Heard on the Street and in the Forest | April 2021 Newsletter |
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EAN activities are only possible through the support of individuals just like you. Thank you for your generosity. |
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From the Editors: You might notice that we have focused on ACTIONS in this newsletter, taking seriously our mission to address the environmental and social justice issues that threaten us all. Read more below, and be sure to click on those TAKE ACTION buttons! Thanks, BJ and Lynne |
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From the Street – to Inform Us
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Let's THRIVE!
We talk about wanting a better world – a thriving and just world. This isn’t a dream; it is possible; and now we can take steps to make it a reality. This is why Elders Action Network has endorsed the THRIVE Agenda – a bold plan for economic renewal that will create millions of jobs for a just, healthy and equitable society.
THRIVE stands for Transform, Heal, and Renew by Investing in a Vibrant Economy. It addresses the interlocking issues of the pandemic, unemployment, systemic racism, and climate crises while creating good jobs and a better life for the millions who remain vulnerable in this pivotal moment.
The Thrive Act will put 15 million people to work in reliable, union-supported, family-sustaining jobs. It will cut climate pollution in half by 2030, and it will advance racial, Indigenous, gender, environmental, and economic justice.
What Can You Do? Call your member of Congress today and urge them to co-sponsor and support this historic opportunity for Congress to pass an economic recovery and infrastructure package ensuring a better future for all. TAKE ACTION
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For the People – That’s Us!
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the For The People Act – a groundbreaking package of election rights reforms that make it easier for individuals to vote, make redistricting more non-partisan, and make campaign finance fairer and more transparent. The Bill also includes ethical standards for elected officials.
H.R.1/S.1, the For the People Act, is the most crucial voting rights legislation in 50 years. Your help is needed to make sure that Congress understands that there is overwhelming public support for protecting voting rights against dozens of voter suppression bills that are being proposed in state legislatures.
Let your Senator know that you support voting rights! TAKE ACTION
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My dear friends: Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union. –John Lewis |
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What’s the problem with plastics?
Oceana, the non-profit environmental group, estimates that in 2019 Amazon used 22 million pounds of plastic waste that found its way into global freshwater and marine ecosystems. Although Amazon disputes the actual number, this avalanche of cast-off plastic can only surge as the nation’s largest e-commerce giant continues to increase sales in 2021. (Opinion, New York Times, April 5, 2021) Amazon is not the only company but is by far the most massive in the use of single-use plastics.
Plastic pollution endangers every living thing on Earth!
What Can You Do?
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Sustainability Team suggests:
It's spring at last! A time for hope, energy, and all things new! Many of us look forward to getting our hands in the soil and planting the things that bring us joy each year. Let’s take it from the personal, create broader, systemic change, and support local agriculture. Join a CSA or shop at your local Farmers’ Markets. Connect with people and share the rewards of our locally-grown treasures. (Thanks to Melissa Ribner)
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AntiRacism Team suggests:
We want to make it very clear: it’s not just about race. It’s not just about gender. It is about white supremacy and anti-Asian racism. It’s about sexism. It’s about intersectional, sexual violence that Asian American women face. –Vivian Tsou
What Can You Do? Remember the importance of bearing witness to what is happening, being present, and responding appropriately when needed. Read more HERE
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What's Happening Within EAN? |
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EAN in the News!
Age No Bar – An older generation of climate activists is increasingly showing up to demand a better future for the planet. Groups of “elder activists" – especially our own Elders Climate Action – have blossomed into full-fledged organizations working in tandem with younger groups.
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SAVE THE DATE for this exciting event!
Elders Action Network’s Online National Gathering
September 10, 2021 (9am-12pm PT / 12-3pm ET)
Why Elders? Why Now? Engage with other elders across the nation as we unveil new plans for EAN, identify where our actions are needed, and work together to create our legacies. Watch for further announcements!
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Opportunities Abound with these Teams:
Help with National Gathering: Marketing, registration, and coordinating the Post-Gathering
Join our Communications Team: We are focusing on our "messaging” and editing our website
Social Media Maven: Create events and posts, respond to messages, help build engagement on our Facebook page
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Evolutionary Leap Elder Action Circle
The Evolutionary Leap Elder Action Circle supports inner growth and actions that promote and build awareness that we are One Earth, One Humanity, One Future. We meet twice monthly on Zoom. Join us! Contact: Nancy Margulies or Mike Abkin
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Elders for Sound Democracy (ESD)
ESD is organizing to move us towards a truer democracy: fighting for voting rights, fair electoral representation, limiting big money in politics, opposing media manipulation, and promoting healthy civic values and norms. What can you do? Find out how to TAKE ACTION!
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Elders for Regenerative Living (ERL)
How do we live more sustainably in accordance with what our Earth home can support and sustain? One way is by participating in our upcoming Plastics Workshop!
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Elders for Social Justice (ESJ)
ESJ is focusing on antiracism by again offering the Me and White Supremacy Workshop in May and June. We are also asking what we can do to help young people who are fleeing to the U.S. from their homes and families in Central America. Hope Frye, attorney and child immigrant advocate, will speak with us on April 15 regarding U.S. policies on immigration, incarceration, and Latin America; then on April 22 we’ll plan a group action relating to Hope Frye’s presentation. Join us!
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Our EAN programs are open to all ages! |
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Cause for Applause!
The Empire State Building will soon be converted to renewable wind energy.
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From the Arts – to Inspire Us
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Need some hope?
A Message From the Future II: The Years of Repair illustrates a vision of a future that began when 2020 forced us to abandon oppressive systems. Beautiful illustrations and poignant storytelling remind us that a better world is possible, and we can all be agents of change in its creation.
I wish it need not have happened in my time, said Frodo.
So do I, said Grandalf, and so do all who live in such times.
But that is not for us to decide.
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.
–Lord of the Rings
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From the Forest – to Awaken Us
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EARTH DAY!
Earth Day is an annual celebration to support protecting Earth. This year there is much to celebrate, as we affirm the words of Simon Moya-Smith an Oglala Sioux, who wrote to NBC News:
A new scintilla of hope has bloomed among us...because our new Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, like millions of indigenous people, strongly believes in and practices the Seven Generation Rule. The rule says that all significant decisions must be made with the next seven generations in mind and includes preserving and protecting the water, Earth, and the two-leggeds for people you will never meet, at least in this lifetime...
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There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle.
Because we do not lead single-issue lives.
Our struggles are particular,
But we are not alone.
What we must do is commit ourselves
To some future that can include each other
Ant do work toward that future
With the particular strengths
Of our individual lives
–Audre Lorde
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It takes all of us. Become a supporter of EAN. |
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