No Kings for October

In This Issue

• Events

  • 10/12: Hour of Action With 350 Chicago and Chicago Climate Changemakers

  • 10/13: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • 10/15: 350 Speaker Series: Climate Action Planning Webinar - Looking Beyond Carbon Neutrality and Resilience

  • 10/16: Chicago Climate Connect Green Soapbox Panel Discussion

  • 10/18: 350 Chicago at No Kings 2 Protest

  • 10/19: 350 Chicago at Re-use-a-Palooza at the Plant

  • 10/25: 350 Chicago at Evanston Farmers Market

  • 10/28: Chicago Climate Connect x Baumhart Center: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Global Exchange

  • 11/1: 350 Chicago at McHenry County Green Expo

• Action Center

  • How You and Your Workplace Can Support 350 Chicago

  • Build Clean Energy Now Petition

  • Climate Safe Pensions Petition

  • Utility Transparency Act Petition

• News

  • Sun Day Solar Fest 2025

  • 350 Chicago Happy Hour Recap

  • 350 Chicago Volunteering Recap: Fall Nature Fest, Growing Home in Englewood, Sustainable Fashion in Action

  • Can the Latest Youth Climate Case Win Where Others Have Failed?

• Main Article

  • 350 Chicago and No Kings: Why Our Planet Needs All of Us to Preserve Democracy

Events

Hour of Action With 350 Chicago and Chicago Climate Changemakers

• Sunday, October 12th, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

• The Unwaste Shop, 1108 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

• REGISTER HERE (free)

Hours of Action are 60-minute events with live and productive action-taking where attendees advance U.S. climate policy through timely, strategic civic action. Hours of Action are available both virtually nationwide and in person in cities across the U.S. Wherever you show up, just bring a laptop and the host will have everything else you need, so no prep is needed, ever.

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, October 13th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please email [email protected] to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

350 Speaker Series: Climate Action Planning Webinar - Looking Beyond Carbon Neutrality and Resilience

• Wednesday, October 15th, 6:00pm

• Zoom Webinar

• REGISTER HERE (free)

In this talk, Dr. Adrienne Greve will summarize what a climate action plan (CAP) is, what they most often do or cover, and how the best developed CAPs are successful. She will then go beyond the traditional aspects of climate planning to talk about some aspects that are often left out such as the development of municipal infrastructure and the means of financing these aspects of city functioning. REGISTER HERE.

Chicago Climate Connect Green Soapbox Panel Discussion

• Thursday, October 16th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

• 111 N Canal St, Chicago, 60606

• REGISTER HERE (free)

Join us for food and drinks as expert speakers discuss sustainable food technologies, impacts on agriculture, and everything else you might want to know about how local food systems are adapting to today’s climate challenges.

350 Chicago at No Kings 2 Protest

• Saturday, October 18th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Grant Park

In the wake of unprecedented attacks on democracy and fellow Americans, we stand at a crossroads in America where the rule of law, climate work, and democracy itself are on the brink of destruction. As such, 350 Chicago is joining a host of organizations at the No Kings 2 protest on Saturday, October 18 to do our part to help fight for our democracy. To read more information on why we chose to join, see our article below: 350 Chicago and No Kings: Why Our Planet Needs Democracy.

350 Chicago at Re-use-a-Palooza at the Plant

• Sunday, October 19th, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

• The Plant, 1400 W 46th St Suite 211, Chicago, IL 60609

350 Chicago will be volunteering at Reuse-a-Palooza at the Plant. We will be gathering signatures in support of the State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign and the Utility Accountability Campaign. Come meet us at our booth!

350 Chicago at Evanston Farmers Market

• Saturday, October 25th, 7:30am - 1:00pm

• 7:00am - 7:30am early access for seniors and adults with disabilities

• Located at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue next to the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston

350 Chicago will be collecting signatures to support our climate safe pensions campaign and our utility accountability campaign. Free parking for the farmers market is available in the adjacent 1800 Maple Avenue Self Park. Be sure to get your parking voucher verified at the City of Evanston booth.

