NEW: Climate Activists to Converge in Worcester
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Climate activists from across Massachusetts will gather in Worcester for a People’s Action Assembly on Sunday, June 30th, at Worcester State University, 486 Chandler Street from noon to 6 p.m. The Assembly is being organized by 350 Massachusetts, a Better Future Project. 350 Massachusetts will also celebrate its first anniversary at the Assembly.
Calling on participants to “come ready to plan and leave ready for action”, organizers of the People’s Action Assembly will provide an opportunity for activists to explore the current state of climate affairs in the commonwealth and create a strategic statewide action plan for the rest of 2013 through the 2014 election cycle.
"The People's Action Assembly is bringing great climate activists together from across the state, from 350 Massachusetts and also from many other organizations. All of us in Massachusetts have a lot of work to do on climate. Together, we're taking the next step in making Massachusetts an example of leadership for the nation." said Malcolm Bliss, Statewide Coordinator for 350 Massachusetts.
Recent extreme weather events including heat waves, forest fires, droughts, and flooding have helped raise awareness of the climate crisis around the world. From Superstorm Sandy, devastating flooding in Asia, and extreme drought and fires in the United States and Australia, millions of people are already feeling the effects of our dependence on fossil fuels.
"Worcester State University’s curriculum and campus reflect a commitment to sustainability. From food service to the classroom our students are learning environmental awareness, and both students and faculty have participated in climate actions. We are proud to host the People’s Climate Assembly where citizens of Massachusetts can come together to address the climate crisis." said Patricia Benjamin, Chair of the Physical and Earth Science Department at Worcester State University.
Representatives from a wide range of organizations will participate in People’s Action Assembly, including: 350 Massachusetts, Better Future Project, Climate Action Now, Institute for Policy Studies, Massachusetts Climate Action Network, Occupy Fall River Communications, Occupy Sustainability Southcoast, Peace Action, Sierra Club, Students for a Just and Stable Future, and others. Attendees of the People’s Action Assembly will explore strategies to be used in Massachusetts like divestment of municipal, university and private funds from fossil fuel investments, examine how we can change our current infrastructure to one that reflects a future without fossil fuels (including stopping projects such as the Keystone XL Pipeline), and making sure that our economy offers jobs and opportunity while we reduce carbon being adding to the atmosphere.
For more information and to register, go to www.350ma.org.
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