming and established scientists to engage in dialog with their local communities while garnering philanthropic and grant support for these efforts. By building capacity for the next generation of scientists to speak up for science and our future, we have an immense opportunity to shape public opinion on this topic and to motivate real action.