This powerful film odyssey across America explores the sea change in our national attitude from pride in big dams as engineering wonders to the growing awareness that our own future is bound to the life and health of our rivers. Dam removal has moved beyond the fictional Monkey Wrench Gang to go mainstream. Where obsolete dams come down, rivers bound back to life, giving salmon and other wild fish the right of return to primeval spawning grounds, after decades without access. DamNation’s majestic cinematography and unexpected discoveries move through rivers and landscapes altered by dams, but also through a metamorphosis in values, from conquest of the natural world to knowing ourselves as part of nature.
Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Events. Show all posts
April 20, 2015
Earth week screening of DamNation in Springfield
A free screening of the award-winning documentary DamNation is happening in Springfield on Thursday, April 23, 7pm. The film will be followed by guest speaker, professor Clark Bullard, who will speak on the locally proposed Hunter Dam. The Liberty Brew & View screening is hosted with Prairie Rivers Network at the Capital City Bar & Grill theater dining room.
August 12, 2012
This town needs a blackout
This neighborhood needs a good blackout. I'm in a Chicago building that holds hundreds of people. There must be thousands within a few blocks. I barely know any of them. I've had good conversations with two in the building. A few words on the elevator with others. Not enough to make new friends.
The club of old-timers who own their unit know each other but they're the exception. They're skeptical of newcomers who won't be around long enough to bother getting to know.
Blackouts are a peculiar time when you discover what kind of community you're living in. Do people join together? Do they come to the aid of their neighbor?
I was in the Cleveland black of '03 when huge sections of the northeast lost modern civilization. There was something eerie about driving down an interstate highway through a major metropolis and barely being able to tell if I was surrounded by a city or a cornfield.
When I came home the streets were crowded. The tables and chairs at every neighborhood restaurant were taken. People shared tables with those they had only seen before in passing or not at all.
"Don't we drive past each other every morning? Where is it you go off to work in the morning?"
Some of the cafes came up with a limited menu but everyone was welcome to commune whether they ordered or not. They weren't full of people passing through. It was the neighborhood suddenly acting like one.
A little group was standing outside my apartment building. What are you going to do inside other than sit in the dark? You can barely walk around without stubbing your big toe or big head. No TV. No video games. Not even internet. You're phone might run out if you use it too much.
So some of us went outside to discover the people we live in close proximity to but never knew. No celebrity gossip is getting through. Might as well busy yourself with the available uncelebrities.
"Oh, you live right below me! Sorry if I'm noisy. Sometimes I practice my tap-dancing routine at home."
Spontaneous apartment parties break out. Suddenly, there's no hesitation to ask favors or offer help.
"Would anyone like to help us eat these cold-cuts before they go bad?"
"How much did you lose in your freezer? We had frozen stakes!"
"Does anyone need candles? We got extra!"
Of course, not all bodies go outside. Nine months later an otherwise inexplicable spike in births will occur. Blackouts are good for romance. Is it the need to feel safe together? Or the simple act of turning off the damned television that's so demanding of attention?
One or two nights is enough for a blackout. Apparently, certain neighborhoods in ComEd territory sometimes go days without power. They're doing it wrong. Spread that around and don't leave the same people in the dark for too long.
You don't want things to get ugly. I've never been in one that turned people against each other but I've heard it can happen. Perishable food items might become scarce. People could die in extreme heat or cold.
September is coming up. That's a mild month perfect for the shedding of electric shackles.
I wonder, would it even successfully break the privacy fence barriers of the suburbs? Would they stay inside to protect valuables in the McMansion? At least you'll find out which of your neighbors owns their own generator. Those things are noisy as hell but remember where you heard them.
Every major city needs a vacation from electricity once a year. Not more than that though. Someone in the utility industry should instigate a conspiracy to make it happen. Utilities would probably blame it on wind power. Bastards. They're good at making excuses. No one will suspect a devious plot to promote community by temporarily denying people the instruments of their isolation.
The club of old-timers who own their unit know each other but they're the exception. They're skeptical of newcomers who won't be around long enough to bother getting to know.
Blackouts are a peculiar time when you discover what kind of community you're living in. Do people join together? Do they come to the aid of their neighbor?
I was in the Cleveland black of '03 when huge sections of the northeast lost modern civilization. There was something eerie about driving down an interstate highway through a major metropolis and barely being able to tell if I was surrounded by a city or a cornfield.
