One-Year Business Plan for Stichting Earthrise Accord (SEA)

Mission and Vision

The 1968 "Earthrise" photo taken by Apollo 8 astronaut William "Bill" Anders– a symbol of Earth’s fragility and unity – inspires SEA’s vision of collective responsibility.

Founded by Dr. Eric W. Anders to honor his father’s legacy, SEA’s mission is to confront the climate crisis with "nuclear realism" and uncompromising climate justice. This means exposing the disinformation that has impeded climate action on both ends of the spectrum – from fossil-fuel-funded climate change denial to the anti-nuclear bias in environmentalism. SEA is dedicated to evidence-based solutions that move beyond outdated ideological extremes (a "post-woke, post-denialist" analysis), focusing instead on pragmatic steps to decarbonize and deliver justice. In practice, SEA emphasizes that nuclear energy is essential for a realistic, timely transition away from fossil fuels, and that achieving true climate justice requires holding major emitters accountable for environmental harms.

SEA insists that "justice without realism is rhetoric. Justice without action is complicity." This ethos – combining moral urgency with scientific and geopolitical realism – guides SEA’s vision of a habitable, just, and thriving planet.

Core Program: The Earthrise Accord Journal

The centerpiece of SEA’s first year is launching the Earthrise Accord Journal of Nuclear Realism and Climate Justice, a new publication that will reshape global discourse around energy and climate. The Journal’s editorial philosophy is grounded in SEA’s mission: it rejects dogma and "renewables-only" wishful thinking in favor of honest, empirically grounded debate. Our content will spotlight the hard truths and opportunities of the climate transition, guided by three recognitions outlined in the Journal’s founding statement:

1. Meaningful climate justice requires transforming the political and energy systems enabling ecological destruction.

2. Nuclear energy – long misunderstood due to campaigns of misinformation – is indispensable for deep decarbonization and energy equity.

3. A realist approach must replace wishful thinking in confronting the scale and speed of the climate emergency.

Editorial Focus

The Earthrise Journal will provide a platform for rigorous analysis and bold ideas at the intersection of climate justice and nuclear energy. It will feature:

• Climate Justice Scholarship: Research and essays on the legal, ethical, and policy foundations of climate justice – e.g., holding corporations and states accountable for climate harms, and strategies for delivering reparative clean-energy infrastructure to frontline communities.

• Nuclear Realism: Clear-eyed examinations of nuclear energy’s role in a livable future, correcting myths with scientific evidence. Articles will explore how decades of anti-nuclear misinformation (often funded by fossil interests) have "sabotaged" climate progress, and will make the case for nuclear power’s safety, scalability, and necessity in achieving an abundant, zero-carbon energy supply.

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• Post-ideological Analysis: Candid discussion of how polarized ideologies hinder climate action. The Journal will highlight voices that move beyond left/right orthodoxies – for example, exposing both fossil-fuel climate denialism and the “renewables-only” purism that rejects nuclear to the detriment of climate goals. Initial topics will include case studies like California vs. Big Oil (on fossil disinformation) and the Maldivian climate justice plea at the International Criminal Court, analyzed through SEA’s dual lens of realism and justice.

• Forward-Looking Solutions: Explorations of innovative transition pathways – from integrating nuclear with renewables, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels, to proposals for climate "energy reparations" that empower Global South nations with clean energy sovereignty. We will also feature thought pieces on adaptive strategies such as geoengineering (e.g., aerosol sequestration or cloud brightening) insofar as they align with climate justice and are funded by those most responsible for warming.

Format and Contributors

The Journal will be a digital-first publication hosted on SEA’s website (with potential to compile special print issues or whitepapers for donors and conferences). We will publish content on a rolling basis, aiming for a steady cadence (e.g., 1–2 substantive articles per month) to build readership. Each piece will be long-form (typically 2000–5000 words) with an accessible yet scholarly tone, complete with citations and data visuals as needed. The Journal is interdisciplinary by design – we welcome contributions from scholars, scientists, policymakers, lawyers, journalists, artists, and activists who share our vision. All content will undergo an editorial review to ensure factual rigor and alignment with SEA’s mission of truth-telling.

