Southeast Climate Convergence

{ July 17, 2008 @ 11:03 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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Southeast Convergence for Climate Action
August 5-11 Louisa County, VA

The past year has no doubt seen a tipping point in attitudes towards
climate change in the US. All of the presidential candidates are talking
about it, banks are touting their “Carbon Principles”, college campuses
are claiming to be carbon neutral. And yet the climate crisis escalates.
They promise us alternative fuels and instead we get bread lines and food
riots around the world. They promise us clean energy and give us “clean”
coal and nuclear waste instead. They call for regulations on greenhouse
gases, then fight tooth and nail against even the weakest, most inadequate
climate legislation that is proposed. They tell us the markets will take
care of it, and then try to privatize the very air we breathe. It has
become abundantly clear that the governments and corporations of the world
will not solve the climate crisis, they are after all, part of the
problem. Instead it is up to us to build a powerful grassroots movement to
create the world we want. Fortunately, this movement is growing.

This summer, join people of all ages and backgrounds from throughout the
southeast and beyond for the second annual Southeast Convergence for
Climate Action. After the resounding success of last year’s convergence we
are excited to continue the struggle for climate justice in the southeast
with an engaging week of workshops, strategizing, and direct action! This
year’s convergence will be hosted in Virginia where communities are
fighting uranium mining, nuclear power, mountaintop removal coal mining,
and new (as well as old) coal plants. Once again we will unite to fight
the coal industry’s stranglehold on our region while rejecting the deadly
nuke industry’s attempt to position themselves as the solution to the
climate crisis.

The convergence is a place to strengthen our movement, network with new
allies, and take action against dirty energy while working to build a
sustainable world. Workshops will include: community organizing, direct
action 101, debunking false solutions to climate change, blockades,
sustainable living systems, media, disaster response, fighting nukes and
coal, and much more. The convergence will culminate in an empowering
action to show that the southeast is serious about tackling climate
change.
For more information check out: www.climateconvergence.org
Email: risingtide@mountainrebel.net

Harrisonburg, Virginia…..home, sweet home

{ July 17, 2008 @ 10:08 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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It’s been a minute since I blogged last and I have lots to catch up on.  Keep posted for updates on the Southeast Climate Convergence coming up August 5-11th in Louisa County, VA.  And also on the recent Dominion civil disobedience action, in which myself and eleven others from Mountain Justice and Blue Ridge Earth First! were arrested for blocking the road into Dominion’s headquarters in Richmond.  Our action was in response to the permit granted the week prior which puts them one step closer to building the monstrocity of a climate killer.   More on these stories later…….

I’ve been in Harrisonburg now for about a month and a half and I’m settling in nicely.  My organizing work has increased, especially since being hired with SEAC (the Student Environmental Action Coalition). I am the National Council Coordinator, and I’m looking forward to my job very much!  The gardens are producing lots of greens and squashes and the tomatoes are ripening as we speak!  There is an amazing group of folks here in town who have started the Harrisonburg Permaculture Urban Guild and we’re learning and sharing together our experiences with growing food and building more sustainable systems in our communities.  I’m looking forward to lots of potlucks and work parties in the coming months.  James Madison University is also in town, and there is sooo much student energy there dedicated to organizing and raising a ruckus for collective liberation.  The E.A.R.T.H Club is rockin’ and Students for a Democratic Society also have a chapter.  Blue Ridge Earth First! is in town, pushing the radical analysis and standing on the frontlines of the environmental justice movement, while a new Women’s Health Collective is taking root.  The Little Grill is a local worker-owned collective dedicated to running a democratic restaurant and Westover Park is just asking for a soccer or ultimate frisbee game!  Oh, I’ve found a little slice of heaven!  I have so much to be thankful for here in Harrisonburg, nestled between the Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest.  It’s a great town with tons of potential yet to be seen.  Keep checking back, as I hope to write a blog on each one of these

Mountain Justice Jams Down at the Bank

{ May 13, 2008 @ 4:32 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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Over the weekend, climate activists across the country continued to stand up to Bank of America and their dirty investments in coal.  Actions in Clemson and Greenville, SC, and Harrisonburg, VA kept the pressure on the largest financier of coal projects and mountain top removal mining.  Activists brought the spirit of the Appalachians into the banks, wielding banjos and boom boxes, playing traditional old time and bluegrass music, as they flyered customers and tellers alike.  These actions were not aimed at Bank of America employees, but rather the corporate Board of Directors and CEO, Ken Lewis.  The weekends activities were part of a larger, ongoing campaign and previous bank actions have brought Bank of America’s dirty investments to light.  Global Warming Crime Scene 
While the risk of climate change is quickly becoming a reality, Bank of America’s investments in mountain top removal mining and new coal projects are only fueling the destruction.  By loaning money to Arch, Peabody and Massey Coal, Bank of America is funding the devastation of communities and drinking water supplies in Appalachian states.  Shifting investments away from dirty fossil fuel energy and towards cleaner, more just forms of energy production like solar and wind is a step in the right direction, and what we invest in today, we will all have to pay for in the future, but mostly our children and grandchildren.  