When I came home the streets were crowded. The tables and chairs at every neighborhood restaurant were taken. People shared tables with those they had only seen before in passing or not at all.
"Don't we drive past each other every morning? Where is it you go off to work in the morning?"
Some of the cafes came up with a limited menu but everyone was welcome to commune whether they ordered or not. They weren't full of people passing through. It was the neighborhood suddenly acting like one.
A little group was standing outside my apartment building. What are you going to do inside other than sit in the dark? You can barely walk around without stubbing your big toe or big head. No TV. No video games. Not even internet. You're phone might run out if you use it too much.
So some of us went outside to discover the people we live in close proximity to but never knew. No celebrity gossip is getting through. Might as well busy yourself with the available uncelebrities.
"Oh, you live right below me! Sorry if I'm noisy. Sometimes I practice my tap-dancing routine at home."
Spontaneous apartment parties break out. Suddenly, there's no hesitation to ask favors or offer help.
"Would anyone like to help us eat these cold-cuts before they go bad?"
"How much did you lose in your freezer? We had frozen stakes!"
"Does anyone need candles? We got extra!"
Of course, not all bodies go outside. Nine months later an otherwise inexplicable spike in births will occur. Blackouts are good for romance. Is it the need to feel safe together? Or the simple act of turning off the damned television that's so demanding of attention?
One or two nights is enough for a blackout. Apparently, certain neighborhoods in ComEd territory sometimes go days without power. They're doing it wrong. Spread that around and don't leave the same people in the dark for too long.
You don't want things to get ugly. I've never been in one that turned people against each other but I've heard it can happen. Perishable food items might become scarce. People could die in extreme heat or cold.
September is coming up. That's a mild month perfect for the shedding of electric shackles.
I wonder, would it even successfully break the privacy fence barriers of the suburbs? Would they stay inside to protect valuables in the McMansion? At least you'll find out which of your neighbors owns their own generator. Those things are noisy as hell but remember where you heard them.
Every major city needs a vacation from electricity once a year. Not more than that though. Someone in the utility industry should instigate a conspiracy to make it happen. Utilities would probably blame it on wind power. Bastards. They're good at making excuses. No one will suspect a devious plot to promote community by temporarily denying people the instruments of their isolation.
October 23, 2011
Visiting Occupy Chicago
I decided to check out Occupy Chicago on October 21 while I was in town. They didn't have an encampment site yet but around 200 were lined up along the sidewalk in the financial district. I heard the drumming from two city blocks away as I approached.
I could have used more cowbell.
They're under the shadow of the Chicago Board of Trade, which also appeared as Wayne Tower in Batman Begins. I heard a man in a suit ask a small group of occupiers why they were protesting him and his job.
The atmosphere was friendly. There appeared to be a non-stop soapbox session around the corner from the drummers. They had food and sign-making supplies free for the taking. This one was my favorite:
They marched to a spot in Grant Park for their General Assembly meeting. It was the most filmed and photographed walk down the street I've ever seen.
I had to leave before a rally planned for Saturday 10/22 in conjunction with their second attempt to establish a place to set up camp. Apparently, the city is responding with more arrests. I can't imagine what Mayor Emanuel hopes to gain by getting aggressive with a group that just wants to sit around and bang drums.
I could have used more cowbell.
They're under the shadow of the Chicago Board of Trade, which also appeared as Wayne Tower in Batman Begins. I heard a man in a suit ask a small group of occupiers why they were protesting him and his job.
The atmosphere was friendly. There appeared to be a non-stop soapbox session around the corner from the drummers. They had food and sign-making supplies free for the taking. This one was my favorite:
They marched to a spot in Grant Park for their General Assembly meeting. It was the most filmed and photographed walk down the street I've ever seen.
I had to leave before a rally planned for Saturday 10/22 in conjunction with their second attempt to establish a place to set up camp. Apparently, the city is responding with more arrests. I can't imagine what Mayor Emanuel hopes to gain by getting aggressive with a group that just wants to sit around and bang drums.
October 15, 2011
Consider Springfield Occupied
A rally in support of the Wall Street Occupiers happened today in Springfield at the Illinois Capitol Building. Over 300 people came for the peaceful protest.
After a reading of a statement from the Occupy Wall Street protestors, the group walked by several downtown banks, including Chase, and came back to the Capitol.
Following the stroll through downtown, there was time for anyone who wished to address the crowd. An AFSCME representative announced that their convention in Springfield today voted to support the Occupy protests.