In the first issues, alongside internal writings by Dr. Anders, we plan to feature guest contributors such as climate litigators, energy policy experts, and voices from impacted communities, giving the journal a rich diversity of perspectives. The editorial philosophy prizes "truth over ideology" and elevates marginalized voices – for instance, Indigenous and Global South perspectives on energy justice – to keep the focus on ethical and inclusive solutions. Initial articles (already in development) exemplify this approach, covering topics like The Renewables-Only Trap (how excluding nuclear backfires on climate goals), Climate Change Liability (a framework for legal accountability and reparations), and Nuclear Fear and Cultural Bias (a psychoanalytic look at anti-nuclear hysteria). Through this content, Earthrise Journal will cultivate a thoughtful audience of policymakers, academics, and engaged citizens, establishing itself as a go-to forum for post-woke, post-denialist climate analysis.

Key Personnel and Roles

Executive Director – Dr. Eric W. Anders, Ph.D., Psy.D. (Founder):As SEA’s Executive Director, Dr. Anders provides overall leadership and strategic direction. He is the principal architect of SEA’s vision and the primary author of its early research and communications. With doctoral expertise in both psychology and political science, Dr. Anders brings a unique perspective to climate advocacy – examining not just policy and law but the cultural and psychological barriers to embracing nuclear solutions. He founded Earthrise Accord to continue the legacy of his father, Apollo astronaut Bill Anders, melding "one-crew, one-future" environmental ethics with principled nuclear advocacy. In Year 1, Eric Anders will oversee all startup operations: finalizing the legal establishment of the Stichting, leading fundraising efforts, forging partnerships (with universities, NGOs, and communications firms), and serving as the Editor-in-Chief pro tem of the Earthrise Journal until an editorial team is fully in place. He will also be a key content contributor and the public face of SEA, engaging in speaking events and media interviews to promote nuclear realism and climate justice.

Editor – Mr. Marco Visscher (Journal Editor-in-Chief):Marco Visscher is an environmental journalist and author renowned for his journey from skepticism to advocacy of nuclear energy. A former magazine editor with 25+ years of experience, Visscher has “emerged as a leading voice in challenging the deep-seated public anxieties around nuclear energy.” He literally wrote the book on reframing nuclear’s image (The Power of Nuclear, 2023) and has insight into how cultural narratives shape policy. As Editor of the Earthrise Accord Journal, Visscher will curate and polish the journal’s content. His responsibilities include developing the editorial calendar, recruiting contributors, and ensuring each publication meets high standards of clarity and impact. Drawing on his own transformation from anti-nuclear activism to pro-nuclear realism, he will ensure the journal’s tone remains accessible and persuasive to skeptics as well as supporters. Marco’s role also involves coordinating with the Communications team (e.g., Fenton) to maximize each article’s reach. By leveraging his network in both environmental media and the pro-nuclear community, he will position the Earthrise Journal as an influential outlet bridging gaps between traditional environmentalists and new climate realists.

(Additional supporting roles: In Year 1, Dr. Anders and Mr. Visscher form the core leadership. Administrative tasks (finance, scheduling) will be handled by the Executive Director with outsourced accounting/legal help as needed. As we grow, we may engage part-time research assistants or interns, but the plan is to run lean in the first year to prioritize programmatic output over overhead.)

