350PDX Weekly Update – Community and care – Sept 9 2021

Whether you are new to activism, or a veteran organizer, so much bad news regarding the climate emergency is overwhelming and disheartening. Along with the cascading multiple traumas of pandemic, racism, fascism, and other ills, we are navigating our hearts, bodies, and minds through… well, A LOT. A justice movement is not just about “doing”. A central question, especially now, is “who shall I be, no matter what happens?”

This gathering is an introduction, an invitation, and an opportunity to share in community our hearts and wisdom as we navigate trauma, grief, anger, and other emotions together so that we may root down and take care of ourselves and each other through the storms. We will share stances and strategies for managing uncertainty in the storms of change.

This 90 minute online event is facilitated by Barbara Ford, teacher, artist, and longtime 350PDX volunteer. More information about Barbara here. 350PDX is re-invigorating the Climate Odyssey team to offer support for these times. Look for more offerings in the future.

Actions

For quick actions like petitions, check out our Take Action Page. See here for our broader Volunteer Opportunities.

• People vs. Fossil Fuels – Action in Washington DC Oct 11-15

  This October, thousands of people will come to DC to demand that President Biden end the fossil fuel era. He must stop approving fossil fuel projects and declare a climate emergency right now, ahead of the United Nations climate summit in November.

  Take action over 5 days to highlight the damage done by fossil fuels, the climate impacts we are already facing, and the need for real solutions rooted in justice. Attend yourself, or pass onto to people you know in the DC area! There is a mass call this afternoon at 4PM where you can learn more about this action – register here

  – Monday, October 11th: Indigenous-led action on Indigenous Peoples Day.
  – Tuesday, October 12: Fossil fuels are driving the climate crisis.
  – Wednesday, October 13: Climate chaos is happening now.
  – Thursday, October 14: We need real solutions, not false promises.
  – Friday, October 15: We did not vote for fossil fuels. Youth-led action.

• Tell Your City to Support All-electric Homes and to Phase Out Gas

  Despite what the fossil fuel industry would have us believe, methane gas has no role in decarbonizing Oregon and Washington’s built environment. Ongoing and expanding gas use is, instead, putting Oregon and Washington’s communities’ health and safety at risk, especially low-income and BIPOC communities. Both public health concerns and climate research support rapid electrification of buildings. Numerous safety concerns and well-researched studies build a strong case for prohibiting expansion of methane gas infrastructure and beginning to prioritize ways to equitably scale back existing gas infrastructure. It is imperative that all levels of government take decisive action to adopt policies to ensure a just transition to a more healthy, equitable, and electric future.

  Use this form to email your local city officials.

Resources

• Read: How Climate Experts Are Finding Hope in Crisis

• Read: Line 3 is cultural genocide at the hands of Enbridge, police and big banks

• Watch: Active Hope Training Course

• Humanity in Perspective: Exploring Social Movements (Oregon Humanities)

  Sharing an opportunity from Oregon Humanities: “Applications are currently open for Humanity in Perspective (HIP), our free class for adults living on low incomes who face barriers to continuing their education – October 4—December 9, 2021. This fall’s course will take place online and explore contemporary and historical social movements through art, history, literature, and philosophy. The priority due date for applications is September 24. All income-eligible Oregonians are welcome to apply. This class will meet online with a few optional in-person meetings. Classes are on Monday and Thursday evenings, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. There are no tuition or fees to attend HIP, and readings and books are provided.”

Opportunities​​​​

• Youth Climate Town Hall with Senator Ron Wyden

  Fri Sept 10, 4:00PM, Online, register here

  Aimed at young people ages 13 to 24. Have a question for Senator Wyden about climate, clean energy, or environmental justice? Get your questions answered at this Youth Climate Town Hall.

• Indigenous Leaders on Justice and Transforming the Environmental Movement

  Weds Sept 15, 11:00AM – 12:00PM, Online, register here

  Indigenous communities have long been at the forefront of advancing environmental justice and have a critical connection and relationship to lands, waters, and sacred sites that have too often been the source of malpractice by corporations, organizations, and various levels of government. They have also been at the forefront of environmental protection leading movements to protect natural resources for all.

  Join Green 2.0 and First Nations Development Institute for a discussion with Indigenous leaders in the environmental movement on their thoughts on the state of the movement, and changes that must happen in order to achieve justice and equity.

• Action: Deadline Glasgow

  Fri Sept 17 and Sat Sept 18 in the morning

  A collaboration between 350PDX and Extinction Rebellion will be doing small, COVID-safe actions outside of banks across the city in support of STMP’s Deadline Glasgow campaign. There will probably be some singing, dancing, leafletting, calls to Biden.

  Recruit your friends! Contact annie capestany if you are interested in joining us (cabeckstany@gmail.com).

• Nabisco Bakers on Strike! Rally and Boycott Brigades

  Sat Sept 11, 12:00PM – 2:00PM, 100 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland

  Come show your support for striking Nabisco workers! Gather at Noon, rally at 12:30pm, “boycott brigades” carpool to grocery stores at 1pm.

  Rally will feature music plus speakers – politicians, strikers, unions and community leaders. Boycott Brigades, small teams of agitators, will travel to assigned supermarkets to leaflet customers and distribute “Don’t Buy Nabisco! Respect the Strike!” stickers.

  Organized by Portland Democratic Socialists of America and Portland Jobs with Justice. Email portlanddsalabor@gmail.com with questions.

• 350PDX Volunteer Orientation

  Thurs Oct 14, 6:00PM – 7:30PM, Online, register here

  A great place to get started with 350PDX – hear what we’re all about, meet some cool people, and start finding your place in the climate justice movement here in Portland!

• Sidewalk Vigils for Climate Action Now – SW PDX

  Every Friday in September, 8:00AM – 9:00AM, corner of SW Terwilliger and SW Taylor’s Ferry

  Join the 350PDX Southwest Neighborhood Team for: Sidewalk Vigils for Climate Action Now: Fridays 8:00-9:00 a.m., corner of SW Terwilliger and SW Taylor’s Ferry. Park in lot of empty market on left coming from I-5. We have signs to lend!

• Portland Black Lives Matter Protests
  Throughout the week @ across the city – details here
  Click here for our advice for showing up to protest

Thank you all for the work that you do, stay safe, we’re all in this together,
Chris, Dineen, Gaby, Indi, Jana – the 350PDX staff