Last year on October 24, 5,200 peaceful environmental demonstrations took place in 181 countries around the world as part of 350.org’s “International Day of Climate Action.” The goal of the demonstrations was to grab the attention of delegates at the upcoming Copenhagen Climate Conference. Although the outcome of the conference was not what many had hoped, the scale of the event got some major attention.
This year, 350.org will host another worldwide happening. The “Global Work Party” will take place this Sunday, October 10 (10.10.10), and Philly is showing up with its party pants on. This is a chance to show political leaders that our city is dedicated to doing its part to protect the environment.
Last year, over 350 Philadelphians came out to peacefully stand up for climate action and the hope is that this year’s event will top that.
Let’s party. Deets after the jump.
Rally: 12-1 p.m., City Hall (Thomas Paine Plaza)
Festival: 1- 4:30 p.m., Friends Center, 1515 Cherry St.
Speakers at rally include Drew Lavine (350philly!), Sarah Wu (Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Sustainability), Katie Feeney (Clean Air Council), Judy Wicks
At 1 p.m., participants will walk together to the Friends Center (just a few blocks away) to begin the Climate Action Festival. We’ll start with a speed round of real life success stories from local organizations and individuals who are working toward sustainable solutions not just for our community, but communities all over the world. Organizations will include Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Earth Quaker Action Team and Power Up Gambia. Topics will include local food and transportation/biking.
A series of workshops will follow featuring topics such as Gasland or Our Land, Beyond Coal, the film FRESH, Effective Lobbying Training, Weatherizing: Go home with tools to do your own house, Bicycle repair / Urban Cycling, Building a Climate Movement, Micro-Solutions: Building Human Scale Alternatives and Nonviolent Direct Action.
After the workshops there will be a closing address by George Lakey and a symbolic tree planting in front of the Friends Center.
And the celebration begins! Greendrinks Philadelphia will hose an after-party at 5:30 p.m. at Devil’s Alley Bar & Grill, just a few blocks away on 19th and Chestnut!
Event volunteers are needed! To get involved, email 350philly@gmail.com. To RSVP, head over to the official event page.
This event is being brought to you by a recently-formed coalition of local organizations including the Philadelphia Friends,Greenpeace, The Sierra Club, 350philly!, 1Sky, Volk Libre, PowerUP Gambia, Alliance for a Sustainable Future, The Shalom Center and more. If you’re interested in joining the coalition, email 350philly@gmail.com.
