June Meeting: Emotional Sustainability and Resilience in the Face of the Climate Crisis: A Toolkit for Activists
Thursday, June 10, 7:30 pm EDT
Climate activism is one of the most important ways to engage in the growing existential threat of climate and environmental crisis, yet those who are willing to engage directly may also feel considerable emotional distress as part of this reckoning. In this workshop, climate psychologist Wendy Greenspun will identify some important ways to understand and honor painful emotions, develop tools for preventing burnout, and develop strategies to build ongoing emotional sustainability and resilience. Sharing of examples, discussion, and resources will be included.
Register for the June Meeting on Zoom..
The ‘Plastic Straws on Request’ bill passes!
Did you hear the good news? The “plastic straws only upon request” bill passed City Council on May 12 by a landslide vote of 43-4! The bill also completely bans plastic stir sticks but allows people with disabilities to request a plastic straw. Thanks to 350Brooklynites for all of your hard work to ensure the bill’s passage! Next step is to work on passing legislation at the state level (bills A90A & S1505). Please call your state legislator and ask them to support these bills today!
Missed our spring Climate Wednesdays series? Catch up on video.
We’ve just wrapped up this spring’s Climate Wednesdays, the panel discussion series we present with Brooklyn Public Library. If you couldn’t be with us, find videos of the three spring events on our website: “Covering Climate: What is the media missing?” from March, “(Em)powering Our Neighborhoods: Bringing Green Energy Home” from April, and “Financing a Fossil Fuel-Free Future,” our May event.
If you’d like to help plan upcoming Climate Wednesdays programs,
contact the 350Brooklyn Climate Idea Exchange at [email protected].
The CCIA: Progress Report
As you have read in previous newsletters, 350Brooklyn has been working hard to ensure that the Climate and Community Investment Act passes during this legislative session. Three weeks ago, we had eleven state senate and assembly members from Brooklyn who were co-sponsors of the CCIA. Thanks to persistent phone calls, lobby visits, and letter writing, we now have fourteen more!
350Brooklyn pushes to make electric school buses the law!
City Action Committee applauds the de Blasio administration for their Earth Day commitment to electric school buses — there's no question that it's a step in the right direction — but we think diesel school buses need to go away and electric school buses must be mandated by law! NYC has no more valuable resource than our children so we cannot risk poisoning them with the toxic emissions that are 5–10x higher inside diesel buses than in surrounding areas. And YES, there are leasing models available! We looked into it: no excuses! Shockingly, Speaker Corey Johnson has not scheduled the bill that would get NYC contractors phasing out diesel and phasing IN electric. Why?! We want to make sure that Speaker Johnson knows he is accountable to the people, so we are demanding that he schedule this bill for a vote ASAP and let the voices of our elected representatives be heard. Sign our petition now to help us demand the vote and get our kids to school ready to learn!
Get involved in one of our workgroups!
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 also 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, and the Department of Sustainability and Climate Change. Use this google form to connect with City Action.
The Climate Idea Exchange works to deepen public understanding of the climate crisis, breaking it down into manageable topics and showing how to take action locally. We work both independently and in collaboration with Brooklyn Public Library, and we're developing a podcast series. 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. 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].
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). 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. 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. 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. 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.