Chicago Climate Connect x Baumhart Center: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Global Exchange

• Tuesday, October 28th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

• Baumhart Hall, 26 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

• REGISTER HERE (free)

Join the Baumhart Center and Chicago Climate Connect for a conversation that will explore how the exchange of ideas across regions can spark unexpected insights, challenge assumptions, and show how local breakthroughs can inspire global action to confront the climate crisis. The program will include opportunities to network with fellow attendees, gain perspectives from an inspiring panel, and learn about additional ways to stay connected to the climate community in Chicago and beyond.

350 Chicago at McHenry County Green Expo

• Saturday, November 1st, 10:00am - 3:00pm

• McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012

• Free admission

The Green Living Expo will feature a 2,500-gallon fish tank with native fish, pumpkin composting, an interactive watershed exhibit, eco-friendly vendors, and free fixes for small items at the repair fair. Stop by to say hi to 350 Chicago and get in on the action!

Action Center

How You and Your Workplace Can Support 350 Chicago

Wondering how you can help continue to support us? It’s easier than you think!

The best way to help is by volunteering with us! Just go to our volunteer page and sign up! We can use volunteers in every campaign, from Fundraising to Outreach to Divestment, to Communications (which runs this newsletter).

Short on time? The most consistent way to support us monetarily is by becoming a monthly climate sustainer. Monthly donors are the backbone of our organization and allow us to do the work we do day-in and day-out.

You can also give through your workplace! As a member of Community Shares of Illinois, 350 Chicago has benefited through giving campaigns at workplaces throughout Illinois.

Build Clean Energy Now Petition

America stands at a crossroads in our energy future. While our nation has led the world in clean energy innovation and deployment for decades, recent federal actions threaten to undermine the progress that has made energy more affordable, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, and strengthened our economic competitiveness. We call on our local elected officials to embrace clean energy as the foundation for economic prosperity, energy independence, and a healthier future for everyone.

Learn more and sign here: Build Clean Energy Now Petition!

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

News

Sun Day Solar Fest 2025

by Christine Skolnik

Solar Fest on September 21^st at Montrose Beach was one of over 400 Sun Day events in the U.S. and abroad drawing attention to and celebrating solar energy for everyone. 350 Chicago collaborated with Third Act Illinois and a variety of environmental and renewable energy allies in producing a family-friendly day of entertainment, education, and mutual support. We also got some important media coverage!

See this report on CBS News Chicago

The entertainment consisted of live music including Blues and Folk singers, a Latin ensemble, and a small Jazz band; a flash mob with activists dressed up as flowers, insects, and an extra, extra, large caterpillar, all dancing to Bob Marley’s inspirational “Get Up, Stand Up”; and a hugely successful kids activity raising and running underneath a colorful “sun” parachute.

In addition to our illustrious and perennially optimistic host, NPR’s Jerome McDonnel, we heard short but inspiring speeches from various allied organizations. We learned about State policies and legislation, support for people at all income levels interested in installing solar energy, and the wide variety of negative health impacts from air pollution and climate change. The information tables were also interesting and truly educational. My adult son learned how to opt into renewables as a renter (at the Citizens Utility Board table), and I learned about the 360 Energy Groups when a representative visited the 350 table bearing gifts. I was particularly heartened by the display of EV’s in various shapes, sizes, and price ranges (including my very own, very cool Toyota bZ4x).

The event was distinguished from other 350 Chicago actions by two important and uplifting features. First, it was designed to include families and young children. My son (a pre-school teacher) and I pretested solar-powered toy cars which we found really, really fun and instructive. Second, the event was a truly collaborative enterprise in which 350 Chicago members were able to reconnect with old allies, such as Citizens Utility Board and Edgewater Environmental Coalition as well as Third Act Illinois, and meet new ones such as Illinois Solar for All and 360 Energy Group. The spirit of collaboration was evident from set up starting before 9 am until break down after 4 pm, and indeed all through the event. Volunteers from different organizations assembled a stage and solar-powered audio system; helped each other pitch tents all around the park; signed each other’s petitions and post cards; and made sure everyone stayed safe, hydrated, and fed.

