Total of 101 Workshops, Performances and other Activities Planned for Climate Convergence!
author: Convergence for Climate Action
 e-mail: westcoast --- at --- climateconvergence.org
Check out www.climateconvergence.org for all the details.
THIS EVENT STARTS TODAY!
COMPLETE SCHEDULE BELOW!!
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For an easier to read quick reference guide to the schedule see  http://www.climateconvergence.org/west/Initial%20Schedule%201.pdf
For a list of featured presentations and performances see http://www.climateconvergence.org/west/presentations.html
Check out www.climateconvergence.org for much more details.
GUIDE TO ALL PRE-SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING LOCATIONS
Thursday - Activities
Starting @ 10:30am
Mapping the Climate Fight
Ananda Tan, Global Finance Campaign, Rainforest Action Network
"In building the movement to prevent climate change, activists need to closely examine the underlying root causes of climate change in order to devise the effective strategies necessary for fundamental, systemic and durable change. What are the various climate change initiatives around the world doing today and where do we need to better link our work with the root causes?" (Grange)
Building Sustainable Communities at the Grassroots Level
Ann Scheerer and Jenny Heins, Sustainable Ballard
Sustainable Ballard will present their story of creating a grassroots community sustainability initiative in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle and will invite participants to think creatively about engaging their community in this most important work of our time. Sustainable Ballard conducts workshops, public events, writes reports and research articles, and provides design and planning services, for community education. Sustainable Ballard seeks to empower local citizens to become leaders in collective community self-reliance and autonomy. (outside space # 2)
Communicating Climate Change: Seizing the Historical Moment
Justin Rolfe-Redding, Seattle Rainforest Action Group
We are (finally) at a time when the media and general public are starting to notice it's getting warmer in here. What are the basic communications/ media skills climate activists need to know, and what special ideas and strategies can we use to get our message across? This workshop will be part 'Media 101' and part discussion/strategy session. (outside space # 1)
FIELD TRIP to Nahcotta, Washington: Pesticide use on the coast
Keith Stavrum, Oysterfarmer and Executive Steward of the Moby Dick, Fritzi Cohen, and Robert Goldberg, Chemical Engineer.
The Moby Dick Hotel and Oysterfarm has been in the forefront of the struggles against the use of pesticides in the Willapa Bay. There will be time to take a look and here about what is happening on what used to be the most pristine bay on the west coast. We will also explore the relationship between pesticide use and global warming. www.mobydickhotelcom ( Parking Lot; Lunch Provided)
Starting @ Noon
Grant Writing 101
Kassie Rohrbach, Operations Manager for the Energy Action Coalition
Overview on how to write effective grants. (Grange)
Columbia River: Ground Zero for Fossil Fuel Development in our region.
Dan Serres, Columbia Riverkeeper & Columbia River Clean Energy Coalition
Three proposals are actively seeking permit approval to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Oregon, with massive sendout pipelines proposed to deliver gas to the Western (mostly Californian) market. Northern Star, Oregon LNG, Jordan Cove LNG, PG&E, NW Natural, Williams Pipeline Co., Fort Chicago Energy, and TransCanada are among the energy industry players attempting to use Oregon as a "back door" for hooking California on the next generation of foreign fossil fuels - namely, LNG. Will examinee this acronym and another - "IGCC" - with which we should also be familiarizing ourselves. (Outside Space # 1)
Student Strategy Session on Stopping Climate Change
Monica Vaughan, Rising Tide North America and Nina Rizzo, Global Exchange
This workshop is a planning/strategy session for campus organizers and community activists ready to start their school year off with an action. Whether interested in working on anti-oil policy, pro-bike policy, anti-LNG organizing, educational campaigns, or anything else climate change related, this workshop will provide ideas, inspiration, and plans for pulling in interest for your group or campaign, gaining campus media attention, and energizing yourself for the year ahead. (Outside Space # 2)
Myco-restoration skill share
Maya Face with Olympia's Environmental Resource Center, Olympia Climate Action and Rising Tide North America
A brief overview on fungi as an ally for healing our planet and discussion and networking session where we can all share our ideas, experiences and intentions for working with our fungal friends. (Outside space # 3)
Thursday - Activities (continued)
Starting @ 2:00pm
Dismantling Monoculture: Tales of Ants and Economics in the Americas
David from The Beehive Design Collective
The Beehive Design Collective (from eastern Maine) has the mission of cross-pollinating the grassroots through the use of visual narratives as effective teaching tools. With larger than life banners, the Bees will take you on an interactive picture lecture through the scope of the Collective's graphic trilogy. Campaigns focused on the Free Trade Area of the Americas, Plan Colombia, and Plan Puebla Panama will illuminate the connections between colonialism, militarism, and resource extraction in the Western Hemisphere. (Grange)