Operational Plan (The Hague Launch and Workflow)

Legal and Organizational Setup:SEA will be formally established as a Dutch nonprofit foundation (Stichting), headquartered in The Hague. The Hague – known as the world’s legal capital – is a strategic base for SEA, aligning with our focus on international climate law and justice. In Q1, we will complete all incorporation steps: registering the Stichting with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce, drafting bylaws/charter that enshrine our mission, and appointing the initial Board of Directors (with Dr. Anders as Executive Director and at least two other board members for governance and Dutch compliance). We will also pursue ANBI status (public benefit organization) in the Netherlands and explore 501(c)(3) equivalency in the US, to facilitate tax-deductible donations from international supporters. Basic policies and procedures (financial controls, conflict of interest, editorial independence guidelines for the Journal, etc.) will be adopted to ensure good governance from the start.

Physical and Digital Infrastructure:Given our small team, SEA will initially operate out of a modest office/co-working space in The Hague or remotely with a “virtual office” address in The Hague for official purposes. The primary operational presence will be digital. We have already launched an official website (earthriseaccord.org) as our information hub, and this will be expanded into a full-featured platform for the Earthrise Journal. Key tasks include securing reliable web hosting, implementing a clean publishing layout for articles (potentially a blog-style CMS with categories for climate law, energy policy, etc.), and integrating multimedia content (images, video clips from talks or documentaries like Critical, interactive graphics for data). A newsletter system will be set up to email new articles to subscribers and stakeholders regularly. SEA will also establish and maintain social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok) to disseminate our content and build community engagement – links to these are already on our site. By the end of Q2, we aim to have an automated workflow where each Journal publication is promoted via an email blast and cross-posted to all relevant channels.

Editorial Workflow:Operating the Earthrise Journal efficiently will be a central part of day-to-day operations. We will implement a workflow as follows:

1. Content Planning – Under the Editor’s direction, maintain an editorial calendar of upcoming articles and issue themes (for example, a cluster of pieces on “Climate Accountability” in one month, on “Nuclear Innovation” the next, etc.).

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2. Commissioning & Submissions – Proactively invite contributions from thought leaders in our network (academics, legal experts, etc.), while also establishing a submissions portal for unsolicited pitches aligned with our focus.

3. Editing & Review – For each accepted article, the Editor (Mr. Visscher) will work with the author through revisions. Dr. Anders will review for alignment with SEA’s messaging and factual accuracy. If needed, external peer reviewers or advisors (in law, engineering, etc.) will be consulted for fact-checking technical claims. Our review process will ensure that all pieces meet the journal’s standards for rigor and insight.

4. Publishing – Final articles will be formatted and published on the website. We will develop a standard visual identity for the Journal (consistent font, layout, and a distinctive banner or logo for Earthrise Journal pages) to build brand recognition. Each article will carry proper citations (using our chosen format) and an author bio.

5. Promotion & Archiving – Once live, content will be promoted through SEA’s communications channels (as noted above). We’ll also tag media outlets and influencers in social posts to draw attention. Over time, content will be organized into an accessible archive, potentially categorized by topic, so that researchers or journalists can easily find past analyses on, say, “climate litigation” or “nuclear policy.”

Location Advantages:Being based in The Hague offers tactical advantages that SEA will leverage. We are in proximity to international courts (like the International Criminal Court and International Court of Justice) and institutions focused on global governance. This enables SEA to more easily engage with legal stakeholders – for instance, attending relevant hearings (such as the Global South-led climate case at the ICJ) or networking with international law organizations. Dr. Anders will establish relationships with local institutions (e.g., Hague Institute for Global Justice, or Leiden University’s campus in The Hague) to explore collaborations such as joint events or research projects. Day-to-day, our small team will communicate frequently via digital tools (Zoom, Slack) to coordinate across any distance (Mr. Visscher is based in the Netherlands as well, easing coordination). We will schedule weekly editorial meetings and monthly strategy reviews to monitor progress on the operational plan. By the end of Year 1, our goal is to have a fully functional organization: legally compliant, with a polished web platform, a reliable content production process, and growing visibility in the climate/energy community.

Fundraising Strategy

A robust fundraising strategy will support SEA’s launch and long-term sustainability. In Year 1, we will employ both short-term tactics to secure immediate operational funding and long-term relationship-building to position SEA for growth.

