Sno-Isle Group News July 2020

 

Meet us at our Virtual Gathering July 16th

July  2020 News         

Our hearts are heavy with the grief and pain that our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) members, friends, partners, and communities continue to experience as a result of systemic racism, police brutality and the heightened risk from COVID-19. 

Environmental issues cannot be separated from racial and social justice. We can’t succeed in enlisting humanity in protecting the human and natural world while racism continues to divide us and inflict suffering. Sierra Club is on a journey to becoming a better ally and accomplice against racism. We commit to centering and uplifting the voices and experiences of BIPOC people. 

In this issue...
Third Thursday Gathering
Thursday July 16, from 5:45 to 7 pm
Guest Speaker, State Representative John Lovick
5:45 pm Connect and Welcome
6 pm Program Begins
Join friends and other environmentally conscious people online to share information and ideas about environmental and social justice issues in Snohomish and Island counties. What can we do in our groups and as individuals to create communities that are truly safe, just and equitable for all? 

Optional RSVP to let us know you're coming.
On July 16th Join Our Gathering 
Local Sierra Club Leaders
who will welcome you
Take Action for Justice
Make Juneteenth an Official Holiday
 
Let your legislators know if you agree that June 19, known as Juneteenth, should be recognized as a state holiday, in remembrance of the day the last African slaves learned of their freedom. This is the intent of House Bill 2312 sponsored by 38 House Representatives.
View the Bill and Indicate Your Support
Protect Voting Rights

There has been a concerted effort in many states to make it harder for some citizens to vote. Legislators and officials have purged voter rolls, made cuts to early voting, reduced polling places, put in strict photo ID laws and levied onerous voter registration laws. The League of Woman Voters is demanding action from Congress to protect the 2020 elections.  View and Sign the Petitions.
Take Action for the Environment
Act Now to Save Our Resident Orcas
 
Join the campaign to ban Navy activities that further threaten our endangered Southern Resident Orcas. A plan for seven years of war games includes surface and underwater exercises involving explosives and bursts of sonar that can deafen and kill marine mammals as well as disrupt their communication and feeding.
Express Your Opinion! 
Comment on Snohomish River Contamination
There may be more than 30 times the allowed level of contaminants leaking into the Snohomish River from a former mill site in Everett. Arsenic, heavy metals, PCB and other toxins are the toxic waste legacy from 120 years ago. The Everett Smelter, built to refine Monte Cristo gold, stands as an example of short term greed to the detriment of future generations.

The Department of Ecology's work plan is open for public comment through July 21.
See the Plan and Comment! or email Ronald.Timm@ecy.wa.gov.
Events

July Edmonds Meaningful Movies online
Saturday, July 11, Discussion at 7:30 pm
Movie: Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

This feel-good documentary ties a Catskills summer camp to American disability rights activism in the 1970s. Similarities in treatment of Black people in the South at the time and the shunning of the disabled make this a timely film. View the film on your own and join the group for discussion. 

5:30 pm Free Netflix Showing,or anytime before on Netflix or elsewhere.

7:30 pm Discussion on Zoom
August Everett Meaningful Movies Online
Saturday, August 8 at 6:30 pm for discussion
Movie: Somebody's Daughter
 
A heartbreaking portrayal of the underreported issue of missing, murdered indigenous women, this recent documentary confronts systemic racism, colonialism and genocide through the eyes of grieving families whose loved ones are victims.
Everett Meaningful Movies plans to have speakers and discussion on Zoom, after participants have watched the film on their own. 

Join the Online Discussion
Equity and Justice Discussion

At the June Equity and Justice meeting, many valuable ideas were shared about taking on systemic racism and building climate and environmental justice.

Resources recommended for further study.

Next meeting: Thursday, July 23 at 7 - 8 pm
Join us on Zoom

For further information, contact Nancy.Johnson@washington.sierraclub.org
Elections
Endorsed Candidates
 
To have laws protecting our environment, we must elect lawmakers who share that goal. To accomplish this, the Sierra Club Political Committee interviews candidates running for public office, endorsing those who it believes will be strong environmental leaders. Ballots arrive mid July and are due Aug. 4.

See Our Endorsements
Good News
Award for Students Saving Salmon
 
The Snohomish County Conservation District selected Students Saving Salmon as a recipient of their 2019 Youth Conservation Leader Award. Instead of an awards ceremony this year, the Conservation District made a video recognizing Students Saving Salmon.

See The Facebook Video
Students from Edmonds-Woodway
and Meadowdale high schools

 
There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm.  

~ Willa Cather
 
 
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