The militarization of borders and the November 7th No Border Camp
Brian S., Root Force PDX
The U.S-Mexico Border is a violent colonial boundary. Historically, US policies have defined Latin America as its backyard for dumping wastes and for expropriating cultures, labor and environmental resources. The growing militarization of the Border, reflected in a dramatic increase in Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) raids, random detentions, and vigilante violence. Capitalism depends on nation state borders to divide and exploit us. Informational on No Border Camp happening Nov. 5 -11th in Calexico/ Mexicali. (Outside space # 1)
Organizing in the field to save the places you love
Amy Harwood, Program Director at Bark (Mt. Hood protection group)
Many organizers get started working campaigns in the metropolis or from a town center. However, as the environmental movement continues to respond to the degradation of wild places, it is becoming increasingly important to incorporate site-specific organizing in the places we are trying to protect. While this has huge media and education potential, it also requires adaptation. (Outside space # 2)
Organic gardening in the Pacific NW
Lynne Piper
A straightforward and practical approach to growing your own food in Cascadia. Will include information/discussions on compost, organic fertilizers, cover cropping, winter gardening, no-till vs. till gardening, competition, and dry gardening. We will look at a year round planting calendar and learn how to extend our seasons to keep continual fresh food year round. We will also work on a garden project for the folks who are so generously sharing their land with us for this occasion. (Garden # 1)
Starting @ 4:30pm
Strategic Campaign Planning 101
Debra Erenberg, Organizing Director for the Rainforest Action Network
A campaign is a series of actions which result in a direct, concrete change. A well-planned campaign will also educate the public, increase your visibility and leave you stronger. We'll cover the steps needed to plan and implement an effective campaign for the environment. (Outside space # 3)
Responding with Art
Amy Harwood, Program Director at Bark (Mt. Hood protection group)
This workshop will cover political organizations using artistic response as part of their campaigning, as well as artists successfully incorporating political messaging and analysis into their work. Often organizers and artists are resistant to placing goals and measures of success on artistic response. Yet, few would argue the utility and importance of it in political movements. (Outside space # 2)
Culture and Lifestyles for a Post-Carbon World
Justin Rolfe-Redding, Seattle Rainforest Action Group
Feeling overwhelmed by climate change and don't know where to start in making a difference? We need big changes, in society and ourselves, but radical metamorphoses begin with small steps in our everyday lives. Learn how to intervene in your carbon addiction with effective tools that will both transform how you see yourself and make you an agent of cultural change. (Outside space # 1)
Food Systems and Climate Change
Alix Link, Sustainable Food Systems Educator
The workshop will discuss the impacts of food systems on climate change as well as how climate change affects food systems. It will examine relevant food systems concepts including 'food miles/kilometres', 'hundred mile diet', 'organic agriculture', 'food sovereignty', 'food security', and 'perm culture'. The majority of the workshop will focus on using participant's own knowledge in a creative, participatory format to come up with direct actions to mainstream sustainable food systems. (Outside space # 4)
Kyoto, the Carbon Neutral myth, and other big problems with governments' and corporations' big plans to save us
Brian, Rising Tide North America
There is no question that addressing climate change will require sweeping changes to the global economy. With the rich being overwhelmingly responsible for the climate crisis, elites are faced with an enormous challenge: how to defend power and privilege in the face of catastrophic climatic change and the rapid changes required to stop it. This workshop will examine their strategies, with a focus on the problems with the Kyoto Protocol and "Carbon Trading". (Grange)
Thursday - Activities (continued)
8:00 - 9:00 Starhawk -- Climate Change and Consciousness Change
To respond effectively to the issue of climate change, to transform the technological, economic and decision-making structures of society in major ways, we need a big shift in consciousness. The first part of the work has been done—we've broken through denial and people are now aware of the problem. But many feel hopeless, despairing, or simply confused, and ready to accept false solutions. To change a story, we must tell a new story, that offers hope, solutions, and ways that people can do right, not just condemnations of what is wrong. Drawing on the insights of permaculture and her experience as writer and ritual maker, Starhawk explores the stories that shape our behaviour—the mainstream story, the counter story we often tell in the movement, and the real solutions and positive visions we can offer the world.