One person brought their guitar for a short sing-a-long. About a dozen people took their turn at the microphone expressing a diversity of viewpoints.
There were plenty of Democrats but my impression is that a majority of the crowd were people disaffected from the two major parties and disgusted with electoral politics in general. Ron Paul Libertarians, union members, and the Radical Student Union were all well represented.
Everything went smoothly. The police were helpful and professional. Oddly, one person was asked by the police to either leave or remove his Guy Fawkes mask. He left.
I saw no sign of counter-protesters. A local conservative radio host spent all week telling people to counter-protest and even made a threatening comment on his discussion board. Apparently, his listeners chickened out (assuming he has any listeners).
It was a very positive event and I think everyone left with a desire to follow up. The next event is a national "Occupy your State Capital" day October 29. Expect it to be even bigger and better!
After a reading of a statement from the Occupy Wall Street protestors, the group walked by several downtown banks, including Chase, and came back to the Capitol.
Following the stroll through downtown, there was time for anyone who wished to address the crowd. An AFSCME representative announced that their convention in Springfield today voted to support the Occupy protests.
One person brought their guitar for a short sing-a-long. About a dozen people took their turn at the microphone expressing a diversity of viewpoints.
There were plenty of Democrats but my impression is that a majority of the crowd were people disaffected from the two major parties and disgusted with electoral politics in general. Ron Paul Libertarians, union members, and the Radical Student Union were all well represented.
Everything went smoothly. The police were helpful and professional. Oddly, one person was asked by the police to either leave or remove his Guy Fawkes mask. He left.
I saw no sign of counter-protesters. A local conservative radio host spent all week telling people to counter-protest and even made a threatening comment on his discussion board. Apparently, his listeners chickened out (assuming he has any listeners).
It was a very positive event and I think everyone left with a desire to follow up. The next event is a national "Occupy your State Capital" day October 29. Expect it to be even bigger and better!
September 24, 2011
Rocket 88 on Route 66
I checked out classic cars at the Route 66 Mother Road Festival in Springfield today. I caught the one I was most hoping to see. A 1950 Oldsmobile Rocket 88.
Sam Phillips makes a good case that in 1951 Rocket 88 by Ike Turner became the first recorded rock 'n roll song. That would make this vehicle the rocket that launched rock.
So that made my day. This customized Abe Lincoln bike was right up there. Check out the rail-splitting axe.
The tomb.
Many excellent cars on display. I found out how cars with familiar names got their reputation early on before auto-makers decided to make them all ugly in the 80's.
And here's the song.
Sam Phillips makes a good case that in 1951 Rocket 88 by Ike Turner became the first recorded rock 'n roll song. That would make this vehicle the rocket that launched rock.
So that made my day. This customized Abe Lincoln bike was right up there. Check out the rail-splitting axe.
The tomb.
Many excellent cars on display. I found out how cars with familiar names got their reputation early on before auto-makers decided to make them all ugly in the 80's.
And here's the song.
February 18, 2009
Radio volunteers for help!
I went on WMAY this morning for the Community Volunteer Center to promote the "Community Connections: Volunteer Opportunities Fair."
Everyone should go.
Radio makes me more nervous than any other type of interview or public speaking. I think it's because I have no idea how the audience is reacting. Seeing people react let's me know I'm doing well or that I need to move on to another topic. I can feed off the energy of the audience. Even when I do TV interviews, for some reason, it's easier to imagine the viewer staring back through the camera.
I feel adrift at sea without a compass when I do radio. For all I know, every listener is sitting on a bean bag in their underwear barely listening and ready to change the channel.
Jim Leach made the interview easy and suggested that I think of it as a two person conversation that people are listening in on. This is the second time I've done his show and I think both went pretty well. Maybe radio will get easier. I consider any radio interview a success at this point if it doesn't involve a Ron Burgundy-esque sign-off to Springfield.
Everyone should go.
Radio makes me more nervous than any other type of interview or public speaking. I think it's because I have no idea how the audience is reacting. Seeing people react let's me know I'm doing well or that I need to move on to another topic. I can feed off the energy of the audience. Even when I do TV interviews, for some reason, it's easier to imagine the viewer staring back through the camera.
I feel adrift at sea without a compass when I do radio. For all I know, every listener is sitting on a bean bag in their underwear barely listening and ready to change the channel.
Jim Leach made the interview easy and suggested that I think of it as a two person conversation that people are listening in on. This is the second time I've done his show and I think both went pretty well. Maybe radio will get easier. I consider any radio interview a success at this point if it doesn't involve a Ron Burgundy-esque sign-off to Springfield.
