Events Calendar Monday June 4 • Poor People's Campaign Demonstration Wednesday June 6 • Louisville Sustainability Forum Thursday, June 7 • "Why should I care about the Farm Bill?" Friday, June 8 • Creatures Of The Night: Expedition Fireflies Monday, June 11 • Kentuckians for the Commonwealth Annual Chapter Meeting Thursday June 14 • Summer Emergence: Cultivating a Unique Path in a Post-Religious World Tuesday, June 19 • Greater Louisville Sierra Club: Sarah Lynn Cunningham on the ECOdepot Tuesday, June 19 • West Jefferson County Community Task Force Monthly Meeting Thursday, June 28 • The Green Convene explores the Lower Frankfort Avenue Initiative Summer Camps for Youth June 4 - June 8, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm • Young Explorers Camp Session at Louisville Nature Center June 11 - June 15 • Magical Nature Camp at Louisville Nature Center June 18 - June 22 • Young Explorers II at Louisville Nature Center June 19 - June 21 • Teen Leaders for Diversity Summer Camp July 11 - July 13 • Peacecasters' Making Social Media That Matters Camp July 12 - July 13 • Little Peacemakers Camp Days July 16 - July 20 • Compassionate Kids Peacemaking Camp Save the Date - September 8th Rise for Climate Jobs and Justice Help the Green Heart Initiative Study Nature Rich Louisville by Lacy McNary 

Monday, June 4, 2 pm Poor People's Campaign: Ecological Devastation and the Right to Health Kentucky State Capitol Building 700 Capitol Avenue, Frankfort Followed by direct action (Training for the direct action will be at 11 a.m., location provided with registration.)

If you would like to participate in the direct action that follows the speakout, you must register and attend the training at 11 a.m. We are thrilled to welcome Rev. Barber to Kentucky and we know we will show up strong to lift up the theme of week 4, THE RIGHT TO HEALTH AND A HEALTHY PLANET: Ecological Devastation and Health Care The Speak OUT is at 2 pm on the Capitol steps. All are welcome to the Speak OUT! Rev. Barber will speak as well as Kentuckians from across the state. You do not need to participate in the direct action to attend the Speak OUT. For those also interested in participating in the nonviolent direct action, we ask that you attend a training at 11 am and registration for the training is required. Coming together across issues and geography to put our bodies on the line for the issues affecting us all helps break through lies and deceits and shift the moral narrative. It will be an historic occasion to participate in direct action with Rev. Barber. We know it will be a week to remember, led by Tayna Fogle, Kentucky Poor People’s Campaign Tri-Chair and Organizing Apprentice for Kentuckians for the Commonwealth. KY Poor People’s Campaign is pleased to partner with Kentuckians for the Commonwealth for the June 4 th activities. We look forward to hearing powerful artists and moral witnesses speak their truths- our truths! Our schedule will be the same, as we show our strength as a MORAL FUSION MOVEMENT. 11 am Nonviolent Moral Fusion Direct Action Training * 2 pm  Speak OUT – Capitol Steps (for everyone) 3 pm  Direct Action * Registration is required for the Nonviolent Moral Fusion Direct Action Training.This training is for people who plan to participate in the direct action or provide a specific support role. If you have previously trained with the KY PPC, you can come at 12:30. Registration is still required. Lunch is provided at the training. Thank you for showing up and speaking out. Forward Together! Kentucky Poor People's Campaign

Wednesday June 6th, 12:00 - 1:45 pm Louisville Sustainability Forum presents: Business as a Driver of Social Change

The Louisville Sustainability Forum purposes are to: Hold and promote the intention of sustainability for Louisville; Establish and nourish relationships that strengthen community and create change; and Create a space for discussion that inspires, motivates and deepens our ability to catalyze social change. Lead Presentation Business as a Driver of Social Change Scott Koloms, owner/CEO of Facilities Management Services Scott Koloms took over his father's Shelbyville, Kentucky janitorial service, Facilities Management Services, Inc. (FMS) in May of 2001. Lacking any formal business education or experience, Koloms relied on his instinct towards social justice and the values of compassion and kindness his father and grandfather instilled in him to run his business. What began as an intuitive approach to running an employee-centered business, evolved into an intentional, socially-conscious business model that measures social impact the same way it measures operational efficiencies and profitability. In November 2016, FMS became the first B-Corp (benefit corporation) certified janitorial service in the world and in July of 2017, the first public benefit corporation in Kentucky. Koloms will share the story of FMS' evolution and his continuously evolving business model that embeds social impact into the fabric of the business. He will discuss doing business the right way and his dream to make Kentucky first in good business. Ultimately, he hopes to inspire folks to reimagine for-profit businesses as a driver behind the social changes we need to see in Kentucky and the world. Shorter Presentations JCPS Needs a Sustainability Plan Betsy Ruhe, JCPS teacher Exotic insects threatening Kentucky Jennie M. E. Condra, Office of the State Entomologist *Directions to the Undercroft The meeting will be held in the Passionist Earth & Spirit Center's Undercroft Conference Room located in the lower level of the Passionist Monastery. Access to the Undercroft is down the steps located to the right of the front porch of the monastery. Parking is available in the Sacred Heart Retreat parking lot, just south of the Passionist Retreat House, or in the St. Agnes parking lot, north of the church.

