Friday, October 22, 2010

Want to Change the World? Vote.

Seriously.

This year's midterm election has been hard to ignore, which is a good thing since some major initiatives as well as several terrifying candidates have made their way onto the ballot.

So, you're voting, right?

Good.

Before making your way to the ballot box, do a little bit of research about the candidates and the initiative measures, amendments, or propositions whose fate resides in your hands.

In addition to state and county voting guides, nonprofit organizations like the Sierra Club also distribute regional voting guides. If you're lucky enough to have a local newspaper you trust, like The Stranger in Seattle, consult them too.

There are close races all over the country this year, and many will decide policy for years to come. On Tuesday, November 2nd, make sure you, your family, your real friends, your Facebook friends, and even your acquaintances VOTE. Please.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

10.10.10 - Just the Beginning

This past Sunday, 7,347 work parties were organized in 188 countries. The goal of each event was to do something tangible about climate change in our communities. As I wrote last week, the events were organized by 350.org. The number and success of these events is clear evidence that there is concern all over the globe about climate change, and commitment to do something about it.



Obviously, these many events are just the beginning of a grassroots global movement, and you can join the effort by visiting the 350.org website for actions you can take in your local community and beyond to address climate change. 

 
350.org Beach Cleanup on Lummi Island

It is also crucial that you vote for leaders who will enact legislation to combat climate change. Be sure to register and vote in the upcoming midterm election on November 2nd. You can check out the environmental voting records of your senators and representatives at the website for the League of Conservation Voters.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Join the Party on 10.10.10!

What are you doing this weekend? No matter where you are in the world, you have the opportunity to do something about climate change this Sunday.

350.org, an organization founded by Bill McKibben and some very inspiring twentysomethings, including Ten Ways world-changer May Boeve, have organized a global work party to encourage people to join or create an action that "will help deal with global warming in your city or community."

The event is a follow-up to last year's 350.org International Day of Climate Action, which was successful in raising awareness about the pressing need to address climate change with tangible actions from community members and political leaders.

 A woman in Babylon, Iraq calls for action at one of the over 5200 Day of Action events.
Photo courtesy of 350.org.

As of this writing, 6846 events are registered in 188 countries. Global work parties range from trash cleanups to solar installations, and there are many ideas for organizing or joining a party on the 350.org website. I'll be at this event on Lummi Island. Join me or find an event near you.

Register or create your own event right now, and remember that the work party is just the beginning. Send pictures, let us know which events you attended, and tell us how you plan to keep the momentum going!