#3 On the road
with James Taylor and Jackson Browne!
Hello Guacamole Fund Friends!
This week we continue our fantasy tour, “on the road” with Jackson Browne & James Taylor, visiting the non-profits tabling at each show! Close your eyes again, and pretend you’re in the lobby, and you see these dedicated folks waiting to tell you about their important work… (and please note a quick-n-easy special action you can help with, in the last paragraph of this email!)
On August 10th, we’re in Columbia, Maryland, and the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS) is greeting us. NIRS's focus these past two months is to keep huge nuclear reactor subsidy bailouts out of the Infrastructure Bill that is being pushed by Maryland's very own Senator Cardin, et al. We want these funds to go to new jobs that are supported by climate healing, renewable energy, such as wind and solar, not to aging reactors that have spewed out at least 80,000 tons of toxic high level radioactive waste that will be on this earth for thousands and thousands of generations to come.
The next night, August 11th, we travel to Roanoke, Virginia, and visit with Friends of the Blue Ridge.
Since 1988, FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge has been working to protect, promote and enhance the Blue Ridge region with a focus on: conservation initiatives aimed at conserving the natural and cultural integrity of the Blue Ridge region, especially those areas adjacent to or in the vicinity of the Blue Ridge Parkway; preservation and interpretation of historic sites and structures; educational initiatives targeted at the general public and those who visit and enjoy the Blue Ridge region; community involvement aimed at re-investing the public in the wise integration of economic development and environmental protection at the local, state and national levels; collaboration with other public and private entities intended to leverage the resources of FRIENDS for the benefit of the Blue Ridge region; and engagement of the public in volunteerism.
Then, on August 13th, we go to Louisville, Kentucky, and talk with Louisville Climate Action Network. The Louisville Climate Action Network offers customized programs showing ways to reduce Louisville's carbon footprint, and advocates for smarter public policies to reduce carbon pollution and cut costs. Besides individual members, their network currently consists of 46 organizations, businesses, houses of worship, etc. They collaborate for a healthy climate, operating efficiently, on sustainable energy -- equitably distributed and used -- in these ways: action inspiring education through our website, e-newsletter, videos, book club and classes—from free, customized programs to reliable B4UBuy Workshops; strategic advocacy for smarter public policies to reduce carbon pollution and cut costs; as well as civic education. They provide experienced based, energy efficiency services to other area non-profit organizations.
Next on August 14th, we are in Memphis, Tennessee, where the Chickasaw chapter of the Sierra Club will be tabling. This Tennessee chapter has many committees that comment upon regulations and permits pertaining to air and water pollution, transportation, and solid waste. They also host periodic retreats at various state parks, and hosts host monthly programs (currently online) and organizes outings and hikes throughout the area. Currently, we are working to make sure the Tennessee Valley Authority makes the least harmful choice in disposing of coal ash, and organizing people to advocate via this event: www.facebook.com/events/s/local-resistance-part-2-connec/4450258995012019/ --
*** Lastly, we’d like to close out with an easy, effective action that everyone can help with… For decades, we’ve been proud to work with and support the excellent work of the Buffalo Field Campaign (BFC), who advocate for the country’s only continuously wild bison population – the unique and distinct Yellowstone bison herds. Under new Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, there is potential for meaningful and permanent protection for our National Mammal. The bison herd is 5,100 members strong this summer, and BFC is organizing to send 5,100 messages to the Secretary, urging her to grant Endangered Species Act protection for recovering wild American bison herds on federal public lands in Yellowstone and beyond into the Great Plains.
Thank you all for your concert support, which allows the Guacamole Fund to support all of these, and more, great organizations working to build a better world. See you back “on tour” next week!
Peace,
Tom, Paula, Jeffrey, and Diane