Thursday, June 7th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm Ky Interfaith Power & Light presents “ Why Should I care About the Farm Bill?” Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church, 142 Crescent Ave, 40206

At this gathering we will be focusing on the several proposed changes in the upcoming bill and talk about how these changes affect our everyday lives. The Farm Bill is coming due for another five year renewal and the first draft created in the House of Representatives is likely to have a negative impact on many of the people you care about in your community. Whether it is providing a safeguard against poor nutrition through the SNAP program, supporting sustainable growth of organic farms and farmer’s markets, promoting healthy development in rural communities or increasing land conservation through rewards programs, the Farm Bill has a massive impact on the health of our neighbors, our land, our water and our small economies. The current version of the Farm Bill, which passed out of committee on April 12, will remove an estimated 20 million people from the food-assistance program, eliminate the Conservation Stewardship Program for land conservation, reduce support and funding for programs that help small farmers, organic farm and farmers’ markets and cuts USDA rural funding development by $500 million.

Friday, June 8 @ 9:00 pm - 11:30 pm Creatures Of The Night: Expedition Fireflies Bernheim Forest, 2075 Clermont Rd, Clermont, KY 40110

Journey with Bill Napper and fellow Volunteer Naturalists on a driving tour into sections of Bernheim where crepuscular and nocturnal creatures are most active. Program includes a small amount of hiking through easy terrain. Bernheim Members $10; Non-Members $12. Ages 8 and up. No pets allowed. Registration and payment are due by 4 P.M. on the day prior to start of program; Call (502) 955 – 8512

Monday, June 11, 6:30 pm Kentuckians for the Commonwealth Annual Chapter Meeting First Unitarian Church, 809 S. Fourth St, 40203

On Monday, June 11th, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth will have their chapter Annual Meeting, where they'll elect new local and state leaders, set goals for the year, suggest any changes to their platform, and eat good food while celebrating what they've accomplished this year. If you are interested in representing Jefferson County on the Steering Committee as an alternate, being a fundraising coordinator, or taking on a role on a local leadership body, please email becky@kftc.org . First Unitarian Church is wheelchair accessible, and this meeting will be potluck style so bring a dish to share if you're able! If you have any further questions about the space, or if there is something else we can do to make these meetings accessible for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

 Thursdays Starting June 14th, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Summer Emergence: Cultivating a Unique Path in a Post-Religious World Locations tba

Emergence is a community of integrative practice exploring the creative and intentional task of waking up and being whole. Many of us no longer find meaning in institutional religion and yet we long for a community of practice where we can forge a unique path that integrates the wisdom of diverse religious practices, depth psychology and scientific methods. During the summer months we will be exploring Thomas Moore's ideas from his book, "A Religion of One's Own." Topics include: Spiritual Secularity Art as Spiritual Path Skills for an Intuitive Life The Natural Mystic Dream Practices Pleasure, Desire and the Deeply Erotic A Sacred Way of Life Our gatherings seek a balance between learning, practice and group debriefing. Optional outside readings and study suggestions will be provided to those who want to go further into a specific methodology or practices. Cost - $20.00 a week ($240.00) Space Limit is limited to fifteen participants. For more information or to RSVP contact, Jud Hendrix judhendrix7@globalhumanproject.com   502.235.3250

Tuesday, June 19th, 7:00 pm Greater Louisville Sierra Club presents Sarah Lynn Cunningham on the ECOdepot United Crescent Hill Ministries Building, 150 S. State St, 40206

Please join us as we welcome longtime environmental activist and educator, Sarah Lynn Cunningham. We will learn about ECOdepot, a new venture of Louisville Climate Action Network. Whether you're a renter, home or small business owner, or non-profit manager, you have better ways to spend your money than on utility bills. You're concerned about your use of fossil fuels contributing to climate chaos and you're willing to invest in energy efficiency. But how do you decide how best to invest what money you can afford? Wouldn't an independent, reliable source of advice be helpful, especially if LG&E ends its efficiency programs, as proposed?  Enter the Louisville Climate Action Network's ECOdepot: The Center for Cutting Carbon & Costs. LCAN's Sarah Lynn Cunningham will tell us about the exciting latest developments toward opening The ECOdepot's doors. Our programs are always free and open to the public.

