Did You See ECA listed by Yale Climate Connections?

Yale Climate Connections

Six groups that will help you get active on climate

Wondering what you can do? Here are some places to start.

By SueEllen Campbell, November 1, 2019

The summer’s worldwide climate strikes, led by children and teenagers, have proven to be both galvanizing and important.

But as 16-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg keeps emphasizing, dealing with climate change shouldn’t be the job of children. For one thing, we can’t wait for these alarmed young people to grow old enough to take leadership positions to enact policies or invent new technologies – or even, in many cases, to vote. Adults need to step up to the job. It’s they who need to be galvanized.

But, you may think, even if just to yourself, “What can I do all alone?” It’s a common refrain.

One easy answer: stop being alone. Find other people to work with. Start your own group. Or join one that feels right for you.

Here are a few sample ideas.

First, for a laugh about how adults should not react to the youth-led strikes, watch this YouTube video of a Greta Thunberg Helpline (“For adults angry at a child”).

To help yourself get going, even if it is just by talking, read this very good essay by Alex Steffen, “How to Be Young in a Climate Emergency.”

Two well-known groups are 350.org, which focuses on keeping fossil fuels in the ground, mainly through widespread grassroots activism, and the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, which trains people to engage elected officials in bipartisan conversations about carbon fee and dividend plans.

If one of your jobs is being a parent, you might want to look at Moms Clean Air Force, Mothers Out Front (recognized by the UN with one of its Global Climate Action Awards), and Ecodads. And check the Australian group 1 Million Women, especially its Facebook feed, which is full of concrete daily changes you could make. These groups engage in activism, politics, education, reducing carbon consumption in daily life, and more. You needn’t join in any official way to take inspiration from them.

Last, but far from least, if you’re old enough to be a grandparent, with a deep well of experience and knowledge to draw from, a seasoned heart and mind, and some time and passion to give, take a look at Elders Climate Action.

 

 

Did You See ECA on MSNBC?

A Special Segment During the September Climate Strike

More older Americans becoming climate activists

by VELSHI & RUHLE, Sept. 20, 2019

Millions of kids walked out of their classrooms today to draw attention to the climate change crisis. Even though most people probably associate this kind of activism with young people, the climate crisis is also turning retirees into activists. Chris Jansing explains.

Watch the video here 

 

Multiple ECA mentions from Associate Press Article

ECA mentioned in Jane Fonda returns to civil disobedience for climate change Associated Press Article published through multiple media outlets in October

 

Minneapolis Star Tribune

http://www.startribune.com/climate-has-fonda-picking-up-where-she-left-off-in-the-1970s/563388612/

 

The Morning Call

https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/sns-bc-us–climate-protests-fonda-20191018-story.html

 

PBS NEWSHOUR

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/jane-fonda-gets-arrested-again-for-climate-change

 

The Herald Journal

https://www.hjnews.com/features/arts_entertainment/jane-fonda-returns-to-civil-disobedience-for-climate-change/article_1a3ad43e-8a89-5b8e-a352-8c0ca1178aab.html

 

 

ECA in Grand Magazine

Grand Magazine (August 2, 2019)

Fun Things To Do With The Grandkids

Some GRAND readers weighed in on what can you do to entertain the grandkids when they come for a visit.

From Rosie Neyhouse (grandma 5x grandm)

We have free Wednesday movies at our local cinema, the animal shelter loves for you to come and socialize the animals, our park has a walking riding path (scooters or bikes also work) and the playground, of course, bowling,     local art center, outdoor theaters, picnics, local camping, family craft night, choose a new recipe and cook together (a salad, plan an entire healthy no-cook meal), many towns/cities have festivals and other entertainment throughout the summer (many are free), organize family game nights with board games, dice games, card games, yard games, “MINUTE to WIN IT” games, family movie night with popcorn.

Letting the grandchildren help with organizing and selecting age-appropriate activities can help bond and teach numerous skills.

From Bettianne Ford

We have a dedicated playroom in our enclosed sunroom- nothing fancy- but the littles know it’s their “go-to” place. It’s stocked with toys and dress-ups, as well as a dollhouse, stuffed animals, art supplies, child-size table and comfy pillows to sit on on the floor. ? Thanks for listening, and make some AWESOME memories with the grandchildren that will last a lifetime!

From Sue Blyth

I want my grandchildren to know that we can have some fun together learning about how to care for people and planet.  Elders Climate Action offers books, videos, and online tools for helping young people learn about climate change.  We, the World invites people everywhere to start an elder/youth climate conversation in your community.  This year’s theme for the September 21 International Day of Peace is “Climate Action for Peace.”  Support young people in taking action for a sustainable future!

READ MORE HERE

 

ECA in YES! Magazine

Yes! Magazine (July 16, 2019) 

A Climate Action for Every Type of Activist

Excerpt from theYes! Magazine article

“9. You’re older and want to fight for the next generation.

Elders Climate Action members are using their life experience and skills—and for many, the extra time they have in retirement—to try to make a difference on climate issues.

“Most of us won’t be around when the worst of climate change hits, but the people we love will be,” says Leslie Wharton, Elders co-chair.

Although members are nominally 55 and older, anyone can join; people as young as 18 have. And even though some members are in frail health, they can still get a lot done. For instance, members of an Elders group at an assisted living home write letters to lawmakers to ask for pledges of action on climate from candidates who come to speak to them.”

Read the Full Article Here

 

 

Did You See ECA in the USA Today?

These grandparents are dropping everything to fight climate change

By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, Published 9:24 a.m. ET April 23, 2019

Late-blooming climate activists

Leslie Wharton calls herself a “late-blooming” activist. Now 67, she still works full time as a lawyer, a career that’s kept her so busy she simply hadn’t paid much attention to the issue of climate change.

She was never much for protesting, even though she was in college during the Vietnam War.

“I didn’t go out and march. I was too deep in my studies,” she said. She ended up getting a Ph.D. in American history, then going to law school.

A six-month sabbatical gave her time to catch up on her reading. What she learned about climate change worried her as someone who had studied the rise and fall of Babylonia, Assyria and ancient Rome and Greece.

“We live in a world we think is forever. Because I had been a historian, I realized that there’s nothing guaranteed,” she said.

She lives in Montgomery County, Maryland and in 2015 she got involved with Elders Climate Action, a national group of grandparents and concerned elders who work to fight climate change. “I stepped out of my comfort zone and went to a gathering in D.C.,” she said.

It’s not something she’s really comfortable with as a “totally introverted non-activist,” but she feels she must. There’s no time to lose, she said.

“If we play our cards right, we could actually come through or we could lose it all. A lot turns on what happens in the next year, five years, 10 years. We can’t wait 10 years to start moving.”

Last month, she did a presentation on climate change at a nearby retirement community. She’s also worked with some elders in a supported living community on the nuts and bolts of political organizing.

“They have been busy protesting fracking gas pipeline construction for the past year!” she said.

Read the Full Article Here

 

 

Back To TopBack To Top
Loading...