Short-Term (Months 1–6):The immediate objective is to secure our Year 1 budget (~€265K) through founding donations. Dr. Anders has already garnered initial interest from a few mission-aligned philanthropists – notably Mr. Eric Sanders and Mr. David Bradt, who have been identified as prospective lead donors for SEA. We will prepare a professional funding proposal (with this business plan at its core) tailored to these individuals and a handful of similar high-net-worth donors who are passionate about climate solutions. Our pitch will emphasize SEA’s unique value: nuclear realism as the key to an “abundance agenda” in climate action. This messaging positions SEA as breaking the stalemate in climate activism – promising abundant clean energy and accountability, rather than the familiar narratives of austerity or incrementalism. We anticipate that forward-thinking donors will respond to this optimistic, solutions-oriented approach.

To assist in crafting and amplifying this message, SEA will collaborate with Fenton Communications (a renowned public-interest communications firm) early in Year 1. Fenton will be engaged on a project basis to refine our narrative and public relations strategy. In practice, this means producing high-quality collateral for donors: a visually compelling prospectus, a short video or webinar where Dr. Anders and Mr. Visscher articulate SEA’s mission, and op-ed placements or interviews in the media that put SEA on the map. The goal is to give potential donors external validation of SEA’s credibility. Fenton will also guide us in strategic outreach – for example, timing our Journal’s public launch with a press release and perhaps a featured story in a major outlet, creating a “buzz” that we can leverage in donor conversations.

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Our short-term fundraising benchmark is to fully fund the Year 1 budget by the end of Q2. This involves closing lead gifts from primary donors (e.g., securing commitments from Eric Sanders and David Bradt for significant contributions that cover the bulk of the €265K) and rounding out the remainder via secondary donors. Secondary donors might include a small family foundation or two in the climate/energy space, or an “angel” donor from the nuclear industry or climate law community who finds our work compelling. Dr. Anders will conduct personal outreach to his professional network and the Anders family network; for instance, given the legacy of Bill Anders, we will approach contacts in the space exploration and energy communities who might donate in honor of that legacy. In all communications, we will stress how early support to SEA will have outsized impact: it will enable the launch of a groundbreaking journal and the kick-start of legal and advocacy initiatives that have been missing in the climate fight. We will tailor our messaging to each donor’s interests (e.g., emphasizing the strategic litigation angle to those interested in justice, or the innovation/"abundance" angle to those frustrated with stagnation in climate policy).

Long-Term (Months 6–12 and beyond):Beyond initial seed funding, SEA will cultivate ongoing relationships to ensure a sustainable donor base. In the latter half of Year 1, having launched the Journal and demonstrated our capacity, we will turn to longer-term fundraising activities such as:

• Donor Stewardship: We will keep our funders closely informed of progress – sending quarterly impact reports, personal emails from the Executive Director highlighting key achievements (e.g., “Our analysis was cited in a news article” or “We formed a partnership with X university”), and invitations to any events or webinars we host. By treating donors as partners, we aim to secure their renewal for Year 2 and potentially multi-year pledges. For example, if Eric Sanders contributes this year, we will invite him to serve on an advisory council or participate in strategy calls, deepening his engagement.

• Expanding the Donor Network: Using introductions from initial supporters, we will connect with other prospective funders for climate justice and energy innovation. This includes philanthropies and foundations – particularly those that have shown interest in climate accountability lawsuits, science-based climate communication, or clean energy access. We will prepare grant proposals to a few targeted foundations (e.g., ones focused on climate change mitigation or environmental justice). Our messaging will align SEA’s work with their priorities, underlining how SEA’s focus on legal accountability and nuclear-enabled decarbonization fills a critical gap in the broader climate movement.

