350PDX Weekly Update – Breonna Taylor – Sept 23 2020

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Hi everyone,

Say her name. Breonna Taylor. Millions of us across the country and the world have been saying, chanting, screaming Breonna Taylor’s name in the streets and demanding justice for over 120 days. 

Today the decision was announced in Breonna Taylor’s case, and justice has not been served. One officer has been indicted on charges of endangering neighbors with reckless gunfire, but no one was charged for murdering Breonna Taylor. Words fail about this court decision, so here are some words from others:

“To not indict the officers for murder is to claim #BreonnaTaylor killed herself. Racist America constantly kills Black people and then tells Black people we killed ourselves. Racism extends past death. But we’ll never stop declaring that our lives matter, that our deaths matter.” – Ibram X. Kendi

“We are disgusted, but not in the least bit surprised. Because a system cannot fail those who it was never meant to protect. #BreonnaTaylor, we will say it every day until it becomes true: You deserve justice. :: #BlackLivesMatter” – The Root

The decision comes over 6 months after 26-year-old Taylor was shot and killed inside her own apartment at the hands of the Louisville police after they entered in the middle of the night on a ‘no-knock’ warrant. If you’re not already familiar with this police killing you can read more here.

Folks will be gathering this evening at 7:00PM at the Justice Center downtown in solidarity with Lousville.

 

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On Monday we had our 350PDX General Meeting with about 60 folks joining us to hear about climate change and wildfire, as well as our Takeover Chase campaign, and updates from our other teams and campaigns. You can watch it here and share on Facebook!

And last week we had our webinar around global solidarity with the Philippines – the most dangerous country in the world for environmental defenders, and a potential insight into a future of fascism that the US could be facing. Watch it here and share on Facebook!

Here’s your 350PDX weekly update!

Actions

All these actions and more can be found on our website’s Take Action page – 350pdx.org/action

  • National Chase Takeover

    While climate crisis-fueled wildfires burned throughout our region, the fossil fuel industry continues to permit, build, drill, mine, and dig new projects, moving us in the complete opposite direction. JPMorgan Chase continues to be the world’s largest funder of the fossil fuel industry, pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into the industry just since the Paris Climate Agreement was signed in 2016. That’s why groups across the country are amplifying a mass call-out of JPMorgan Chase right now, by leaving online reviews of every branch nationwide! 

    Join us to Takeover Chase! We’re calling out Chase branches across the country because people need to connect their local banks to their international counterparts that are funding the climate crisis. The two aren’t separate, and the fewer people who open new accounts with Chase the better. We need to do everything we can to cut off the supply of money that enables the fossil fuel industry to operate with impunity — the less money they have, the sooner their influence will wane.

    This national campaign was headed up by our very own 350PDX Defund/Divest team. Amazing work!

  • 41 days until the election – join 350PDX’s Get Out the Vote Elections Team

    350PDX is a 501c3 organization, which means we cannot endorse specific political candidates. But we also know that our democracy is at stake, with rampant voter suppression, voter intimidation, and attacks on USPS happening across the country. So we’re ensuring that as many people as possible are registered to vote – and then turning them out to the polls on Election Day on November 3rd. We’re partnering with other 350 local groups in key swing states, and together we’ll reach as many voters as we can, calling and texting them with important information on voter registration and vote by mail – then reminding them to cast their ballots when it counts. But it will only work with volunteers like you. After you sign up, we’ll send you a weekly email with phonebanking events happening with our 350 partners every day of the week – so you can engage when it works best for you. Sound good? Sign up here!

  • Take Action for Forests and Climate

    In the aftermath of Oregon’s historic wildfires, we need to defend Oregon’s forests from the claim that the way to reduce fires is widespread heavy logging. Today, we’re asking you to contact your state elected officials and encourage them to resist destructive forestry legislation proposed under the guise of wildfire prevention.

    Find your legislators, see talking points, and read what 350PDX has to say on science-based wildfire policy. Then take action by writing to a letter to fight for climate-smart forestry.

