Time has come for the Green Team and other Peaceworks supporters to come out in
force. Our concern regarding the climate crisis we collectively face needs to
be made evident to our community at large. So many of us recognize that climate
change is real; that it’s happened already; and that more is coming our way. We
recognize it, but sometimes feel incapable of doing anything about it.
While our individual actions may seem so small that they hardly matter, when
taken in tandem with many others, we can and do make a difference. Here in Columbia,
for example, we would not have a Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) were
it not for a vital movement locally for climate action. We’ve taken some steps
in the right direction, but there is so much more to be done. Together we can,
and we must!
Why Rally & Walk for the Climate?
One of the best ways to break out of isolation and disempowerment is to gather
in solidarity with others who share our concerns. If we can reach out to
sufficient numbers of our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow
students, co-parishioners, etc. and get them to turn out, we can turn out a
large number of concerned folks. This will both empower participants, and, when
reported, inform the community that climate change is a subject of great
concern to many of us.
This will help create the pressure of public opinion needed to get those in
office to take action, and get those running for office to recognize the
importance of addressing constituent concerns regarding climate change.
As mentioned above, Walk for the Climate is a great event to not just attend,
but also to invite or bring others to. It’s also a great opportunity to meet
some awesome folks who share your concerns regarding the climate, the
environment more broadly and environmental justice.
Walk for the Climate is also a kickoff for our Vote for the Climate campaign,
which begins in early October. We will have more info on this next week and at
the rally. We have 300 new Vote for the Climate yard signs looking for good
homes and look forward to some of you joining us in reaching out to neighbors
regarding this.
OK, Where, When & How?
We will gather at Courthouse Plaza., 8th & Walnut in downtown CoMo.
Registration opens at 1:00, Sunday, Oct. 2., as does live music from MacKenzie
and Luke of Estrella. Please plan to arrive no later than 1:30. We will have a
short rally with excellent speakers, and then head out for the Walk at 2 p.m.
We will have some signs and banners, but we encourage you to bring your own if
you can.
Please note: For some of us walking 5K (~3 miles) is no big deal. For others
it’s a real challenge or not even a possibility. We want everyone to
participate as they can. For some it means only walking part of the route and
for some others attending the rally but not walking. Doing what you can is most
appreciated. There is no pressure to do more than is comfortable for you.
Also note: Making a contribution is not required. We do appreciate
those participants who make a donation, &/or get pledges from others. Those
who donate at least $15 will be welcome to a “Walk, Bike and Vote for the
Climate” T-shirt or a Vote for the Climate yard sign. Donations can be made on
the day of the event.
This event is organized by Mid-Missouri
Peaceworks and co-sponsored by the Mid-Missouri Group of Sierra Club, Renew
Missouri, Citizens Climate Lobby Columbia and Jefferson City Chapters, Mid-Missouri
Fellowship of Reconciliation, Climate Leaders At Mizzou (CLAM) and the
Columbia-Boone County League of Women Voters.
Green Team, and all supporters of climate action, we hope to see you at Walk
for the Climate!