 

Greenwash of the Week c/o Rainforest Action Network

{ February 27, 2008 @ 3:00 am } · { Uncategorized }
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Greenwashing is quickly becoming a buzzword used to identify corporate marketing ploys to make them appear to be “friendly to the environment”.  A commercial here, a website there, usually literally the color green with leaves and flowers, images of things sprouting and growing, creating the illusion of a company with the environment and society’s best interest in mind.  Don’t be fooled, world.  They are still trying to build coal plants, nuke plants, and destroying rainforests.  The “green friendly” initiatives they tout are almost always offset by whatever practice they are continuing to do in the meantime.  (Ex.  Santee Cooper building one coal plant would completely offset their efforts for energy efficiency, conservation and renewables…….Virgin Airlines cutting down the rainforests to plant palms for oil makes the fact that they use 5% biofuel a moot point)  
 
Never stop asking the hard questions.  Dig deeper and find out what these corporations are up to, pressure them and take action to let them know their million dollar greenwash efforts will never be worth anything unless they put it into practice and STOP THEIR DIRTY ENERGY PRACTICES.  Wouldn’t that money be better spent, actually implementing what they are advocating?
 
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit.

Highlander Transitions: Young Adult Leaders

{ February 18, 2008 @ 12:04 am } · { Uncategorized }
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Just left Highlander Research and Education Center this morning. Myself and 30 other grassroots community organizers met for the weekend to discuss what it means to be a youth in this movement and how we transition into/out of leadership roles. It was unlike any retreat weekend I’ve been to. The spirit in the place was evident as I found myself with shivers up my spine more than a few times. Historically, Highlander is where folks struggling for justice and equality have come to share their stories, make connections and strategize new paths forward. It opened in 1932 and has seen labor, civil rights, women’s, strip mining, and environmental movements, providing a space for those who typically wouldn’t be in the same room together to come together and figure out a better way. The weekend was largely small and large group discussions/go-arounds with lots of songs inbetween to keep spirits up :) In the evenings we relaxed and even had a kick-ass dance party on Saturday night! As someone who doesn’t work officially for any non-profit, it was interesting to hear about the internal relations in these groups. It was also refreshing to have an extremely diverse group, in color, gender, and issue. Folks came from all over the Southeast, working in their communities on immigrants rights, LGBT rights, anti-prison work, youth groups, anti-mountaintop removal issues and others. I realized how little I really know about a lot of these issues. Interestingly enough though, our discussions often led us to the same place, recognizing how similar we are in terms of how we personally deal with the work (and sometimes stress) of organizing. A lot on emphasis was placed on personal sustainability. Taking time out each day, week, or month to give your mind and body a rest. Not taking on too much so you burn out and are completely ineffective. Making time to hang out with our partners, friends, and families; going to see music, dancing, painting a picture, napping, etc. We also discussed the “non-profit industrial complex” and if it’s organizational structure was compatible with our goals. How to develop leaders to carry the torch on…. When to know when it’s time to move on…. How to hold each other and our groups accountable…. Lots of great bonds were formed and I’m sure we will stay in touch as much as we can to be the network of support we all need to keep going. I actually ran into one of the guys a little later on in this coffee shop in Knoxville! Tiniest world ever! I’m thankful that Highlander has persevered throughout the years and I appreciate the opportunity to be there this weekend. Through thick and thin, the passion and determination of the folks working for justice has remained. As one of the founders Myles Horton said, “You can put a padlock on a building, but you can’t put a padlock on an idea.”

Why do we kill each other?

