Impressions from the Climate March and More

 

If you’ve been to a march in warm weather, you know the basic essentials: hat, sunblock, water. The creative part — deciding what our sign should say — comes next. My sister-in-law appropriately came up with “Save the Planet, Pass Wind Not Gas” for my husband Steve and “Climate Change, Takes More than an Apprentice,” for me. A little levity for a very serious endeavor: The Resistance.

 

Rochester's mayor, Lovely Ann Warren, addresses Climate Rally in Rochester on April 29, 2017. (Photo courtesy of Hal Bauer, Finger Lakes Group)

In the street, millennials, teens, families, elders, First Nation peoples, people of color and LGBTQ sisters and brothers were all going in the same direction. We were very excited to be part of this great movement.

 

Virginia Boyle Traver and Pete Sheehan, both from the Hudson Mohawk Group, at the People's Climate March in Washington D.C. On March 29, 2017.

Our sense of solidarity was heightened as we approached the contingent that we were to be part of. The reality that tens of thousands of people came from all across the country to say “We will not stand for climate denial policies” gave us hope that the regressive agenda of the Trump administration wouldn’t go too far.

 

To see signs and hear the chanting from indigenous groups, unions, healthcare workers, lawyers, religious groups, high schools, colleges, other environmental NGOs and different Sierra Club chapters said to me that we’re not alone in this struggle. There are many smart and energetic people who are willing to step up and speak out. Great camaraderie showed through the warm and considerate way everyone treated each other. Very much like the Women’s March back in January.

 

It was clear that this was an informed group of people. So another feeling was one of pride. We felt proud to be a part of a movement that understands the importance of science in our lives. We felt humbled at the creative effort that went into some of the signs, banners and even costumes, which were often delightful, funny and clever.

 

Another takeaway feeling was compassion — the compassion that this movement is working for future generations. Also, the compassion that so many share in this movement for all sentient beings. It is a powerful feeling to be with like-minded people who share progressive values.

 

Judy Kugelmass, Finger Lakes Group ExCom member, and friends join together at The People's Climate March in Ithaca.

The most moving moments were at the rally when we gathered around the Washington Monument. The brave men and women who were the first to camp out in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline were lined up across the stage. Each one spoke their name in both their native tongue and in English. Many shared their experiences during those cold and violent months of resistance at Standing Rock. Every distraction stopped when they spoke. Cheers rang out for each voice, for each authentic climate warrior.

 

In the end, it comes down to love. Love of those who will be affected by climate change, love of wild places and their flora and fauna, and love for the truth. I’ve been asked to chair the Climate Crisis Committee for the Atlantic Chapter. My predecessor, Moisha Blechman, has dedicated hours to educating us on the imminent threats related to habitat loss, rising temperatures, and warming and rising seas.

 

Jim Taft from the Susquehanna Group was one of 43 folks on a bus from Binghamton to participate in the People's Climate March in Washington D.C.

I’m now reaching out to you, the members, to volunteer with me in an effort to keep our colleagues informed and empowered, to spread important information and promote truly informed communities.

 

I encourage your local groups to reach out to schools, scout troops, garden clubs, town board committees and more. Inform, listen, engage and gently enlighten. Create presentations, PowerPoints, interactive talks, write LTEs and enlighten our legislators. Please contact me with your ideas for how I can be better at this challenging job. I believe together we can make a difference!