• Public Campaign and Small Donors: Although large donors will fund the bulk of our budget, SEA will also lay the groundwork for broader support. We will use our online platform to invite subscriptions or small donations from readers who find our Journal content valuable. For instance, by adding a “Support Us” page or integrating a donation widget on the website, we can start building a base of grassroots donors. While we don’t anticipate significant revenue from small donors in Year 1, even a modest goal (say, €10–20K total from many individuals) would a) supplement our budget and b) demonstrate public interest, which can be leveraged when approaching larger funders (“we have X number of supporters contributing”).

Throughout our fundraising, a key theme will be the “abundance agenda” – an optimistic narrative that contrasts with doom-and-gloom appeals. SEA will articulate how donor contributions are not just stopping something bad (climate catastrophe) but enabling something great: a future where clean, abundant energy underpins human development and climate justice. As one of our essays argues, “nuclear power is not merely compatible with the abundance agenda – it is its most vital expression.” We will align our donor communications with this positive vision, inviting funders to be founding partners in a movement that proves we can “build boldly” and solve climate change with courage and innovation. This affirmative framing, combined with our hard-nosed strategy (legal action and truth-telling), is designed to inspire confidence that SEA can deliver real impact.

Finally, we are conscious of maintaining donor alignment with our mission. We will prioritize donors who share our core values (scientific integrity, justice for affected communities, and a pro-nuclear stance based on data). This ensures we remain true to our principles and that funder expectations match our strategic goals. By year’s end, our aim is not only to have met our budget needs, but also to have a committed circle of supporters – effectively, champions for SEA – who will help amplify our work and open doors to new funding and partnership opportunities in Year 2.

Year 1 Budget (Approx. €265,650)Below is the breakdown of SEA’s projected expenses for the first year of operation. This budget was developed to ensure we can launch the Earthrise Accord Journal and foundational programs effectively, while keeping expenditures lean and focused on mission-critical needs:

• Salaries (Executive Director & Editor): ~€160,000. This covers a full-time salary for Dr. Eric Anders as Executive Director and a part-time stipend for Marco Visscher as Journal Editor-in-Chief. These two roles are essential for driving the initiative and content; competitive compensation ensures they can devote the needed time and expertise. (If additional junior staff or interns are brought on mid-year, they would be covered within this allocation or via the contingency.)

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• Strategic Communications & Outreach: ~€40,000. Budget for communications consulting and outreach activities. A significant portion is earmarked for our partnership with Fenton Communications to develop messaging, media materials, and potentially manage press outreach around key events (e.g., the Journal launch). This category also includes costs for graphic design, video editing or webinar hosting, and modest promotional spending (such as social media ads or conference fees) to increase SEA’s visibility.

• Legal Incorporation & Admin: ~€5,000. One-time costs associated with establishing the Stichting in the Netherlands and ensuring legal compliance. This includes notary fees for incorporation, registration fees, basic legal counsel to review bylaws and grant agreements, and accounting setup costs. (SEA will use an external accountant for annual filings and bookkeeping software – assumed under this line.)

• Travel & Events: ~€20,000. Travel expenses for essential meetings and events. In year one, Dr. Anders may need to travel to meet key donors (e.g., a trip to the US if donors are based there, or within Europe to attend climate and energy conferences). We also anticipate attending/presenting at strategic forums (such as climate law symposia, nuclear energy summits, or COP-side events) to network and promote SEA’s mission. This allocation covers airfare, lodging, local transport, and per diem for such trips. It can also support hosting small launch events or workshops in The Hague (e.g., a roundtable with legal experts or a press meet-and-greet for the Journal’s launch).

• Web Platform & IT: ~€15,000. Costs to develop and maintain our digital infrastructure. This includes premium website hosting, domain management, and any web development beyond basic in-house work (for example, hiring a web developer to implement custom features for the Journal interface). It also covers software subscriptions for design, email newsletter services, and cybersecurity measures (important for protecting our content and communications). Given the centrality of the online Journal, we want to ensure a smooth user experience – fast page loads, interactive content capabilities, and a professional look-and-feel.