{ February 15, 2008 @ 3:51 am } · { Uncategorized }
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So, after I finished my radio show this afternoon, we were sitting in the station, chillin’ when our media advisor, Patrick, comes in to tell us that someone had opened fire at a school in Northern Illinois.  Folks were shocked, instantly began searching online for articles, but found none.  After a few moments, everyone was back to their previous conversations.  I quietly sat on the couch, my eyes welling up, only to let a few drops fall onto my shirt.  Had four or five people not been in the room, I may have just broken down right there.  After I calmed down, I firmly asked everyone, ” So what are we going to do about this?”  Nothing. Blank stares.  I left with my friend Mike to go to Super Taco and on the way, I asked again, what are we going to do about the fact that this is becoming a trend in Amerika.  His thoughts were the guy was mentally disturbed.  Hmmm.  Later I asked another friend, and they said it’s up to parents to beat their kids harder.  Hmmmmm.  I’d like to get a woman’s point of view.  Lucky I am one.  To me, it screams of a larger systemic problem which pervades our society.  Folks are marginalized.  Ignored.  Then they act out in ways that are violent, killing others.  This not a problem for mental hospitals, therapists, or parents necessarily, although they all play an equal role.  This is a societal problem which needs to be addressed….and soon.  We cannot allow our communities to be eroded by senseless acts of violence.  I no longer feel like space is a boundary.  Just because I physically do not live in a city, doesn’t mean that I am not affected by what happens there.  I am emotionally devastated by what happened today.  Sitting in my kitchen, I admit it, I cried for a spell.  Made me feel better.  Now I”m blogging about it and pondering next steps to take in order to make it so this doesn’t happen anymore.  Who knows if I can stop it.  Or if anyone can stop it.  Are we always going to kill each other? Is this a necessary part of human existence?  Can we evolve/devolve to a framework in which things don’t reach this point?  I am feeling huge pains now in my heart for the people who live in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, Columbine, everywhere where this nonsense happens.  At the end of the article, it says this is the fourth shooting in US schools this week?!!  How have we reached this point?  Seriously.  We must work to diffuse these situations, provide channels and opportunities for young people to feel empowered, and feel like a part of something.  Something real.  Real love.  On this Valentine’s Day, I’m jaded by the idea of love that I see on TV or commercials.  Real love isn’t something which can be bought.  Real love is the thing that prevents what happened today from happening.  Beating your kids harder isn’t going to solve anything.  This Valentine’s Day, if you want to give your partner the gift of true love, start by looking inwards and loving yourself unconditionally.  And then begin to see how love is at play in your relationships with those besides your partner.  I assure you this will have a positive effect on how you and your partner get along.  Not to mention the positive effect it will have on society.  

justice

{ February 14, 2008 @ 5:37 am } · { Uncategorized }
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what the heck is justice?  A quick scan of some online definitions brought up words like rightness or fairness in how we treat other people, the administration of law, a judge in a court.  Seems like most of the definitions only exist within some sort of society or legal, governmental framework.  So when we talk about climate justice, what does this mean?  What legal framework does the atmosphere exist within?  I would say none.  It’s everyones.  Yet at this point, no government is taking ownership, responsibility or the lead in addressing the fact that we are quickly approaching some sort of tipping point.  Peak oil?  Global warming anyone?  This winter, er ’swinter’ has been extremely mild, which isn’t to say its definitive proof global warming exists (weather and climate are not the same thing), but rather it is merely an observation.  Ever since I was a small child, the summers have been trending warmer and warmer.  Sometimes I just wanna say fuck it.  Fuck it all.  Fuck the policy. Fuck Congress. Fuck the IPCC.  Fuck the organizing.  Fuck the laptop.  Fuck the business cards.  Fuck the cell phone.  Fuck the cars.  Everything.  I just wanna crawl up into the loving arms of the mountains.  And not come back.  Live simply.  Without a watch, without an alarm clock, without a planner, without a lot of shit.  Wake with the sun.  Work the land.  Plant seeds.  Walk in the woods.  Go swimming.  Cultivate.  Build.  LIVE!  Sometimes I wonder if I’m just putting off the inevitable.  What am I doing here?  What am I waiting for?  Is there something I need to accomplish here before I move on?  What does it mean to put down roots?  Where is the water going to come from?  Who will tend the weeds?  OK, now I’m rambling…..but, this is my fantasy for now.  But it’s not a fantasy.  Folks are doing it all over the world.  Have been for thousands upon thousands of years.  Our infantile culture is totally out of whack.  And so arrogant to think they it can provide the answer through high tech solutions, through solar panels, wind turbines, fucking nuclear reactors and GMOs.  When we say conserve energy and use less, how far do we go?  I tend to go to the extremes sometimes, to the poles, but it’s only because I feel like nothing will actually change if someone, something, some force doesn’t push the limits.  My question to my peers is this: what does your just, sustainable clean future look like?  I mean actually look like?  Close your eyes.  Visualize it.  Study it.  Is what you are doing now taking you to that place?  I hope so.  I hope to God so.  How are we gonna make the change?  The transition?  And what are we going to do when the proverbial shit hits the proverbial fan?  Let’s make sure we come out the other side.  Let’s stop waiting for everyone else to change, and act now.

