Sunday: Create peace, climate awareness

Hatred never ceases through hatred
in this world;
through love alone they cease.
This is an eternal Law.
Dhammapada -Verse 5.

Sunday September 21 is a Day for Action–it’s the International Day of Peace AND the People’s  Climate March — a day for YOU to take action to make this world a better place for all of us to live in.

“a weekend to bend the course of history”

Over 100,000 people are expected in New York City to participate in the March on Climate in advance of the UN’s Climate Summit.  More than 500 buses of protesters are heading to New York where 29 marching bands will provide the soundtrack along 26 city blocks being cordoned off for the march’s line-up.

Other communities are also hosting their own version’s of the People’s Climate March.  More than 2,000 People’s Climate events are taking place in over 160 countries around the world—from Hong Kong to Buenos Aires to San Francisco. Is one near you? Check here to see and get involved.  Scroll down for info about what’s going on in Ventura. You can also get involved by helping spread the word about the biggest climate action in history by making your own “Walk the Walk” video. Click here to make your own video or share your favorite. Tune in to this livestream on Sunday morning to draw energy and inspiration from the People’s Climate March in New York City.

Working with labor unions and corporations such as Dell, Ikea, Hewlett-Packard, News Corp, and Bloomberg, The Climate Group, the nonprofit behind the march, promotes what it calls a “clean revolution.” More than 1,400 environmental and community groups are supporting the demonstration.

But isn’t there some arguments about the reality of climate change or global warming? Yes, there is. Pundits on TV with little or no scientific education or classes since college 20 or 30 years ago argue “both” sides. They insist that scientists don’t know for sure if, when or how. We think we should always hear both sides of an argument before making a decision. But in this case,

almost 100% of international climate scientists who have been researching this issue say that anthropogenic climate change is a reality.

While scientists have been wrong, this is NOT the same as Christopher Columbus. This is a case where the public is being manipulated –just like we were manipulated to think that cigarette smoke was NOT bad but good for us. Just like the PR folks are trying to convince us that there is nothing wrong with GMOs…and convince us that we need to be at war.

Learn more about how the PR firms use the same tactics as they used with cigarettes to convince us about climate change:

At various times, marchers will also be singing this song (lyrics and longer version below)

If you are concerned about climate change, please participate. Remember to wear a hat and sunscreen and to bring water and a light jacket (it should be warm). For the Overpass Light Brigade, bring lights. Make signs using lights with a message about climate, activism, or a peace sign.

In Ventura, come for breakfast at 8am to Ventura City Corps on Poli at California Street to watch the 8:30 AM Live Telecast of NYC People’s Climate March followed by  a 10:00 AM Rally at Ventura City Hall. We will then march (or walk our bikes or push our strollers or ride our skateboards or walk on our hands as we descend down California Street to the Ventura Pier. At 1:00 PM, we will march Back to Ventura City Corps for a free 2pm showing of the film “Disruption.” This will lead to discussions, teach-ins, climate workshops, and kids activities.  At 5:00, there will be an Open Mic, and people are encouraged to bring guitars, songs, poems, and spoken word pieces related to Climate Action and environmental issues.  At 7:00pm, please join us as we march once again down California Street to the 101 overpass for the Overpass Light Brigade.

Discussions will include:

• What do you love? What is worth saving?
• What do you stand to lose — or, maybe, have already lost — to climate change?
• Which issues are most relevant to you and your community?
  
• What are some of the barriers you have felt to organizing locally around these issues?
• What are some examples of efforts made towards a renewable energy future in our community?
• What are existing organizations, allies and campaigns near you?
• What direct steps can you take? What skills and connections already exist in your group? What sort of support do you need? Where can you find i
• and more… bring your discussion questions!

On Sunday, organizations and activities that you can learn more about and participate with include:

• Ventura350 — could use help with admin, email lists, tabling
• Citizens Climate Lobby- – needs letter writers and speakers and admin support for both
• Yes on Measure P  — needs phone bankers and people walking neighborhoods until Nov
• CFROG – needs fundraising, researchers and showing up at hearings
• VCCool  – needs fundraising and someone to recruit help for Bike Rodeo and other outreach events
• Restore – gardeners to install and maintain community gardens
• Arts for Earth  – needs participation in envisioned Saturday am meetups at Color Garden on Poli St
• Ventura Time Bank – sign up, build community through offering and asking for services.
• Food Coops –
• and more…

And of course we need to do this peacefully and we need to take action to support a peaceful planet. To that end, the International Day of Peace is ALSO on Sunday and there are events around the globe; find out where here.