Tuesday, June 19th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm West Jefferson County Community Task Force Monthly Community Meeting 2900 W Broadway, Suite 218, 40211

On the third Tuesday of each month (except December), the West Jefferson County Community Task Force (WJCCTF) brings concerns and important information to residents and businesses about environmental, health and wellness and issues that impact our communities. Topics vary each month and refreshments are provided from 5:30 – 6:00 PM followed by informative presentations from 6 – 7:30 pm. Join the conversation. Let your voice be heard and get the answers you need. Monthly topics are posted on the WJCCTF Facebook page for your information. Follow this link to our Facebook event!

Thursday, June 28th, 6:00 - 8:30 pm The Green Convene explores the Lower Frankfort Avenue Initiative

Please join us for the Louisville Sustainability Council’s next Green Convene! We will continue a conversation on the future of the Frankfort Ave Corridor from Story Ave to River Road! This initiative wants to shine a light on the importance of transforming this area by developing continuous sidewalks, restoring a segment of Beargrass Creek, and ensuring Louisville move the impound lot so that the area can be a thriving connector from Upper Frankfort to the river. This free community event will offer an opportunity to learn the history of the area and importance of neighborhoods, get an update on current area planning, and understand how to stay involved moving forward. Full event agenda coming soon. Details coming to their calendar here.

Summer Camps for Youth

Monday, June 4 - Friday June 8, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Young Explorers Camp Session 1 Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40213

Who lives in woods? You’ll explore the trails and gardens as we look for animals, flowers and bugs that live in the woods. Enjoy arts and crafts and related games. After lunch we will enter our own fantasy world of fairies, dragons, and other mythical creatures. For ages 4-6. 9 AM to 4 PM daily. $220 non-members / $176 members *Half day AM or PM option available for $125 non-members / $100 members Register here!

Monday, June 11 - Friday, June 15 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Magical Nature Camp Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40213

Welcome to "Bogwarts School for Nature Wizards" where you will uncover the magic of nature in the Beargrass Creek Nature Preserve. This camp is based loosely on the Harry Potter books. Play Quidditch and learn about potions, herbology, magical creatures and more! ages 8 to 12.  9am-4 pm each day $220 non-members/ $176 members Sign up at louisvillenaturecenter.org

June 18 - June 22, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Young Explorers II Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave, Louisville, Kentucky 40213

Special addition/ edition! Our popular Young Explorers camp gets extended to a third week! Who lives in woods? You’ll explore the trails and gardens as we look for animals, flowers and bugs that live in the woods. Enjoy arts and crafts and related games. After lunch we will enter our own fantasy world of fairies, dragons, and other mythical creatures. For ages 4-6. 9 AM to 4 PM daily. $220 non-members / $176 members *Half day AM or PM option available for $125 non-members / $100 members Sign up at louisvillenaturecenter.org

Tuesday, June 19 - Thursday June 21, 10 am - 3 pm Teen Leaders for Diversity Summer Camp Presented by Peace Education Program

The work of the National Coalition Building Institute is the foundation of our diversity workshops for 12 - 17 year olds. Teens explore and deepen the basic skills of affirmation, communication, cooperation and problem solving. They learn together how to celebrate their similarities and differences, understand stereotypes and interrupt prejudicial acts, remarks and slurs. "I've improved my people skills - especially around resolving conflicts." "Because of this camp I am better able to work with people that are different than me".  "I had a great time and will recommend it to my friends!" "At this camp we learned to work together as a team and communicate well with each other" "I came into this camp all stressed out and came out all cool, calm and relaxed." Participants must be ready and willing to interact in small groups. The $45 fee covers lunch and snacks. Some scholarships are available. Online registration and downloadable forms are available on our website.

Wednesday July 11 - Friday July 13, 10 am - 3 pm Making Social Media That Matters Camp Presented by Peace Education Program

This three-day PeaceCasters workshop is for people age 12-17 who want to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and all social media to create positive change and affect their world (and maybe make some memes while they're at it). Our focus will be on building communication skills and best practices for a respectful social media lifestyle. It will be designed and presented by other young people and is all 100% hands-on. Session topics will include: * Social Media Success Stories * Going Viral - Building Followings * Creating Messages With Meaning * Exploring Popular Platforms * Creating Graphics That "Pop" * Responding to online bullying Participants must be ready and willing to interact in small groups. The $45 fee covers lunch and snacks. Some scholarships are available. Online registration is available on our website. Requests for additional information and general questions can be directed to mark@Peaceeducationprogram.org.

