First Amendment- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
In America we have the privilege of free speech and expression, peaceable assembly, and petition. Why would we sit back and watch the people we chose to lead us while they brought us down the wrong path. By using the rights given to us by the first amendment, we can influence the decisions that our politicians make. Everyone wants to make a difference in their lives. We all want to feel like we did something that really mattered, and by joining to rally with people in change, we can become the change! So, I’m leaving a couple rallies or movements that are nationwide down below. Check them out, join them if you want, BE THE CHANGE!
Disclaimer: Quotations are directly from each organization's home page.
Strike 4 Youth
Swedish student Greta Thunberg began a movement called Fridays for Future. Each Friday since August 2018 she protests outside of Parliament buildings for immediate action to reverse climate change. Her weekly strike brought international attention to the 16 year old, and the cause she fights for. From that organizations like Strike 4 Youth arose. Twice Strike 4 Youth has rallied young people in hundreds of different countries and cities in order to encourage governments to take action.
"We are choosing to rise up and take direct action where older generations have failed. We are already facing devastating and irreversible impacts around the world. This is our final chance to fight for our futures, and our ages will not be what stop us. Rallies took place in countries all over the world on February 15th and March 15th. Now we’re doing it again: join us on the 12th of April to amplify our voices once again. "
Green New Deal
The Green New Deal, introduced by Sen. Ed Markey and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, consists of 5 goals, 14 projects, and 15 requirements. It is trying to lessen the strain of two current crises: the climate crisis and the economic crisis. This project is not for the faint of heart, but luckily, their five goals should lead them to victory. The goals are as follows: 1) Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions 2) Create millions of high-wage good jobs and ensure 3) Invest in infrastructure and industry 4) Secure a sustainable environment for all 5) Promote Justice and Equity.
"The Green New Deal will convert the old, gray economy into a new, sustainable economy that is environmentally sound, economically viable and socially responsible. It seeks to solve the climate crisis by combining quick action to get to net- zero greenhouse gas emissions and 100% renewable energy by 2030 along with an “Economic Bill of Rights” – the right to single-payer healthcare, a guaranteed job at a living wage, affordable housing and free college education."
People's Climate Movement
The People's Climate Movement has been fighting for lasting climate policies on both the federal, state, and local levels 2014. They believe that by "mass mobilization and movement alignment" they can achieve this goal. They have organized multiple events such as National Day of Action in 2015, 100 Days Mobilization in 2017, and Rise for Climate, Jobs, and Justice in 2018. Peoplesclimate.org is full of helpful information that is both encouraging and educating!
"Since 2014, we’ve led actions across the country and around the world with hundreds of thousands of climate-minded people — first-timers and veteran activists, alike. Now, we're fighting for bold action like a Green New Deal that moves quickly to deeply reduce carbon emissions, create millions of good union jobs, and strengthen those communities facing the worst effects of the climate crisis."
The Ocean Cleanup
The Ocean Cleanup is an organization that uses the natural power of ocean currents to collect plastic from the "ocean garbage patches". They use "floaters" to collect a large amount of plastic. They then collect it using technology and are turned into a variety of new products such as high quality products like phones, earphones, car bumpers, etc. The organization predicts that if they launch their full-scale employment then they can reduce up to 50% of the patches within 5 years!
"Trash accumulates in 5 ocean garbage patches, the largest one being the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California. If left to circulate, the plastic will impact our ecosystems, health and economies. Solving it requires a combination of closing the source, and cleaning up what has already accumulated in the ocean."
Websites:
Strike 4 Youth- https://ukscn.org/ys4c
Green New Deal- https://www.gp.org/green_new_deal
People's Climate Movement- https://peoplesclimate.org/our-movement/
The Ocean Cleanup- https://www.theoceancleanup.com/
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