  • Take Action to Stop Chlorpyrifos

    Chlorpyrifos is a dangerous insecticide, widely used on a variety of crops, including strawberries, apples, wheat, and Christmas trees. Chlorpyrifos can damage the brains and nervous systems of those who are exposed. Farmworkers, rural communities, children, pregnant mothers and endangered wildlife are especially at risk. The Oregon Department of Agriculture(ODA) has proposed new rules to strengthen protections for Oregonians from pesticides containing chlorpyrifos.Please help our farmworkers and agricultural lands phase out this toxic pesticide by submitting comments! How To Submit Comments: Email your comments (in any language) during the open comment period to: chlorpyrifos-comments@oda.state.or.us. You have until October 1, 2020.

    Visit Beyond Toxics for templates and talking points in English to craft written and oral testimony. You can also share your story with PCUN in English or Spanish HERE. Thank you for your advocacy on this important topic. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Friends of Family Farmers Policy Director, amy@friendsoffamilyfarmers.org

  • Stop the Kalama Methanol Refinery

    As wildfires exacerbated by the burning of fossil fuels ravage our region, a plan to build the world’s largest fracked gas-to-methanol refinery on the Columbia River carries on. The Kalama methanol refinery would use more fracked gas than all of Washington’s gas-fired power plants combined. This project would be an outright disaster for our climate and our communities and it must be stopped. We’re in a crucial comment period this month and need your help to make sure we stop this project.

    The Washington Department of Ecology recently released a new draft analysis showing that the Kalama methanol refinery would be a major climate polluter—one of Washington’s most significant sources of pollution. Unfortunately, the study also relies on an speculative and unenforceable market analysis to support this dirty, climate-wrecking proposal. Join us and urge Ecology to deny this project and to reject false claims from Northwest Innovation Works (NWIW), the refinery’s backer: Write a comment against the Kalama methanol refinery now.

  • Environmental Law and the Green New Deal: a professional education course for activists and organizers

    This course is a great primer for new people in the movement,  or as a refresher for long-standing activists.
    Dates    : TBD based on responses; probably 1.5 – 2 hr per scheduled meeting period
    Place: Zoom
    Cost: Free
    Hosts: Breach Collective – a climate justice organization that partners with communities at the front lines of the climate crisis to advance justice through locally-driven campaigns rooted in the power of grassroots organizing, legal advocacy, and human stories.
    Here is a syllabus from a Green New Deal course from the Spring — https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MQJOI1Lg7oawQSoLqhaEYomhRk-CLR-h-8TukNTiLzs/edit The content will be substantially similar, but probably with different speakers and some new content to reflect the ongoing crises of 2020.

Resources

  • Video: George Lakey – What to Do if There’s a Coup?

    1hr 20min conversation with veteran activist George Lakey about what to do if the US sees a coup this November.

  • Abolition is Climate Justice

    Twitter thread highlighting the connections between mass incarceration, environmental injustice, and climate change.

  • The Inevitable Whitelash Against Racial Justice Has Started

    “As Black people fight for our lives, white supremacists reach for their guns—and white allies go soft.” Article by Elie Mystal. “Centering Black demands for an end to police brutality in white feelings is offensive and crazy-making. One does not consult the foxes for their opinions on the measures taken to stop them from murdering all the hens.”

  • A Brief History of Anti-Fascism

    With “Antifa” (which just means anyone who identifies as anti-fascist) being vilified by Trump and across the mainstream media, have a look back on the history of those fighting back against fascism. “As long as the ideology has threatened marginalized communities, groups on the left have pushed back with force.”

  • Oregon Food Finder

    Oregon Food Bank has made this online map to help folks find food assistance.

  • Wildfire Resources

    Check out our list of resources about staying safe, and supporting each other in this latest crisis.

  • Some good news – California will phase out gasoline-powered cars

    In a bit of much needed good news, California’s Governor Newsom announced that by 2035 all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California will be zero emission vehicles. There’s a long way to go, but this is a big step in the right direction.

