Climate chaos and worsening income disparities (both local and global) make it more important than ever to forge respectful alliances between academics and front line community activists --the majority of whom are women. Information-sharing of many varieties, and mobilizing this knowledge for local grass-roots action as well as policy formation (and removing perverse policies!), should happen hand-in-hand. This issue of Women and Environments International magazine explores promising ways to facilitate such communication –the processes, challenges, and how to overcome barriers.