9:00 - 10:00 MUSIC: Ric Trinkle
A bunch of original songs and eclectic covers, solo acoustic
Friday - Activities
Staring @ 10:30am
Alliance Building: Cross Cultural Organizing
Shelly Vendiola, Swinomish/Lummi/Filipina, Community Coalition for Environmental Justice & Tribal Consultant
This interactive workshop is designed for those who wish to become better allies when organizing cross-culturally. With the level of environmental racism and injustice that exists today there is a need for diversity and cross-cultural competency when organizing. Through a native lens strategies for organizing cross-culturally will be shared. An environmental justice issue from a tribal community will also be presented. Through alliance building we strengthen our ability to collaborate and establish meaningful relationships with other activists, advocates, professionals and educators who represent the "choir." (Grange)
Global Impacts of the LNG Industry
Monica Vaughan, Rising Tide North America and Dan Serres, Columbia Riverkeeper & Columbia River Clean Energy Coalition
Focusing on the extraction end of the international LNG industry, we will overview where LNG comes from and how the life-cycle of the fuel is currently affecting communities and their environment. Paying particular attention to Nigeria, Indonesia and Russia, this workshop should provide anti-LNG folks and anti-fossil fuel activists with a brief, but comprehensive knowledge base of the international impacts of LNG. Input from participants welcome! (Outside space # 1)
From Carbon Intensive to Carbon Ridiculous!
Ananda Tan, Rainforest Action Network Global Finances Campaign
Coal is the largest fossil fuel source for electricity generation in the country and the largest single source of global warming pollution. There are plans to build as many as 153 new coal-fired power plants across the U.S. and millions of people are still unaware of the sheer carbon insanity this proposition. How can activists build massive public outrage and opposition by effectively communicating the threat posed by coal.
Introduction to First Aid and Herbal First Aid
Thimble
An overview of herbal medicines and their uses in first aid scenarios.
Tools of consciousness change for activist
Starhawk, Earth Activist Training
Magic---the ancient system of psychology and radical challenge to the status quo--has been called 'the art of changing consciousness at will.' The same definition might stand for political action. Drawing on the magical toolbox and her thirty or more years of training activists and Witches both, Starhawk teaches simple, basic tools for staying calm and grounded in actions and tense situations, for examining the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our experience, for opening our vision and finding new ways to communicate, inspire, and heal as we organize and agitate. (Outside space # 4)
Starting @ Noon
The Basics of Solar Hot Water Heating
John Patterson of Mr. Sun Solar
The basics of how to install solar hot water heating and troubleshooting potential problems. Along with solar hot water heater design, and the cost of installation. John is an experienced solar hot water heating expert, and he will be bringing a small solar hot water heater to help demonstrate the potential of this technology to save energy in homes and businesses. (Grange Parking Lot)
Food Sustainability in the Lower Columbia
Youngiee Quennell is a local farmer, and she will discuss local efforts to address food security issues in the Lower Columbia area. (Outside space # 4)
Friday - Activities (continued)
Starting @ 2:00pm
Anti-Racist Organizing for White Activists
Eva Dale, Waste Not Washington and Scott Winn, Coalition of Anti-Racist Whites
This interactive and dialogue based workshop will focus on anti-oppression strategies of how to center racial justice organizing into movement building for climate change. We will tackle important questions: why is it important that we have an anti-racist lens in climate change organizing? How does institutional and interpersonal racism play out in movements for justice? What strategies can we use to counter racism as we organize? How can white folks work in solidarity with communities of color as allies? People of color are welcome, white folks strongly encouraged to attend. (Grange)
Health effects of Climate Change; Globally and locally
Catherine Thomasson, director of PSR - Climate Change and Health
Physicians for Social Responsibility presents health effects of global warming including asthma, infectious disease, water supplies, sea level, agriculture and extreme weather events. Training about how and where to give this talk will be covered along with copies of the PowerPoint. (Grange)
The Economic Drivers of LNG in Oregon (Who Stands to Make Billions?)
