EcoRes Forum

[MLeyser]

<b>EARTH DAY 2008: THE POWER OF ONE</b>
<i>This year, make it personal!</i>

With Earth Day activities underway around the world, we’re reminded that <b>now more than ever we need to draw attention to the underlying principles and purpose of this eco-observance</b>. The EcoRes Forum team is determined to do everything in its power to raise its voice, and more importantly, your collective voices, in this effort.

<b>How?</b> We’re not going to ask you to buy a T-shirt or a tote bag, we’re not going to send you a bumper sticker for your car or bike or backpack, we’re not even going to ask you for a donation.

<b>What we ask is quite simple, and quite personal:</b>

<b>1) Read the Forum’s Call to Action</b> and if you agree with it, <b>add your name</b> to the growing number of endorsing individuals and organizations. On 20 June 2008, this Call to Action will be formally launched, with copies distributed electronically to representatives of governmental and intergovernmental bodies and civil society organizations, educational institutions, religious leaders and communities, business and industrial leaders, influential members of the media, entertainment and communication sectors, and concerned citizens around the globe. Be a part of this launch: <b>Endorse the call!</b>

<b>Why 20 June?</b> In 2008 this day marks the northern solstice, a period viewed in many cultures as holding significance as a time of renewal, for new beginnings – for our planet, for our societies, for our future. Some may recall the Forum’s 2007 discussion on the coming together of the Eagle and the Condor – the realignment of the modern world with the world and wisdom of Planet Earth’s indigenous peoples. By combining our “talent for invention” with the “earth-honoring wisdom… of the human heart”, we hold the potential to turn the threat and challenge of climate change into humanity’s greatest moment. Want to know more? Watch this short video: The Eagle and the Condor. <i>“Remember: We’re not just passengers here on Spaceship Earth. We’re the crew.”</i>

<b>2) “Just for Today”: Select one of the following action items based on the Call and then DO IT.</b> Do it on Earth Day, do it the day after, do it every chance you get for the rest of your life. Real Change is about more than just one day.

<b>* Educate yourself:</b> Attend a seminar or public meeting on climate change issues: Knowledge is power! Prefer to stay in? Read some of the quality materials published on these topics – our recommended readings are a good place to start. Feeling philosophical? How about Aldo Leopold’s “Sand County Almanac”? (Excerpts online) <b>And remember: With knowledge-based power comes responsibility.</b>
<b>* Educate others:</b> Host a seminar or public meeting on climate change issues! Want to keep it small? Talk to your family – or invite a few friends over to discuss. <i>(Bonus points if you cross borders with the meeting: community, politically, academically…)</i>
<b>* Take a STEP:</b> Calculate your personal carbon footprint and identify at least 3 ways to reduce or offset it. <i>(Extra points for reduction!)</I>
<b>* Call, write or visit your local politicians.</b> Find out their platform on these issues, and talk to them about how they’re bringing that platform to life. <i>(Bonus points if you EMAIL [no printing!] them a copy of the Call to Action!)</i>
<b>* Register to vote,</b> if you haven’t already done so, then DO IT! in an eco-friendly-fashion.
<b>* Research green investing</b> and then “put your money where your mouth is.”
<b>* Find a local organization</b> working on these issues, and <b>sign up to volunteer</b> at least a minimum of hours per month.
<b>* Talk to your children:</b> Depending on their age, they can take part in your eco-activities, or you can design something especially for them. How about visiting a nature reserve? A neighborhood clean-up? A <b>polar-bear theme party</b> (no disposables allowed!)?

<b>Together, we CAN and WILL make a difference this Earth Day.

On behalf of the team, thank you for being a part of this Forum!</b>


THE POWER OF ONE (mp3 format) Words and Music by Jono Manson and Joe Flood, Performed by Jono Manson. Used with permission. Many thanks to Jono Manson and Joe Flood for allowing EcoRes to use this inspiring song as our organizational theme song!