The U.S. Climate movement is doing big things.
In Congress, the fight against fossil fuel subsidies is reaching a full boil, even as we defend our victory against Keystone XL. We’re connecting the dots between the extreme weather sweeping the country and climate change. And if that wasn’t enough, natural gas fracking and other extreme energy projects seem to be popping up in communities everywhere.
I have a lot of faith in our ability to accomplish great things together, but if we want to tackle everything that’s on our plate, our movement needs to get bigger, bolder, and more collaborative. This April, we have a chance to expand the skills we need to win as part of a project called the 99% Spring. 350.org has joined this huge effort that is bringing together over 60 organizations from labor unions to environmentalists, to domestic workers, immigrant rights groups, and the peace movement — all to train 100,000 people in Nonviolent Direct Action tactics and strategy.
On the week of April 9th to 14th, trainings in the proud history of nonviolent action will be held from coast-to-coast. It’s not just a chance to get skilled up, but also a chance to collaborate to grow our movement in all the ways we need to win.
Can you join us and be a part of this historic event? Click here to find a training near you.
(There’s nearly 700 trainings happening in all 50 states, in just about every major city – oh yeah, and they’re free!)
The trainings will include strategies to address the climate crisis, but it won’t be the only focus – we’ll also have an opportunity to learn from other dynamic movements who are working against all forms of injustice and inequality that are trashing our communities and planet.
I’ve had the privilege of helping coordinate lots of large-scale trainings before, including the two weeks of trainings each night before our Keystone XL White House sit-ins, but this project is on a scale we’ve never attempted. Helping develop the curriculum for 99% Spring has been exciting and challenging and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone this spring.
One thing you should know about these events: No protest experience is needed! This is the training where you can bring your grandchild or grandparent (and everyone in between).
I hope as many of us as possible can seize this opportunity to make our movement bigger, bolder, and deeper.
With love and perseverance,
Joshua Kahn Russell
U.S. Actions Coordinator, 350.org