• Contingency Reserve: ~€25,650. Approximately 10% of the overall budget is set aside for unforeseen expenses or variances in cost estimates. This reserve ensures SEA can handle unexpected needs – for instance, legal challenges, an opportunity to co-sponsor a major event, or simply cost overruns in any category. It provides flexibility and financial stability, which is prudent in a start-up year. If part of the contingency is unused by late in the year, we can redirect it to high-impact uses (e.g., an additional communication push or seed funding for a Year 2 project).

Total Year 1 Budget: ~€265,650. This budget will be closely monitored by the Executive Director. We will implement basic financial tracking (monthly reports of actual vs. projected spending) to stay on target. Any significant reallocation between categories will be approved by the Board. By demonstrating fiscal discipline and clear linkage of spending to outcomes (e.g., showing how communications spending drove readership, or how travel led to new funding or partnerships), we aim to build credibility with our funders for future support.

Metrics of Success (Year 1 Goals)

To evaluate SEA’s progress in its first year, we have defined clear metrics and milestones. These Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will guide our efforts and allow our team and funders to track success:

• Successful Journal Launch: By end of Q1, the Earthrise Accord Journal should be live and publicly announced. Metric: Website analytics confirming the Journal section is receiving traffic, and a formal launch announcement (press release and social media campaign) has been executed. We aim for at least one media outlet or influential blog to cover the launch of the Journal (e.g., an interview with Dr. Anders or a feature in a climate newsletter), demonstrating initial traction.

• Content Production & Quality: Maintain a consistent publication schedule of high-quality content. Metric: Publish at least 10 substantive articles in Year 1 (approximately 1 per month on average), with a balance across our core themes (climate law, nuclear policy, climate justice case studies, etc.). All articles should meet our standard for citation and peer review. We will track engagement metrics per article, such as average time on page and social shares, as a proxy for quality/interest. Target: Each major article gets at least 500 unique views and 50+ social media shares within the first month of publication.

• Readership and Audience Growth: Build a dedicated audience for the Journal and SEA’s message. Metric: Achieve 5,000 monthly unique visitors to the Earthrise Accord website by the end of Year 1, with an upward trend each quarter (e.g., starting from ~1,000/month at launch to >5,000/month by year’s end). In parallel, grow an email subscriber list to at least 1,000 subscribers who sign up for updates/journal newsletters. We will also gauge international reach (readers from at least 10 different countries) and track repeat visitors as a sign of a loyal following.

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• Donor Engagement and Fundraising Milestones:Meet our fundraising targets and lay groundwork for future funding. Metric: Secure 100% of the €265K budget through donations or pledges by mid-year (Q2), thereby enabling full project implementation. Additionally, by Q4, obtain commitments for at least 50% of Year 2 funding (either through pledges from existing donors to renew support, or new donors brought on board). Another goal is to diversify our funding: by year’s end, no single donor should account for more than ~50% of total funding (ensuring we have a healthy mix). We will also track donor engagement activities – e.g., number of donor update meetings/calls held (target: at least 1 touchpoint per major donor per quarter) – as a measure of relationship building. A soft metric is donor satisfaction/feedback, assessed through informal check-ins or a brief survey, to ensure our communication is meeting their expectations.

• Partnerships and Influence:Begin to influence the broader conversation on climate and energy. Metric: Form at least two strategic partnerships or affiliations in Year 1. For example, an academic partnership (perhaps an MoU with a university center to collaborate on research or host an event), or an NGO alliance (joining a climate justice coalition or nuclear advocacy network to amplify our reach). We will also measure citations and references to SEA’s work: the goal is for our Journal content to be cited or referenced by reputable sources at least 5 times in the first year (e.g., quoted in a news article, referenced in a policy paper, or shared by experts on social media with commentary). Each such instance indicates growing influence. We also aim for speaking opportunities: at least one invitation for Dr. Anders or a team member to speak at a conference, panel, or university event as a result of SEA’s rising profile.