Opportunities​​​​

  • Training: Remote Organizing and Volunteer Engagement 101
    Sat Sept 26, 11:00AM – 1:00PM, OnlinePart of the ‘Get Ready For The Revolution’ training series, for new and existing volunteers to learn core organizing skills. Learn how to maximize remote organizing and engage new volunteers now and following the election.
  • BLOOM – A Day of Community
    Sat Sept 26, 12:00PM – 3:00PM , Peninsula ParkOn the day Proud Boys and other white supremacist and fascist groups are planning to rally in the city, PopMob, along with Portland DSA, Rose City Antifa and other groups are organizing a day of speakers, tabling, food, community, to show peaceful and clear opposition to fascists coming into #PDX with threats of violence and intimidation
  • Youth Town Hall – City Council CandidatesSun Sept 27, 5:00PM – 8:30PM – Online

    Hosted by BIPOC youth organizers, the Youth Town Hall is an opportunity to ask City Council candidates about the issues impacting youth.

    Our country is more divided now than ever. Right now, we are seeing young people stand up and demand radical change to the status quo that must be met with radical action from our elected officials. On Sunday, September 27th at 5PM come hear Portland City Council and Mayor candidates answer the questions that most concern local youth. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions not addressed by the hosts of the event. Topics addressed will include climate change response, racial justice, transportation justice, recent protests and more.

  • Stronger Than Storms: Climate and Just Recovery Forumacial Justice is Climate Justice Learning SeriesWeds Sept 30, 5:00PM – 6:00PM – OnlineAround the world, hundreds of millions of people are on the frontlines of the fossil-fueled climate crisis. Whether it’s hurricanes, wildfires, droughts, or floods, science has shown that climate change is making extremes of weather far more destructive. Our movements need to rise together to support and protect one another and to hold the climate criminals in the fossil fuel industry and government accountable. This virtual townhall will bring together representatives of climate impacted communities to share stories and connect the dots between our struggles.

    Register here – IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be simultaneous Spanish-English interpretation and CART closed captioning in English on this call. Información en Español.

  • Stop Funding Tar Sands: Digital RallyFri Oct 2, 11:00AM – 12:00PM – Online

    Tar sands is one of the dirtiest, most carbon-intensive fossil fuels on our planet. Pipelines like Keystone XL, Line 3, and Trans Mountain are disastrous for people and the planet. They’re built on Indigenous lands without consent, endanger the safety of Indigenous women, and poison nearby communities.

    That’s why on Friday, October 2nd, we’re partnering with Stop the Money Pipeline and Indigenous frontline leaders from across the country to organize Stop Funding Tar Sands, a day of solidarity with frontline and Indigenous communities fighting back against Tar Sands pipelines including Line 3, Trans Mountain, and Keystone XL.

  • Portland Black Lives Matter Protests
    Every day @ across the city – details here
    Click here for our advice for showing up to protestThere are events all day every day, in a whole range of different neighborhoods and at a whole range of different levels of risks – from standing on street corners waving signs in the middle of the day, to COVID-safe car caravans slowly parading around the city, to late night protests downtown. Some events are only being planned or details released less than 24 hours in advance, so if you want to be in the loop, join our Signal chat (by filling in the Volunteer Form here!) The Signal chat and the Volunteer form is also good if you want to find a buddy to go protest with!
  • Racial Justice is Climate Justice Learning Series – Affordable Housing
    Thurs Sept 24, 6:00PM – OnlineJoin our friends at 350 Seattle tomorrow Thursday (9/24) at 6pm for the third of their Climate Justice is Racial Justice webinars — a learning series on the ways racial inequities intersect with the threats of climate change. These fights are deeply interconnected, and the way to build a healthy, resilient future is to learn, understand, and support one another in the fight against the systems of oppression that we’ve all been enmeshed in. Each week for four weeks, a 350 Seattle team will host a guest speaker who will draw connections between racial justice issues and the work we do in the climate movement. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions, and be offered a clear way to learn more and support each issue. REGISTER HERE!

    Webinar Schedule:

  • September 24th — Speaker Maya Garfinkel (Be: Seattle) on Affordable Housing
  • October 1st — Speakers from Tacoma LNG Resistance on Environmental InjusticeFor each webinar they will offer closed captioning and will be recording each one to have available afterwards. Please contact Shemona (shemonamoreno@350seattle.org) for any further accessibility needs or questions. There is no climate justice without racial justice

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

 

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Take Action for Forests and Climate Stop the Plunder of the Philippines! Defend Cordillera!