I am a longtime committed climate activist from California who joined many other Unitarian Universalists in Washington, DC this fall at an historic conference to advance economic and climate justice and build a Green New Deal (GND). Interacting and networking with so many environmentally committed UUs was life-changing. (See a summary HERE.)
The successful well-organized conference — hosted by the Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice and and six other UU organizations — provided both information and inspiration and boasted an array of amazing speakers. Most of them as well as the organizations or communities they represented were new to me. Impressed by their quality and diversity, I took extensive notes. I did not want to miss a minute!
On the first day, many speakers talked about the values that should shape GND policy. Opening speaker Basav Sen from the Institute for Policy Studies, riveted my attention. He addressed fascism in India and the attack on minorities as an example of the complex of issues affecting climate justice. I was thrilled that he also discussed the powerful actions in Richmond, CA, where the City Council had successfully sued Big Oil and won. This exemplifies the transitional coalition-building we are now seeing and suggests we CAN WIN!
Day one concluded as powerfully as it began, with Beverly Harp of the Sunrise Movement – DC Hub, telling her story of working with youth organizers to build a multi-racial, multi-generational and equitable climate movement. I recognized her as the young woman whose arrest I had seen online and whose photoI used in a Climate Action presentation at my UU church. I was joyfully surprised to see her as a speaker!
The second day included an equally engaging group of presenters including Julian Brave Noisecat of Data for Progress and Lavona Grow of UUSJ. We learned about important pieces of legislation and the state of play on Capitol Hill around a Green New Deal. We practiced effectively sharing our UU values as we advocated for climate justice in preparation for visiting members of Congress the next day. I felt reassured knowing we would be fanning out across Capitol Hill comfortable with our mission and firm in our intent.
On the third day, I joined a smashing team of fellow volunteers. Meeting with the staff of Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-CA; Sen. Kamala Harris, D-CA and Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY is something I will not forget. We ended our advocacy work with a beneficial recap and debrief. This helped us take the pulse of our national situation, expand our understanding of the bigger picture and begin discussing how UUs could extend our impact in the future.
Aly Tharp of Unitarian Universalists Ministry for the Earth played a substantial role in the conference. It is reassuring to know that capable younger folks are gaining experience and taking the lead.
I was only able to attend conference because a scholarship and UUSJ’s help in finding a homestay with a local activist. I thank all those who attended, volunteered and organized this three-day advocacy and action conference. If we are to be successful in fighting climate change, we must do all we can as individuals, families, congregations and communities. This conference enriched that effort. I am so pleased with what we as UUs accomplished together.
With gratitude,
Cindy Piester
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Cindy Piester is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Ventura Church, CA. She is an activist affiliated with Veterans for Peace, the National Climate Action Working Group, Sunrise Movement and Sierra Club among others. In January, she will join the UU’s for Just Economic Communities board. A retired psychiatric technician, she served in California state hospitals and developmental Centers. Cindy’s full bio is here.