• Media and Public Discourse Impact:Through Fenton’s help and our own outreach, secure a presence in media conversations. Metric: Place 1–2 op-eds or expert commentary pieces by SEA leadership in prominent media outlets (e.g., an op-ed in a national newspaper or a piece on a high-traffic online magazine) during Year 1. Also, achieve a steady increase in media mentions: by year’s end, aim for 10+ media mentions (including interviews, quotes, or references to our research in journalism). This will be tracked via a media monitoring log. The ultimate outcome we seek is that terms like “nuclear realism” and our stance on climate accountability start entering mainstream discussion, with SEA recognized as a thought leader.

• Programmatic Milestones:Lay the groundwork for legal and advocacy initiatives beyond the Journal. Metric: Complete at least one flagship research product outside of the regular articles – for instance, a white paper or legal brief on “Prosecuting Fossil Fuel Ecocide” based on our strategic litigation goal. If such a report is produced, success would be measured by its reception (e.g., delivered to key stakeholders, discussed in a webinar, or used by partner organizations in their work). While Year 1 is primarily about the Journal, this metric ensures we advance other core programs (like the Climate Justice legal initiative) in tandem.

• Organizational Capacity:Ensure the foundation of a strong organization for subsequent years. Metric: By year’s end, have in place key operational systems: a functional board convening at least twice a year, audited or accountant-verified financial statements for Year 1, and a Year 2 action plan drafted. Staff/volunteer growth can be a metric if needed – e.g., recruiting at least one part-time research assistant or volunteer by year’s end to increase capacity. Essentially, SEA should transition from a startup mode to a stable entity with routines and plans for scaling up.

Each of these metrics will be reviewed regularly (monthly internally, and at board meetings quarterly). Where we are falling short, we will adapt strategies – for example, if web traffic is low, increase content promotion; if fundraising lags, schedule more donor meetings or adjust our pitch. By tracking these KPIs, SEA will remain outcome-focused and accountable. At the one-year mark, we will compile a comprehensive Annual Report for stakeholders documenting our performance against these goals (e.g., how many articles published, how many readers reached, funds raised, etc.), using these metrics as the benchmark. Meeting or exceeding these targets will position SEA strongly for its second year – proving our concept and paving the way to expand our impact in championing nuclear realism and climate justice on the world stage.

Metrics of Success (Year 1 Goals) Continued

• Donor Engagement and Fundraising Milestones:Meet our fundraising targets and lay groundwork for future funding. Metric: Secure 100% of the €265K budget through donations or pledges by mid-year (Q2), thereby enabling full project implementation. Additionally, by Q4, obtain commitments for at least 50% of Year 2 funding (either through pledges from existing donors to renew support, or new donors brought on board). Another goal is to diversify our funding: by year’s end, no single donor should account for more than ~50% of total funding (ensuring we have a healthy mix). We will also track donor engagement activities—e.g., number of donor update meetings/calls held (target: at least 1 touchpoint per major donor per quarter)—as a measure of relationship building. A soft metric is donor satisfaction/feedback, assessed through informal check-ins or a brief survey, to ensure our communication is meeting their expectations.

• Partnerships and Influence:Begin to influence the broader conversation on climate and energy. Metric: Form at least two strategic partnerships or affiliations in Year 1. For example, an academic partnership (perhaps an MoU with a university center to collaborate on research or host an event), or an NGO alliance (joining a climate justice coalition or nuclear advocacy network to amplify our reach). We will also measure citations and references to SEA’s work: the goal is for our Journal content to be cited or referenced by reputable sources at least 5 times in the first year (e.g., quoted in a news article, referenced in a policy paper, or shared by experts on social media with commentary). Each such instance indicates growing influence. We also aim for speaking opportunities: at least one invitation for Dr. Anders or a team member to speak at a conference, panel, or university event as a result of SEA’s rising profile.