We took care of each other. And that’s the real bottom line.

350 Chicago Happy Hour Recap

350 Chicago hosted our Summer Happy Hour at the Adams Street Brewery. We had lively, casual conversations about climate activism and enjoyed each other’s company. Of course, everyone ate huge pretzels and drank some tasty beer. Thanks to everyone who came. It was a great turn out!

350 Chicago Volunteering Recap: Fall Nature Fest, Growing Home in Englewood, Sustainable Fashion in Action

350 Chicago was present volunteering all over Chicago last month; a few highlights were the 2025 Fall Nature Fest at LaBagh Woods, the Growing Home Certified Organic Farm in Englewood (as usual the produce was top notch, especially the Eggplant!), and Sustainable Fashion in Action with Chicago Climate Connect. Thank you to everyone who came out to learn about what we do and sign petitions for our campaigns! Interested in helping volunteer at future events? Reach out to get involved with us here!

Can the Latest Youth Climate Case Win Where Others Have Failed?

via Inside Climate News: In Lighthiser v. Trump, 22 young people are asking a federal court to declare executive orders that “unleash” fossil fuels unconstitutional. It will be an uphill battle as they face some of the same challenges that led to the dismissal of another famous climate case. 350 Chicago reported on these egregious executive orders in our February newsletter.

Main Article

350 Chicago and No Kings: Why Our Planet Needs All of Us to Preserve Democracy

As a climate-focused nonprofit, 350 Chicago finds itself at a crossroads. We have always been laser-focused on climate. We are also a 501(c)(3), which means we do not support political candidates and we do not engage with political campaigns or PACs. We are truly nonpartisan, neither Democrat nor Republican. When covering politics, we focus exclusively on climate policy (which has been an ongoing disaster under Trump). But Trump’s attacks on our democratic institutions go far beyond his attacks on the EPA or climate science.

Like many of you, we have watched with dismay as the Trump administration dismantles the fundamental institutions which preserve our democracy. The full extent of these attacks are beyond what we can list here, but if you are brave enough to turn on the news these days you have undoubtedly watched example after example as Trump dismantles our systems of checks and balances, hollows out federal agencies, threatens free speech, and works to undermine the electoral process itself.

Now, following the playbook of all tyrants, Trump is using force and violence to attack dissenters and political opponents. He has set his sights on Chicago, deploying ICE agents like his personal police force, kidnapping and disappearing children and families, clashing with protesters, and spreading intimidation and fear. He is sending the Texas National Guard to Chicago, against the express wishes of Governor Pritzker. He has made it clear he intends to use the federal government shutdown to further attack his political opponents, and is now openly celebrating Project 2025, as he follows its playbook to seize power and silence opposition.

The march towards authoritarianism is clear: if we continue down it much longer, the American people will no longer have a voice in our government. There will be no checks and balances on Trump’s power. Democracy as we know it in America will cease to function.

So, the question for a climate-focused organization like ours: Is preserving American democracy within our mission of protecting our climate and environment? We believe the answer is unequivocally YES.

If Americans are no longer able to participate in government, there will be no method where we can advocate for our families, our communities, or our planet. When it comes to climate, we are already rapidly speeding down a path to a warming planet that may be uninhabitable for future generations. Without the institutions of a democracy, we lose any ability to change course.

With this in mind, 350 Chicago officially joins the No Kings movement and will be marching on Saturday, October 18th. We may be a small organization without powerful political connections or vast sums of wealth, but we believe it is essential we play our small role to preserve our democracy, so that we can have some hope of preserving our planet as well. Hope to see you all out there with us on the 18^th!