February 10, 2009
Pay your bills Lincoln!
I've heard one of the radio stations in Springfield (probably Alice) feature quotes from Lincoln during commercial breaks. It's a good idea. I appreciate them making the effort over the last few weeks. But, I'm not so sure about their choice of quotes.
One time I heard the voice portraying Lincoln give directions about where a supporter should travel to work for a Presidential campaign. This week it was a mundane letter about releasing someone from the army. huh...
Lincoln gave several of our nation's most studied speeches and participated in the most famous series of debates in American history. And any day now I expect to hear a quote on the radio about Lincoln ordering a new stovepipe hat. I don't get it.
I may post some of my favorite Lincoln quotes this week, but first I'm going to quote Paul Simon's book, Lincoln's Preparation for Greatness. Simon writes about Lincoln starting his first term in the state legislature:
One time I heard the voice portraying Lincoln give directions about where a supporter should travel to work for a Presidential campaign. This week it was a mundane letter about releasing someone from the army. huh...
Lincoln gave several of our nation's most studied speeches and participated in the most famous series of debates in American history. And any day now I expect to hear a quote on the radio about Lincoln ordering a new stovepipe hat. I don't get it.
I may post some of my favorite Lincoln quotes this week, but first I'm going to quote Paul Simon's book, Lincoln's Preparation for Greatness. Simon writes about Lincoln starting his first term in the state legislature:
Despite the increased work Lincoln had as surveyor, just nine days before he left for Vandalia and the legislative halls, the sheriff took his horse, saddle, bridle, and surveying instruments because of an unpaid bill totaling $211.I bet he wasn't feeling like The Great Emancipator that day.
December 10, 2008
Happy Jane Addams Day!
December 10 is recognized as Jane Addams Day in Illinois. Few people made the kind of lasting impact on America that Addams did and she's inexcusably under-recognized for her influence.
She's most known as a pioneer of social work and volunteerism for founding Hull House in Chicago. She was also a socialist and pacifist who became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Hull House Museum is hosted by UIC. Some of their faculty recorded short audio essays about Addams and her work. The one by William Ayers is pretty interesting.
Addams believed that efforts like Hull House weren't enough without systemic societal reforms. That lead her to become a political activist on a variety of issues including immigrant rights, women's rights, child labor, unions, and more.
It's time that Jane Addams be selected to represent Illinois in the US Capitol Statuary Hall Collection instead of James Shields or Frances Willard. "Instead of who?" you may ask. Exactly.
She's most known as a pioneer of social work and volunteerism for founding Hull House in Chicago. She was also a socialist and pacifist who became the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Hull House Museum is hosted by UIC. Some of their faculty recorded short audio essays about Addams and her work. The one by William Ayers is pretty interesting.
Addams believed that efforts like Hull House weren't enough without systemic societal reforms. That lead her to become a political activist on a variety of issues including immigrant rights, women's rights, child labor, unions, and more.
It's time that Jane Addams be selected to represent Illinois in the US Capitol Statuary Hall Collection instead of James Shields or Frances Willard. "Instead of who?" you may ask. Exactly.
April 17, 2008
Woah
The earthquake just woke me up. I think its going to take me a while to fall asleep again so I might as well write. It took a little while to show up on the USGS website. Apparently its a fairly big one but far enough Southeast to not be too bad here.
I live near train tracks so it took me a bit to realize what was going on. I got a little queezy after feeling my bed shake around for a while. I thought it was an earthquake pretty quickly but after it kept going on I got pretty nervous that it was severe. I don't see too many lights on in the neighborhood so I guess most people slept through it or went back to sleep already. What a weird sensation.
I live near train tracks so it took me a bit to realize what was going on. I got a little queezy after feeling my bed shake around for a while. I thought it was an earthquake pretty quickly but after it kept going on I got pretty nervous that it was severe. I don't see too many lights on in the neighborhood so I guess most people slept through it or went back to sleep already. What a weird sensation.
January 28, 2008
Carpenter and Hunter preserves
If you skipped reading the Sunday State Journal-Register be sure to check out this article on preserving Carpenter Park. It includes quotes from some of Springfield's leading environmentalists, including one from Bill Crook about the artwork he creates in the Park.
The article reminded me that one of the proposed alternatives for use of the land purchased for Hunter Lake is turning it into a nature preserve. Tuesday night the Springfield Citizens Club is holding a forum on Hunter Lake and water alternatives. Proponents and opponents will both make presentations.