Southeast Student Renewable Energy Conference

{ February 11, 2008 @ 6:47 am } · { Uncategorized }
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Womin oh womin, what a weekend!  Just got back from the SSREC in Valdosta, GA and though I’m a bit tired, I wanted to convey the highlights of the weekend while they are still fresh.  After reading a few blogs on It’s Getting Hot in Here (www.itsgettinghotinhere.org) I realized there were multiple state and regional summits happening all over the US this past weekend, including Ohio and Texas.  Our movement is growing by leaps and bounds, day by day, building in strength and power! The one thing I took away from the weekend was this:  we are a force to be reckoned with…..here to stay and not going anywhere!  Our voices will only continue to get louder :)  Standing in downtown Valdosta at the steps of city hall, listening to my peers speak about the youth climate movement was truly empowering.  I got shivers up my spine a couple of times.  We have taken over and we are building a just, clean and sustainable future for everyone!  Some parts of the weekend were uncomfortable for some, when dealing with anti-oppression work and discussing race in the Southeast. However, strong emotional responses such as anger and guilt were slowly stripped away as we forged on together galvanizing our group, making us stronger.  We have a lot more work to do, and in those painful and uncomfortable moments, we are opening up the most, growing and learning from each other.  It’s not the easiest but perhaps the most necessary work in forming a cohesive and solid movement.  Most times in the weekend, we had a ball…hanging out in the grass together, hackysack circles, step dancing, and making new friends.  To top off the weekend, we marched downtown and got down and boogied with Here’s to the Long Haul at their CD release party for Holler If You Need Anything (www.myspace.com/herestothelonghaul)  Check ‘em out!  I’m coming away from the weekend feeling inspired and excited to continue working with all the amazing people throughout the Southeast on climate justice.  Our holistic and dynamic movement has sprouted and begun to take root.  We are challenging the mainstream definition of ‘environment’, looking past the traditional environmentalist stereotypes of hugging trees and granola.  By dismantling oppressive economic, political, cultural and social systems, we can finally come together under one blanket and create wonderful, healthy communities.  We are standing on the shoulders of those fighting for justice in the past, and have miles to go before we reach our goal.  But walking with friends on the path to liberation is always more fun with more people!

WSBF FM Clemson

{ February 7, 2008 @ 9:59 pm } · { Uncategorized }
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One of the hats I wear is a DJ at the Clemson radio station, 88.1 FM.  This is the third semester I’ve had a show here, and I also worked at two other stations (one back in college at Furman and then KGNU in Boulder, CO)  I love the radio and the opportunity it allows us to have our voices heard.  It’s also a good way to interact with the community in that people can call in, ask questions, make comments, rant and rave.  Our station focuses mostly on music, specifically local independent artists who otherwise may find it hard to get their music out there.  We have Live Sessions where bands come into the studio, play live music and do interviews.  I’m trying to incorporate more news into my shows, reading headlines and current events.  Our production director is also asking DJs and other student groups on campus to come in and record PSAs and announcements, so our PSAs aren’t just about strokes, heart attacks, and drunk driving.  In other news, the SC legislature denied a bill yesterday which would have defined the word “renewable” to include nuclear.  Thank God.  Seriously, what were they thinking?!  Here’s the link to an article about it http://thestatecom.typepad.com/ygatoday/2008/02/house-nuclear-e.htmlUranium is most definitely mined and a finite resource.  I’m glad they killed the bill.  This leaves plenty of opportunity for solar and wind technology to grow in SC.  My prof, Dr. Walker told me that wind has grown by 45% in the last year alone.  Unsure of the source, but I’ll look into it more. This weekend,  over seventy students from SC are going to Valdosta State in Georgia for the fifth annual Southeast Student Renewable Energy Conference.  We will continue to build the youth climate movement, forming relationships between students and campuses across the Southeast, bringing environmental justice to the forefront of our work.  Global warming is quickly becoming our generations greatest challenge and it can also be our greatest opportunity.  I am super excited about going this weekend, seeing old friends and making new ones too!  The highlight of the weekend will definitely be getting down to Here’s to the Long Haul (a rad bluegrass band from Appalachia) and Dubconscious (a dub/reggae band from Athens, GA)  Fun times just around the bend!  

It’s blog….blog…it’s better than bad it’s good!

{ February 6, 2008 @ 9:44 am } · { Uncategorized }
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Yup.  I decided to get a blog.  Like a journal…..but public.  OK, i can get used to this.  Well, i will be short winded tonight, likely to increase in length as I use this more.  I’ll post random musings, get on my soapboxes, imagine what a better future could look like, talk about things i like and love, you know….. journally stuff.  Life is sweet.  Can’t really complain much at this point.  Got no job…..but I’m doing what I love.  Becoming a yoga teacher, building relationships with folks in my community, working to activate my campus into making clean energy central to their lives….use less electricity…..you know, your friendly neighborhood ‘hippy’  LOL.    I’m also passionately fighting coal in the southeast, to get them to stop building coal plants.  I keep up with news as much as I can, though I should probably read more often and write less.  Hopefully, getting thoughts out on ‘paper’ , this blog rather, will be thereputic in some ways though too.  It will give me a space to analyze articles I read, or something bugging me…..hopefully sparing my best friends of a giant rant.  Though those are totally necessary sometimes too :) Anyhoo, off to sleep.   

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