MN Powershift, Sisters on the Planet, and Action Alert

Success at Minnesota Powershift

The weekend of October 3-5, 2008, Oxfam Action Corps – Minnesota participated at Minnesota Powershift, a “climate conference” organized by local high school and college students. As these bright and dynamic young activists describe, “Minnesota Powershift is much more than a conference. It is part of a process of building people power around a vision for a clean energy economy and a sustainable future…It is about recognizing our crucial role as change agents, not just to improve our own local communities, but to build models for change that generate more economic, social, and political power for the global transformation while inspiring other local groups, students, small business, and local leaders around the world.”

Minnesota Powershift attracted approximately 120 highly-engaged participants, and numerous influential local leaders. The weekend began with keynote addresses from Arctic explorer Will Steger, US Congressman Keith Ellison, and former US Senate Candidate Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, who inspired us all with their unique perspectives on moving into a clean energy future. The highlight of the evening, though, was a special intimate performance by State Radio, organized by local non-profit, Subsance.

In addition to working an outreach table throughout the conference, on Saturday our Action Corps team led two sessions of a workshop entitled, “Human Consequences of a Warming Planet: Climate Change, Poverty, and Adaptation,” and contributed to the a political panel featuring Minnesota State Representative Kate Knuth; Minnesota Public Radio meteorologist Craig Edwards; Science Policy Director for Fresh Energy, J. Drake Hamilton; and former head of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Karen Studders, among others.

Minneota Powershift was a remarkable event for all involved. Organized and run by young activists with a vision of a better future, we all left with a sense of optimism inspired by three days working towards a common purpose.

Sisters on the Planet

If you have been following our blog or volunteering with us for the last six months, then you are well aware of the disastrous toll climate change is already taking on the world's most vulnerable communities. To make it even clearer, and to highlight the tremendous efforts already being taken, Oxfam has released a documentary featuring four courageous women and their struggle against climate change. The goal is to educate others on the human consequences of climate change and motivate them to take action. You can make this possible by hosting a Sisters on the Planet event. We’ll get a DVD and more information to you at no cost.

Click here to order a free DVD.

Click here to download a PDF of the Sisters on the Planet Guide, which you can use to organize your event.

For more information, head on over to Oxfam America's Sisters on the Planet homepage.

Take Action Now

We are working hard here in Minnesota to build consensus on the need for action on climate change, and many of you may be looking for ways to contribute. If that's you, then check out the following message from Oxfam America regarding their climate change campaign: "Global warming is the moral and scientific challenge of our time. It threatens every nation on earth, but especially those with high levels of poverty.

Eight years ago, the U.S. decision to pull out of the Kyoto Protocol stalled the momentum in the fight against global warming. We can't afford another setback like that.

In just a few months, the United Nations will hold a conference in Poznan, Poland to begin forging the next international climate agreement. Attendance by the United States President-elect would send a powerful message about our willingness to lead."

Please click here and urge Senators Obama and McCain to attend the United Nations Climate Change conference.