Tuesday, January 29
5:15pm - 7:15pm
Hoogland Center for the Arts, Main Theatre
The Chamber of Commerce argues that Springfield needs Hunter Lake for future growth as planned under the Q5 initiative. But, several cheaper alternatives are proposed and Springfield has yet to implement any serious water efficiency programs.
If the Chamber is interested in bringing new businesses and growth to Springfield they should take a look at the results of Friday's SJ-R poll which said that 94.7% of respondents would move somewhere else "if there were no money, job or family considerations."
If Springfield is going to grow we need to look at ways to make the city more enjoyable and livable. A large new natural area created from the land purchased for Hunter Lake will help do that. It will also give tourists a reason to stay in Springfield for more than a day when they finish visiting the Lincoln sites. Sometimes the best economic development decision is to not build a bad project.
“To me, the feeling I got when I was drawing was that of being in a cathedral; it was uplifting,” said Crook, who is best known locally for his pen and ink drawings of historic landmarks.
“It’s unique in that it’s one of the largest and best examples of the native hardwood forest that has existed here for thousands of years — at least until the last 200 hundred years,” Crook said. “It’s an example of what the forests of Illinois looked like, and it is in relatively good shape.”
The article reminded me that one of the proposed alternatives for use of the land purchased for Hunter Lake is turning it into a nature preserve. Tuesday night the Springfield Citizens Club is holding a forum on Hunter Lake and water alternatives. Proponents and opponents will both make presentations.
Tuesday, January 29
5:15pm - 7:15pm
Hoogland Center for the Arts, Main Theatre
The Chamber of Commerce argues that Springfield needs Hunter Lake for future growth as planned under the Q5 initiative. But, several cheaper alternatives are proposed and Springfield has yet to implement any serious water efficiency programs.
If the Chamber is interested in bringing new businesses and growth to Springfield they should take a look at the results of Friday's SJ-R poll which said that 94.7% of respondents would move somewhere else "if there were no money, job or family considerations."
If Springfield is going to grow we need to look at ways to make the city more enjoyable and livable. A large new natural area created from the land purchased for Hunter Lake will help do that. It will also give tourists a reason to stay in Springfield for more than a day when they finish visiting the Lincoln sites. Sometimes the best economic development decision is to not build a bad project.
November 18, 2007
Peabody Coal & Global Warming Rally
On Saturday about 100 people participated in a rally across the street from Peabody Coal's corporate headquarters in downtown St. Louis to oppose plans for a new coal fire power plant. The Prairie State plant proposed for rural Washington County Illinois would be the largest source of global warming emissions built in the U.S. in 20 years.
Much of the power from the plant will go to other states while Illinois residents will be stuck with increased asthma rates among children and mercury poisoning the lakes and rivers that drive the Southern Illinois tourist economy. And we'll all be stuck with the consequences of global climate change.
The permitting process for this facility has gone through several years of appeals in the EPA and court system. One purpose of Saturday's rally was to bring to the attention of potential power purchasers that this plant is a step backward environmentally and could be a bad investment once the federal government regulates carbon emissions. It won't be profitable for Peabody to build the plant if potential investors and buyers back out.
I was excited to see so many young people come from several colleges including Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, University of Illinois at Springfield, Iowa State, and Washington University in St. Louis. Don't believe the rumors you hear about college students being apathetic.
Among the list of speakers was a leading national coal activist, Verena Owen, who was also involved in negotiations with CWLP to reach Springfield's clean energy agreement. She and several others spoke about realistic alternatives to coal fire power plants. Later, a folk singer from Carbondale lead everyone in a round of John Prine's Paradise.
Two of the less polished but most interesting speakers were Washington county residents who live very close to the proposed site. One talked about the health effects it will have on her children and another named some of the deceptive tactics used by Peabody as they attempted to gather local support.
Any project that promises to create a few jobs will typically have the support of local politicians and the enthusiastic backing of the Chamber. Southern Illinois needs new jobs badly but there are ways of growing the economy that don't harm the community. The children of union workers can get asthma from coal power plants just like anyone else's can.
If we had forward thinking leaders they would be doing everything possible to attract facilities that build wind turbines so that we don't have to keep shipping them here from Europe. Why not create new jobs with technologies of the future instead of clinging to a dying industry?
