Advocacy + Activism
Graham's advocacy work spans climate policy, civic organizing, and community leadership. Across each of these roles, the throughline is the same: building the infrastructure that turns passionate people into effective agents of change.
"I'm an imperfect advocate — I've struggled with the fact that travel increases my own carbon footprint. But through my role in climbing I lead crucial work, I can show what's actually happening, and I can speak for those who don't have a voice or a vote."
→ Read more: Optimism and the Climate
Protect Our Winters
Graham serves as Sr. Director of Athlete Alliances at Protect Our Winters (POW), the leading nonprofit mobilizing the outdoor sports community on climate policy. He leads the organization's full athlete alliance program — organizing and supporting more than 150 elite athletes across disciplines to be informed, effective advocates on climate legislation at the state and federal level.
POW's athlete advocates have testified before Congress, met directly with lawmakers, and driven measurable policy wins. Graham's role is equal parts organizer, strategist, and coalition builder: developing the infrastructure that turns passionate outdoor athletes into credible policy voices.
Dirtroad Organizing
Graham is the founding board chair of Dirtroad Organizing, a 501(c)(4) organization dedicated to coaching and supporting candidates running for office in rural districts across the United States. Dirtroad operates from the belief that rural communities deserve strong, values-aligned representation — and that the outdoor and conservation communities have a role to play in building it.
American Alpine Club
Graham served two terms on the board of the American Alpine Club, including a term as President. During his tenure he led the hiring process for a new Executive Director, helped develop and implement a strategic plan, rewrote the organization's bylaws, and worked to realign board governance. He now serves as a past president, remaining connected to an organization that represents climbers and advocates for access, conservation, and the climbing community globally.
The Mountaineers
Graham currently serves on the Board of Trustees for The Mountaineers, one of the oldest and most respected outdoor organizations in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 1906, The Mountaineers works to enrich communities through exploration, conservation, education, and stewardship of the lands and waters of the region.