Join the December Meeting: (Public) Power to the People!
Thursday, December 10, 7:30 pm
Learn about the Campaign for Public Power — aiming to get public utilities under public control — at 350BK’s monthly meeting Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 pm. Instead of for-profit utility corporations further enriching themselves off climate-destroying fossil fuels, the campaign aims to create a publicly-owned, democratically-run utility with a mandate to achieve a safe, reliable, affordable, and 100% renewable energy service. Hear about ways to get involved and support public power in New York. Daniel Goulden of NYC-DSA and State Senator-Elect Jabari Brisport will be this meeting’s guest speakers.
Advance registration is required to attend the meeting, which will take place over Zoom.
Brooklyn Bids! 350Brooklyn’s Climate Action Auction
Now open through December 2
Don’t miss out! Our Brooklyn Bids! auction is now open and already items are moving. We’ve got wonderful online music classes for bass, guitar, or piano taught by our own Ben Kogan and Marc Schmied. You can gather (remotely) with friends for an invigorating antidote to indoor isolation with a “Move with Me” class from our great Lynn Neuman. You’ve seen the emails—we’ve got tons of awesome items up for bid.
Start bidding today by signing up for a 32auctions account and visiting our auction to see what’s there for you! Share the link with friends to spread the word, as this auction is by invitation only.
Stop the Money Pipeline
The STMP campaign restarted at 350Brooklyn at the last general meeting. This campaign, suspended last spring due to Covid, aims to call out investment banks, asset management companies, and insurance companies in order to get them to divest from fossil fuel. Our focus is presently on JPMorgan Chase, the world’s biggest investor in fossil fuel. We are starting with a letter to Jamie Dimon, Chase CEO, and leaving Google reviews protesting Chase investment practices. We are also planning in-person, socially-distanced Brooklyn protests against Chase branches. We will do many more in-person protests when we are out of Covid. Please join our efforts by emailing us at [email protected]. Send us your ideas or just express interest, and we will put you on our list.
350Brooklyn’s New Mission and Principles
Now that 350Brooklyn has reached the ripe old age of five, our Steering Committee decided to reexamine our guiding principles. Here is our new Mission and Statement of Principles.
Our mission:
350Brooklyn strives to counter the climate crisis through local action. We work toward a world that is just, equitable, and sustainable, and where all beings can thrive.
Our principles:
- 350Brooklyn focuses on local issues and local responses to wider issues. We respond to the concerns of Brooklyn communities, and we build Brooklynites’ power to fight the climate crisis and move toward a more just society.
- 350Brooklyn is committed to a just transition to a fair and sustainable society. To be just, the transition must be guided by communities historically burdened by environmental injustice and center the needs of displaced workers and under-resourced communities.
- 350Brooklyn is committed to principles of anti-racism and inclusiveness. We recognize that there is no liberation from the exploitation of the Earth without an end to the exploitation of human beings by one another.
- 350Brooklyn is a grassroots organization, built on the power of ordinary people working together. We strive to be as democratic as possible, sharing decision making and remaining open to ideas from many sources.
- 350Brooklyn works to create opportunities for each person to pursue satisfying work in confronting the climate crisis. We recognize that people do this work amid many other obligations, and we strive to help everyone use their skills and their time in ways that are meaningful and effective. As a volunteer-powered organization we trust in each other’s sincerity and good faith.
Get Involved in one of our Campaigns or Committees!
350Brooklyn is volunteer-powered. At the heart of these efforts are our campaigns and committees. Follow the links below for more information on how to join.
City Action Committee’s mission is to make Brooklyn and New York City leaders not only in climate policy but in the long-term actions and engagement needed to make those policies effective. Current campaigns include: The Renewable Rikers Act, Fighting Peaker Plants, Electric School Buses, Department of Sustainability and Climate Change. Please use this google form to connect with City Action.
The Climate Idea Exchange works to deepen public understanding of the climate crisis, breaking down the issue into manageable topics and showing people how to take action locally. We work both independently and in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library, and we're developing a podcast series. For more information on how to join our mission, email [email protected].
350BK Families organizes activities that bring children, youth, and their adults together for the climate. Current projects include pushing for the creation of 529 college savings plans that are free of fossil fuel investments. For more information on how to join, email [email protected].
Gowanus Neighborhood Coalition for Justice is a diverse coalition focused on equity, inclusion, justice, and economic and environmental sustainability. 350Brooklyn is part of this coalition, which is working to ensure that the rezoning of the Gowanus area honors the needs of all community members. Email [email protected] for more information on how to join GNCJ.
Legislation focuses on federal and New York State climate legislation. Current campaigns are NY Renews (to pass the Climate Community Investment Act), the Green New Deal, and stopping the repowering of the Gowanus power plant (with 350BK's City Action). For more information on how to join, email [email protected].
The Media Committee is 350Brooklyn's all-around in-house media team. This group writes press releases and promotional copy, creates graphics, keeps tabs on 350BK's social media presence, and runs the new 350BK blog. For more information on how to contribute, email [email protected].
Plastic Free works to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce reliance on single-use plastic products. We meet biweekly via Zoom, and work on a variety of projects including legislative lobbying efforts, campaigns promoting going plastic free, and neighborhood efforts to reduce waste. For more information on how to join us, email [email protected].
Stop the Money Pipeline plans and participates in direct actions that pressure financial institutions to stop funding deforestation and fossil fuel industries. We are part of a national movement targeting New York-based corporations, including Chase Bank and BlackRock Investment Management. For more information on how to join, email [email protected].
No time but able to donate? While we are an affiliate of 350.org, we are programmatically independent and our financial support comes solely from our members. Can you offer financial support, at any level? Donate here.
Sign the petition to stop NYS's wasteful fossil fuel subsidies
New York Youth Climate Leaders calls on Governor Cuomo and NYS Assembly members in Albany to carry out a transparent accounting of tax relief offered to the fossil fuel industry and to phase out nonessential subsidies. NY²CL is aiming for a couple thousand signatures on their petition to urge our state government to stop funding climate destruction. Can you help them out? Here's the link.