The coal industry will never employ the number of miners it once did in Illinois even if there were no environmental regulations on the books because new mining techniques don't require as much manpower. Many politicians pander to Southern Illinois voters by promising to revive the coal economy but those claims are a cruel joke on a region that needs real economic development instead of nostalgia.
Anyway, I spoke last at the rally about the Springfield clean energy agreement to explain that there are more responsible ways for utilities to do things than the unhealthy path Peabody chooses over and over again. Yes, it is possible to reduce pollution while meeting our energy needs. And yes it is possible for people to make an impact by organizing in their community. Rallies can serve an important purpose and I think everyone left ready to follow up with the more difficult organizing work its going to take in our own communities.
Much of the power from the plant will go to other states while Illinois residents will be stuck with increased asthma rates among children and mercury poisoning the lakes and rivers that drive the Southern Illinois tourist economy. And we'll all be stuck with the consequences of global climate change.
The permitting process for this facility has gone through several years of appeals in the EPA and court system. One purpose of Saturday's rally was to bring to the attention of potential power purchasers that this plant is a step backward environmentally and could be a bad investment once the federal government regulates carbon emissions. It won't be profitable for Peabody to build the plant if potential investors and buyers back out.
I was excited to see so many young people come from several colleges including Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, University of Illinois at Springfield, Iowa State, and Washington University in St. Louis. Don't believe the rumors you hear about college students being apathetic.
Among the list of speakers was a leading national coal activist, Verena Owen, who was also involved in negotiations with CWLP to reach Springfield's clean energy agreement. She and several others spoke about realistic alternatives to coal fire power plants. Later, a folk singer from Carbondale lead everyone in a round of John Prine's Paradise.
Two of the less polished but most interesting speakers were Washington county residents who live very close to the proposed site. One talked about the health effects it will have on her children and another named some of the deceptive tactics used by Peabody as they attempted to gather local support.
Any project that promises to create a few jobs will typically have the support of local politicians and the enthusiastic backing of the Chamber. Southern Illinois needs new jobs badly but there are ways of growing the economy that don't harm the community. The children of union workers can get asthma from coal power plants just like anyone else's can.
If we had forward thinking leaders they would be doing everything possible to attract facilities that build wind turbines so that we don't have to keep shipping them here from Europe. Why not create new jobs with technologies of the future instead of clinging to a dying industry?
The coal industry will never employ the number of miners it once did in Illinois even if there were no environmental regulations on the books because new mining techniques don't require as much manpower. Many politicians pander to Southern Illinois voters by promising to revive the coal economy but those claims are a cruel joke on a region that needs real economic development instead of nostalgia.
Anyway, I spoke last at the rally about the Springfield clean energy agreement to explain that there are more responsible ways for utilities to do things than the unhealthy path Peabody chooses over and over again. Yes, it is possible to reduce pollution while meeting our energy needs. And yes it is possible for people to make an impact by organizing in their community. Rallies can serve an important purpose and I think everyone left ready to follow up with the more difficult organizing work its going to take in our own communities.
November 6, 2007
Cool Town Meeting Report
I've had several people ask me to write more about what happened at Sunday's Step It Up Cool Town Meeting on global climate change to expand on the SJ-R's short article. It was probably the largest and most important environmental meeting I've attended in Springfield.
After opening statements by Roy Wherle and Diane Hughes, UIS professor Jim Bonacum made a presentation. Dr. Bonacum specializes in genetics and molecular biology and he participated in a training session by Al Gore and the Climate Project based on An Inconvenient Truth. He would like to speak to groups of any size, including skeptics, about the science of global climate change and what we can do about the problem.
Next, SJ-R photographer Chris Young showed two beautiful slide presentations, including many pictures of natural Illinois prairies. He brought a blade of the prairie grass that once covered this region and helped create the excellent soil we now use for farmland. He reminded everyone of how much our natural environment has given us.
The next part of the town meeting was an open forum for audience members to talk about how to take action both personally and with environmental organizations. For me the most exciting part of this event was the large crowd with about 140 people, (about the same size as Chicago's Step It Up meeting) including many of Springfield's environmental leaders. It drew people who have been active in the local movement for many years, like Alex Casella.
Casella made two points I found myself nodding my head to. One is that elected officials notice that environmental groups are not as active in elections as most other groups who ask for their vote on issues. I've often found myself frustrated by how many environmental activists don't want to get involved in campaigns. As a movement, most environmental organizations are 501-C3 non-profits in order to attain tax-exempt funding, but that also precludes them from engaging in many election activities. That's one reason the environmental agenda often loses legislative battles despite having overwhelming public support.