Thursday and Friday, July 12-13, 8:30-11:30am Little Peacemakers Camp Days Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion

Learn terrific stories for growing hearts, first steps in mindfulness, cooperative game playing, art-making and creative crafts. Kids entering Kindergarten to 2nd Grade this August will work on expanding their natural compassion and gratitude to help build peace and understanding in our world. Cost: $45 per child includes all materials. Write to DrepungGomangCompassion@gmail.com or call 502-614-5616! Some partial scholarships are available due to a kind grant from Kosair Charities.

Monday – Friday, July 16-20, 8:30am - Noon Compassionate Kids Peacemaking Camp Drepung Gomang Center for Engaging Compassion

Using stories, art and movement, learn about being compassionate, not hurting others, and mindfulness! This morning camp is for children who are entering 3rd to 5th grades in August. DrepungGomangCompassion@gmail.com for more info. $100 per child; registration is filled at 15 children – sign up now by writing DrepungGomangCompassion@gmail.com or calling 502-614-5616! Some partial scholarships are available, with thanks to Kosair Charities.

And More . . .

On September 8th, after months of organizing and movement-building, the Peoples Climate Movement will move tens of thousands of people across the country into action, joining partners from around the world, to show our elected leaders that we demand action on climate change.  Eight weeks later, millions more will take those demands to the polls, making Climate, Jobs, and Justice central issues in the mid-term elections and beyond. Will you join us? In the past year Trump has launched unprecedented attacks on our environment, the clean power plan, and the Environmental Protection Agency. His administration has trampled on the rights of frontline communities hardest hit by climate change and deregulated protections for our precious natural resources. The good news? More than ever, people are ready to take action, to hit the streets, and fight back. With the 2018 midterm elections fast approaching, now is the time to engage and mobilize our communities for climate, jobs, and justice. Pledge to join tens of thousands of people taking action to demand bold climate action on September 8th, and beyond. Our communities, our planet, and our future depend on a climate movement that reaches all corners of this country. To change everything, it takes everyone — and with your help we can build a sustainable world for generations to come.

Help out the Green Heart Initiative! Green Heart is calling for volunteers from the Oakdale, Taylor-Berry, Jacobs, Hazelwood, Wilder Park, and Beechmont neighborhoods! You can help the University of Louisville School of Medicine find the connections between heart health and nature by visiting https://GreenHeartLouStudy.com to see if you qualify!

Green Heart Louisville explores how trees, shrubs, and other plants can change the health of a neighborhood and the people that live there. Connect with Green Heart on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GreenHeartLouisville or email GreenHeart@Louisville.edu.

Nature Rich Louisville by Lacey McNary Lacy McNary of the Nature Rich Louisville Alliance is submitting the following to the Courier Journal as an Op Ed. We are delighted to have the opportunity to preview it for you here.

When you think about nature – what comes to mind? A destination? A long car drive away? Mountains? Your backyard? Your childhood? What about bugs, dirt, trees, adventure, stars, skinned knees, wonder, courage, quiet? Where is your view of nature and how often do you interact with it? Unfortunately technology, safety concerns, lack of awareness, and over programming keep too many of the kids in Louisville out of natural environments. Research documents the huge benefits of getting kids outside, into fresh air, into the quiet, into the streams, into the woods. The feeling of freedom, connection with other living creatures, and the sense of joy and wonder can free kids, even temporarily, from the often times toxic stress of their lives. We know that many kids have stressors that weigh them down and constrict their development. I know for my own kids, it takes about ten minutes for the complaints about boredom and being away from electronics to subside when we go outside. After that they are building forts with tree limbs at Iroquois Park, splashing in the cold water at the Parklands, and running down the bumpy trails at Jefferson Memorial Forest. They are taking part in challenging activities like climbing trees at Cherokee Park, jumping off boulders at the Falls of the Ohio Park, walking atop fallen tree trunks at the Louisville Nature Center or crossing streams at Bernheim Forest. These activities build confidence, calm the senses and slow us down. Luckily, Louisville is rich in natural resources and rich in ways to connect with nature. With these resources, comes responsibility. We need to be sure there is equitable access and equitable ways to connect with the city’s beautiful natural experiences. According to recent data released by the Louisville Metro Health Department’s Center for Health Equity there are some zip codes in the city where life expectancy is up to 10 years less than other zip codes. This is the place to start. We can start with ensuring that barriers to getting outside are removed for the kids in these zip codes. Also luckily, for Louisville, there are many organizations in the city whose missions are get kids out into nature. These organizations have organized themselves as the “Nature Rich Louisville Alliance” and have committed to ensuring equitable access for all kids and families in Louisville to get outside. Join the Alliance on facebook to find out what nature rich experiences are available to you and your kids, grandkids, students, scouts, nieces, nephews, neighbors, patients, church members, afterschool program participants, kids in foster care and all kids! Lacey McNary is a mom, social worker, Girl Scout leader, and nature lover. She is also the Founder/Principal of McNary Group, a local social justice, research, and policy consulting practice.

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