• Media and Public Discourse Impact:Through Fenton’s help and our own outreach, secure a presence in media conversations. Metric: Place 1–2 op-eds or expert commentary pieces by SEA leadership in prominent media outlets (e.g., an op-ed in a national newspaper or a piece on a high-traffic online magazine) during Year 1. Also, achieve a steady increase in media mentions: by year’s end, aim for 10+ media mentions (including interviews, quotes, or references to our research in journalism). This will be tracked via a media monitoring log. The ultimate outcome we seek is that terms like “nuclear realism” and our stance on climate accountability start entering mainstream discussion, with SEA recognized as a thought leader.

• Programmatic Milestones:Lay the groundwork for legal and advocacy initiatives beyond the Journal. Metric: Complete at least one flagship research product outside of the regular articles—for instance, a white paper or legal brief on “Prosecuting Fossil Fuel Ecocide” based on our strategic litigation goal. If such a report is produced, success would be measured by its reception (e.g., delivered to key stakeholders, discussed in a webinar, or used by partner organizations in their work). While Year 1 is primarily about the Journal, this metric ensures we advance other core programs (like the Climate Justice legal initiative) in tandem.

• Organizational Capacity:Ensure the foundation of a strong organization for subsequent years. Metric: By year’s end, have in place key operational systems: a functional board convening at least twice a year, audited or accountant-verified financial statements for Year 1, and a Year 2 action plan drafted. Staff/volunteer growth can be a metric if needed—e.g., recruiting at least one part-time research assistant or volunteer by year’s end to increase capacity. Essentially, SEA should transition from a startup mode to a stable entity with routines and plans for scaling up.

Each of these metrics will be reviewed regularly (monthly internally, and at board meetings quarterly). Where we are falling short, we will adapt strategies—for example, if web traffic is low, increase content promotion; if fundraising lags, schedule more donor meetings or adjust our pitch. By tracking these KPIs, SEA will remain outcome-focused and accountable. At the one-year mark, we will compile a comprehensive Annual Report for stakeholders documenting our performance against these goals (e.g., how many articles published, how many readers reached, funds raised, etc.), using these metrics as the benchmark. Meeting or exceeding these targets will position SEA strongly for its second year—proving our concept and paving the way to expand our impact in championing nuclear realism and climate justice on the world stage.

Sources:

1. Earthrise Accord – Mission and Vision Statements

2. Earthrise Accord – Earthrise Journal Mission Statement

3. Earthrise Accord – Bill Anders Legacy and Founding

4. Earthrise Accord – Fossil Fuel Disinformation vs. Nuclear Truth

5. Earthrise Accord – Marco Visscher on Reframing Nuclear Fear

6. Anders, Eric (2025). “Abundance or Austerity: Nuclear Energy, Political Dysfunction, and the U.S. Climate Crossroads.” Earthrise Accord Blog

7. Earthrise Accord – https://www.earthriseaccord.org/

8. Legal Feasibility Study: Prosecuting Fossil Fuel Extraction as International Crimes – https://www.earthriseaccord.org/post/legal-feasibility-study-prosecuting-fossil-fuel-extraction-as-international-crimes

9. Abundance or Austerity: Nuclear Energy, Political Dysfunction, and the U.S. Climate Crossroads – https://www.earthriseaccord.org/post/abundance-or-austerity-nuclear-energy-political-dysfunction-and-the-u-s-climate-crossroads

10. Earthrise Journal of Nuclear Realism and Climate Justice – https://www.earthriseaccord.org/post/earthrise-journal-of-nuclear-realism-and-climate-justice

11. Nuclear Realism: Reframing the Energy Debate in an Age of Climate Crisis – https://www.earthriseaccord.org/post/nuclear-realism-reframing-the-energy-debate-in-an-age-of-climate-crisis