If there was ever a time for an up-swell of action heroes, this is the time, and climate is the issue!
We at Ruckus have spent the year throwing our time, energy, hearts and resources into actions and trainings that develop the capacity of directly impacted communities in the U.S. and Canada. We are helping organizers prepare to have a strategic impact at Copenhagen that advances our climate agenda for drastic international measures that include the U.S. We also recognize that the path towards Copenhagen provides us with an excellent opportunity to build action capacity for the long-haul here at home.
At the center of that work has been our fiscal sponsorship and support of the Mobilization for Climate Justice, which we've been helping plan for the past year. On August 15th, we worked with dozens of organizers and organizations to support the Richmond community in a mass action against the Chevron refinery. Chevron is a shining example of an international climate criminal with a front line in our front yard.
And now, the next step is the West Coast Climate Convergence, Sept 18-21, in Richmond, CA. While this will be an open convergence for organizers passionate about ending our climate catastrophe mentality, we are heavily prioritizing the local Richmond community. The convergence will cover climate justice in Richmond and beyond, including:
helping participants to see how Copenhagen impacts our work here in Richmond and for other local community organizers
false solutions vs. real solutions
lies the media tells you
talking points that advance a sustainability story
on-site permaculture
...and of course, direct action skills!
What we in the Mobilization for Climate Justice recognize is that the only hope we have for truly solving our climate crisis is if we all learn to live our own lives more sustainably, AND take actions to demand and support systemic change. Neither is sufficient on its own - climate justice will only be possible through individual responsibility AND systemic overhaul.