Another good point he made later during the meeting is that Springfield is showing real leadership in the clean energy agreement between the city and the Sierra Club. This is one area where we aren't ten years behind Chicago. Springfield now has a stronger commitment to using wind power and energy efficiency programs than Chicago and most other cities in America.
During that portion of the meeting someone mentioned Kevin Green's guest editorial in the SJ-R about promoting more bicycle use. I won't try to name all the leaders present or summarize all the comments made because I know I'll miss too much. But, we did have two elected officials present that I know of, Sam Cahman and Mike Ziri. Also speaking from the audience were a State Senate candidate, plus the wife of US Congressional candidate Joe McMenamin.
The next portion of the meeting was for local organizations to talk about the work they do related to climate change and how people can get involved. They included Pax Christi Springfield, UIS SAGE, Sustainable Springfield Inc, and others.
I spoke for the Cool Cities initiative and the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club. Cool Cities is a national drive to encourage cities to sign the US Council of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce their CO2 emissions. Springfield has already gone a long way toward reaching the goals of Cool Cities because of the clean energy agreement with the Sierra Club, but there is much more to do in areas not related to power generation, such as promoting bicycling, good public transportation, incorporating hybrid vehicles into the citiy's non-emergency fleet and greener building codes.
Leadership is the national theme of this year's Step It Up events so when I put my Sangamon Valley Group hat on I spoke about the national attention Springfield is receiving for the Sierra Club clean energy agreement. I emphasized two ways people can get involved in the follow-up to the agreement to make it reach its full potential.
One, is to participate in the energy efficiency & conservation programs and the planning process to create new programs. CWLP's energy services office is rolling out new rebates and programs people can participate in to reduce their energy usage and carbon emissions. This is a good way for people to help stop global warming while also reducing their monthly utility bill.
CWLP is going to dramatically expand its energy efficiency programs and part of the Sierra Club agreement provides for the public to be involved in shaping those programs. That's why CWLP is holding a series of public energy forums. The forums are an excellent opportunity to tell our utility how you want them to promote more efficient energy use and related environmental programs. Additionally, the Sierra Club would like a citizens advisory board to work with CWLP on developing those programs.
The second way for the public to get involved in the agreement is through a green energy buy-in program. This allows people to pay a little extra on their bill with the money going toward additional clean, renewable power generation. If this is something you're interested in you can let CWLP know that you want them to make the program available soon, and remember to participate when its offered.
Finally, I spoke about the formation of the Sierra Club, Sangamon Valley Group, Energy & Climate Change Committee (ECCC). The ECCC will focus on follow-up to the clean energy agreement and provide a way for people to get involved in other initiatives related to energy and climate change, including Cool Cities, the Clean Car Campaign, and work being done by other area environmental groups. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 27th at 6pm in the Lincoln Library, 3rd Floor, Bicentennial Room. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you aren't a Sierra Club member.
I realize I wrote about my own portion of the meeting at much greater length than everything else. Well, its my blog, and those are the parts of the meeting I remember most clearly anyway.
After all groups made their presentations there was a shorter period of group discussion and announcements. People also enjoyed tasty home-made snacks made with locally grown ingredients and fair trade coffee. The whole thing lasted about two hours and convinced me that people in Springfield are ready to show more leadership on climate change.
After opening statements by Roy Wherle and Diane Hughes, UIS professor Jim Bonacum made a presentation. Dr. Bonacum specializes in genetics and molecular biology and he participated in a training session by Al Gore and the Climate Project based on An Inconvenient Truth. He would like to speak to groups of any size, including skeptics, about the science of global climate change and what we can do about the problem.
Next, SJ-R photographer Chris Young showed two beautiful slide presentations, including many pictures of natural Illinois prairies. He brought a blade of the prairie grass that once covered this region and helped create the excellent soil we now use for farmland. He reminded everyone of how much our natural environment has given us.
The next part of the town meeting was an open forum for audience members to talk about how to take action both personally and with environmental organizations. For me the most exciting part of this event was the large crowd with about 140 people, (about the same size as Chicago's Step It Up meeting) including many of Springfield's environmental leaders. It drew people who have been active in the local movement for many years, like Alex Casella.
