Every November, the 350VT community comes together from across the state to celebrate achievements, learn from each other, and build the climate justice movement together. Yes, it’s almost time for us to converge again! Here are the details for this year:
- When? Sunday November 11th from 11am – 7pm
- Where? Burlington, VT
- Who? You! and 350VT volunteers, leaders, board, and staff
- What? Read on…
Here are some of the content highlights for this year’s convergence:
- Reportback and Reportforward: Our Annual Convergence will be a chance for us take stock, build on our experiences this year, and strategize together for 2019 and beyond.
- A Solutions Fair! Our partners in creating a sustainable and localized future will be on-hand to display and discuss their innovations – from green investing to handmade wares, from policy plans to healing modalities.
- Appreciations and gratitudes: We’ve had a big year that deserves big recognition! We’ve passed 35 climate solution resolutions, crafted an ambitious 3-year plan, launched a new Mother Up! group in Middlebury, and organized actions, events, and trainings across the state. The work is hard, the stakes are high, and we need each other’s support to keep it up!
- Featured workshop: “How are Racial Justice and Climate Justice Connected?” running from 11am to 3pm. If you can’t attend this one, it will be coming to a town near you in 2018 or 2019!
Why this workshop, this year? We know that understanding the roots of the climate crisis is deeply intertwined with understanding histories of colonization, extractive capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy. When we ask ourselves, ‘Who has caused the most damage?’, or ‘Who will experience the most harm?’, our answers to these questions underlie our commitment to centering black, brown, poor, indigenous, and other voices that have been historically excluded by design. A transformation to climate justice and collective liberation will only be possible if every one of us is committed to deepening our understanding and increasing our actions to dismantle racism, colonialism, sexism, and all the other “isms” that plague all of us!
More info coming soon–and if you’re interested in helping us out by volunteering at the Convergence, please contact lily@350vt.org.
We are grateful for the support of our presenting sponsors GreenVest, Jade Mountain Wellness, and Energy Independent Vermont. It’s not too late to sponsor, contact Zac for details!
See you soon,
Maeve, Zac, and the 350VT team
350VT HAPPENINGS
350VT Board nominations We are currently seeking new Board members to join our lively and engaging Board of Directors. If you have any questions about the process, please contact current Board Chair,Dylan Cullen. Apply here.
Mother Up! Meet-ups & Node Meetings – Check out our calendar for full details!
350VT has local groups (nodes) that meet regularly in Burlington, Montpelier, Manchester, Bennington, and Brattleboro. Take action for climate justice in your local community!
Mother Up!
- MU! Montpelier: Friday, October 19th (3rd Fridays), 5:30-7:30pm, North Branch Nature Center,geraldine@350vt.org
- MU! Burlington: Friday, October 19th (monthly date varies), 6pm, field trip for New Community Project community dinner at First Baptist Church in Starksboro, maeve@350vt.org
- MU! Middlebury: *NEW* Sunday, October 21st (3rd Sundays), 5:30-7:30pm, Middlebury Parks and Recreation, motherupmidd@350vt.org
- MU! Brattleboro: Monday, October 22nd (4th Mondays), 5:30-7:30pm, KidsPLAYce,abby@350vt.org
Drawdown Viewing Parties
There will be a Drawdown viewing event in Hartford on Friday October 19th, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM at the Hartford Town Hall Room 2 171 Bridge Street White River Junction, VT. The event will start off with a discussion about the Climate Solutions Resolution which will be on the Hartford ballot in November as Question #2. Want to host a viewing party? Contact jaiel@350vt.org
November Elections!
- Vote early! In Vermont, early voting began September 21st. Head to your City Hall or Town Hall to vote now.
- Volunteer with our partner organizations who have endorsed climate champion candidates, like Rights and Democracy and Vermont Conservation Voters.
- Speak up at candidate forums happening across the state! Ask candidates where they stand on a ban on fossil fuel infrastructure and getting to 100% renewable energy.
Vision to Action Workshop!
In March we made big waves with 35 climate solutions resolutions passing on Town Meeting Day! Now what? 350VT is hosting a Vision to Action Workshop for the Shires where residents will devise bold, inclusive plans. The workshop will be at the Martha Canfield Library in Arlington, on October 6th, from 9:30am-4:30pm. Find out further details here. Contact jaiel@350vt.org.
SOLIDARITY
Old Spokes Home Fall Fundo!
Join Old Spokes Home on Saturday, Oct 13 for their FALL FUN·DO! – fäll ˈfündō/ – noun – a multi-route cycling event featuring gravel roads, scenic vistas, pie-stocked aid stations, and a huge after party, in which large number of people on bikes ride marked routes to raise awareness and funds for Old Spokes Home; originated in the Old North End of Burlington, Vermont.
Vermont Interfaith Power & Light Fall Conference – A Just Economy to Achieve Climate Goals
Featuring keynote speaker George Lakey, author of “Viking Economics: How the Scandinavians Got It Right –
and How We Can,Too”. Workshops: Action for a Just Economy, Climate Impacts on Health, Congregations Inspiring Their Communities, Advanced Wood Heat Systems, Advocacy to Cut Carbon Emissions, and Watershed Discipleship. Music by a Counterpoint quartet; delicious catered lunch*; sponsors’ exhibits; book table; and more! For more visit www.vtipl.org or email info@vtipl.org.
2018 Vermont Sierra Club Endorsement Announcement and Gathering
The Vermont Chapter will announce the 2018 Sierra Club Endorsement for Governor, LT Governor and other statewide offices and legislative candidates. Be a part of the team as we build a socially just movement at all levels of government. Meet some of our endorsed candidates and connect with us to make a difference.
#ClimateTrial
This week three climate activists are on trial for closing the emergency shutoff valves of all pipelines bringing Canadian tar sands into the U.S. They will argue that what they did was necessary because the government has failed to stop the burning of tar sands — which is resulting in catastrophic climate change. Follow the latest trial updates here.
|
