May 2020
Greetings!

We Elders are hopeful folks, but how do we maintain and nurture our hopes while sheltering in place during a pandemic? We've got our sleeves rolled up, but what can we do? As Elders, we can draw on the resilience we've built up over a lifetime and turn our fear, frustration and anger into meaningful action. Hope doesn't come out of nowhere; it is built, brick by brick by our conscious and concerted effort. Check out our newsletter and join us, take action now, for our grandchildren and future generations.

The ECA Communications Team
COMING SOON!
Giving Tuesday Now
is Tomorrow, May 5th

Giving Tuesday Now on May 5 offers us all a moment to shake off feelings of isolation and powerlessness. Giving Tuesday is a global day of unity, a day to empower those working to transform the world.

Will you support ECA with a gift and help ensure we can continue to build a movement of elders who are taking action on the climate emergency? Donate Now
Get INSPIRED
Earth Day Live was Truly Amazing! 
For many months youth activists have been planning three days of Earth Day Activities in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. The plan originally included three days of marches, rallies and protests with the potential for millions of people in the streets all over the US (and beyond). As the event drew closer, so did the reality of the COVID 19 pandemic and all the planning for the physical strikes became obsolete. This did not deter the Future Coalition, an organization of youth climate activists, rather, they quickly pivoted, asking for input from all coalition partners and within weeks, Earth Day Live , a 3 day live streaming event, was born.  

From the start the coalition committed to promoting Indigenous leadership and being inclusive of every part of our society in the process and programming. From panel discussions, to musical performances, inspirational presentations, meditation, and yoga, hundreds of speakers took to the virtual stage and streamed in OVER FOUR MILLION HOMES during the three day event. The inspiring format included three streaming channels (national, local, and special theme) and a specific focus for the day including a day focused on mobilizing the people, a day focused on stopping the money pipeline to the fossil fuel industry, and a day of political action
A quick highlight: Earth Guardians organizers, Sierra Robinson, Maya Lazzaro and Marlow Bains performs the spoken word poetry piece “Por La Tierra” for Earth Day Live.
and voter engagement.  The Youth Climate Movement created something in 4 weeks that no adult group would have even dared to attempt. I am humbled and in awe of these youth activists and proud to know them and for ECA to be in partnership with them. We are the elders trying to save the planet for the next generations, let us take a lesson from them about persistence, cooperation and tireless work. I know that with youth climate activists taking action that there is hope for the planet. They give me hope!

If you missed Earth Day Live catch up on what you missed at Future Coalition on Youtube
Hoosier Environmental Council, Features ECA Heartland Chapter Leader, Jeff Haverly in their Supporter Spotlight.

Here's an excerpt of what they said:
"Living here in Indiana,  becoming a part of the Hoosier Environmental Council  was the first imperative , and like so many of our supporters, Jeff is an advocate too. He founded the local chapter of Elders Climate Action as a chance to help lift up the great climate action work being done by HEC and other organizations. “We are all after the same goals: a sustainable planet and a safer, healthier climate.  Partnering with HEC has been critically important to help us be more effective.  We join in on HEC initiatives and HEC members may join on ours. Participation in Greening the Statehouse was an excellent learning and networking experience and  following HEC's legislation tracking has been especially helpful to our members  joining in on positively affecting legislation outcomes.”
Jeff’s Earth Month message to the HEC community? “Despite all challenges, 2020 is our year! The fact that this year is the 50th Earth Day, this critical election year, and the spark from the Youth Climate Strike (and Greta); We have to work now to continue gaining momentum toward accomplishing our goals!” Well said, Jeff!"
Tell us what you have been doing for climate action. Send a 150 word (max) summary of what you've been doing and we'll share it in a future newsletter. Send to info@eldersclimateaction.org
Get INFORMED
Do You Wonder, What Can I Do?

Now that climate change is a "popular" issue, those of us who've been focused on this for years are often asked, "What can I do?". To move forward, we need to recognize it's not just about individual action but about the power of collective action. Whatever you can do, using the time and talent that you have, now is the time to do it. As the author reminds us, "The world is not falling apart in front of our eyes, so much as it's falling into our hands."

Read the Article - We Can't Tackle Climate Change Without You   It's time to make a commitment to do more for the climate. Do what you're good at, and do your best.  by Mary  Annaïse Heglar,  Wired, Apr 1, 2020

Elders Climate Action is proud to be a partner of the Stop the Money Pipeline (STMP), a coalition of more than 91 organizations. STMP is demanding that banks, asset managers, insurance companies and institutional investors stop funding, insuring and investing in climate destruction. If we stop the flow of money, we can stop the flow of oil. Together we are holding the financial backers of climate chaos accountable.

If you missed the April National Call with Emily Southard from STMP catch up now.
Did you know shopping at AmazonSmile can help support ECA?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop,  at no cost to you . When you shop at  smile.amazon.com , you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice, and we hope you will choose  Elders Action Network; your gift to EAN will directly support Elders Climate Action.
Get ENGAGED
Find more ways to take action in our Take Action with ECA Section of our website. Learn more about Upcoming Events Here .
We're In this Together - Actions you can take in times of Shelter in Place
For Earth Day we created a number of new letters, call scripts, actions and more to help our members take action from home. We encourage you to continue to use these resources during these times of Shelter in Place. We must continue to take action on the climate emergency! See our website for our Shelter in Place Action Ideas.
ECA National Call
4th Tuesday of Each Month

Tuesday, May 26 7 PM (ET) | 4 PM (PT)

Dr. Frances Stewart will join us to discuss the Health Impact of the Climate Crisis 
Join the Community Conversation

Fridays  3 PM (ET) | 12 Noon (PT)

We hope you’ll join us for informal small group conversations where we can share ideas and stories of ways to keep up our work as elder climate activists.

Join Zoom Meeting by Computer
Join Us for
Climate Tea & Talk

Join us for monthly casual talk with other Elders about the climate issues, solutions and strategies that matter most to you.

Second Tuesday of Each Month
6:00 PM (ET) | 3:00 PM (PT)
Join Us for an ECA 101 for New Members Call

Join our monthly call to learn more about the mission, vision and action opportunities at Elders Climate Action.

Fourth Wednesday of Each Month
5:00 PM (ET) | 2:00 PM (PT)
Get your ECA Green Action T-shirt and show your support for climate action.

See our Bonfire online store for additional designs