Casella made two points I found myself nodding my head to. One is that elected officials notice that environmental groups are not as active in elections as most other groups who ask for their vote on issues. I've often found myself frustrated by how many environmental activists don't want to get involved in campaigns. As a movement, most environmental organizations are 501-C3 non-profits in order to attain tax-exempt funding, but that also precludes them from engaging in many election activities. That's one reason the environmental agenda often loses legislative battles despite having overwhelming public support.
Another good point he made later during the meeting is that Springfield is showing real leadership in the clean energy agreement between the city and the Sierra Club. This is one area where we aren't ten years behind Chicago. Springfield now has a stronger commitment to using wind power and energy efficiency programs than Chicago and most other cities in America.
During that portion of the meeting someone mentioned Kevin Green's guest editorial in the SJ-R about promoting more bicycle use. I won't try to name all the leaders present or summarize all the comments made because I know I'll miss too much. But, we did have two elected officials present that I know of, Sam Cahman and Mike Ziri. Also speaking from the audience were a State Senate candidate, plus the wife of US Congressional candidate Joe McMenamin.
The next portion of the meeting was for local organizations to talk about the work they do related to climate change and how people can get involved. They included Pax Christi Springfield, UIS SAGE, Sustainable Springfield Inc, and others.
I spoke for the Cool Cities initiative and the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club. Cool Cities is a national drive to encourage cities to sign the US Council of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement to reduce their CO2 emissions. Springfield has already gone a long way toward reaching the goals of Cool Cities because of the clean energy agreement with the Sierra Club, but there is much more to do in areas not related to power generation, such as promoting bicycling, good public transportation, incorporating hybrid vehicles into the citiy's non-emergency fleet and greener building codes.
Leadership is the national theme of this year's Step It Up events so when I put my Sangamon Valley Group hat on I spoke about the national attention Springfield is receiving for the Sierra Club clean energy agreement. I emphasized two ways people can get involved in the follow-up to the agreement to make it reach its full potential.
One, is to participate in the energy efficiency & conservation programs and the planning process to create new programs. CWLP's energy services office is rolling out new rebates and programs people can participate in to reduce their energy usage and carbon emissions. This is a good way for people to help stop global warming while also reducing their monthly utility bill.
CWLP is going to dramatically expand its energy efficiency programs and part of the Sierra Club agreement provides for the public to be involved in shaping those programs. That's why CWLP is holding a series of public energy forums. The forums are an excellent opportunity to tell our utility how you want them to promote more efficient energy use and related environmental programs. Additionally, the Sierra Club would like a citizens advisory board to work with CWLP on developing those programs.
The second way for the public to get involved in the agreement is through a green energy buy-in program. This allows people to pay a little extra on their bill with the money going toward additional clean, renewable power generation. If this is something you're interested in you can let CWLP know that you want them to make the program available soon, and remember to participate when its offered.
Finally, I spoke about the formation of the Sierra Club, Sangamon Valley Group, Energy & Climate Change Committee (ECCC). The ECCC will focus on follow-up to the clean energy agreement and provide a way for people to get involved in other initiatives related to energy and climate change, including Cool Cities, the Clean Car Campaign, and work being done by other area environmental groups. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 27th at 6pm in the Lincoln Library, 3rd Floor, Bicentennial Room. Everyone is welcome to attend, even if you aren't a Sierra Club member.
I realize I wrote about my own portion of the meeting at much greater length than everything else. Well, its my blog, and those are the parts of the meeting I remember most clearly anyway.
After all groups made their presentations there was a shorter period of group discussion and announcements. People also enjoyed tasty home-made snacks made with locally grown ingredients and fair trade coffee. The whole thing lasted about two hours and convinced me that people in Springfield are ready to show more leadership on climate change.
November 5, 2007
Step It Up Springfield Pictures
I took a few pictures of the two Step It Up events over the weekend. I just got a new camera so I admit I haven't figure out how to take great pictures with it yet. You can click on each photo to enlarge.
Above, Diane Lopez Hughes speaks to start the Cool Town Meeting Sunday.
About 140 people showed up.
That's Chris Young at the microphone speaking before his photo presentation.
I'll post a full report about the Cool Town Meeting later today.
On Saturday there was a smaller gathering of 20 people for a rally. You can see that some people were good about riding their bike.
Above, Diane Lopez Hughes speaks to start the Cool Town Meeting Sunday.
About 140 people showed up.
That's Chris Young at the microphone speaking before his photo presentation.
I'll post a full report about the Cool Town Meeting later today.
On Saturday there was a smaller gathering of 20 people for a rally. You can see that some people were good about riding their bike.
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