Dan Serres, Columbia Riverkeeper & Columbia River Clean Energy Coalition
This workshop will discuss the political and economic reality of why Oregon has been targeted for massive LNG development, who is pushing these projects forward, and how the regulatory system is allowing the fossil fuel industry to stick ratepayers with the bill for expensive projects. Dan Serres will give his synopsis of how the current regulatory system facilitates utility and energy industry involvement in LNG, and how average Oregonians will pay the price for LNG speculation on their utility bills. After this introduction, we will discuss the issue in the group and develop a plan for influencing decision-makers to oppose the project. (Outside Space # 5)
Introduction to Permaculture
Orna Izakson, herbalist and certified Permaculture designer.
"Take gardening - and everything else - to the next level using the basic principles of Permaculture (from "permanent" plus "agriculture"). Based on observations of self-sustaining natural systems, Permaculture offers tools to create the same with our food, medicine, community and more." (Outside space # 3)
Coalition Building
Kassie Rohrbach, Operations Manager for the Energy Action Coalition
How and why to build a coalition. Come learn and discuss the advantage and potential pitfalls of working in coalition. (Outside space # 2)
Energy Injustice on Northern California's Klamath River
PacifiCorp, a subsidiary of Warren Buffet's financial empire, is responsible for energy injustice on Northern California's Klamath River. Their dams are destroying habitat, culture, economies, and health on the river. The Karuk, Yurok, and Hoopa Tribes still rely on salmon for subsistence purposes, and the Klamath Tribes have been denied access to salmon since the early 20th century. Since the 2002 Klamath adult fish kill, a grassroots movement has arisen among Native and Non-native Klamath River residents to demand the removal of four dams. (Outside space # 1)
Starting @ 3:00pm
Grassroots resistance to Coal & Nukes in USA, Australia & New Zealand/ Aotearoa
Sophie, Rising Tide Network
1st hand images, info & stories from communities resisting coal mining & infrastructure In the USA, Australia & New Zealand /Aotearoa. From the destructiveness of Mountain Top Removal, blockades & local opposition of open cast mines, to resistance to the expansion of the largest coal port in the world. How these communities are both resisting & linking their struggles together globally. (Grange)
Friday - Activities (continued)
Starting @ 4:30pm
Fishing on the Columbia River
Irene Martin
Author and historian Irene Martin will present a historical review of commercial salmon fishing on the Columbia River. By means of maps, historical fishing equipment and artifacts, and photographs, she will provide historical background information about the local area and its fisheries. Come with questions! (Grange)
Alberta's Tar Sands
Mike Hudema, Freedom from Oil Director, Global Exchange, Tar Sands Campaigner, Greenpeace
One of the world worst climate and social crimes is occurring just 12 hours away in the province of Alberta. The tar sands are the second largest deposit of oil in the world and are being developed at a break neck speed. Oil from the tar sands is 5 times as energy intensive as conventional oil and uses 3-4 barrels of water per barrel of oil. Come find out about this devastating project and the efforts to stop it. (Outside space # 2)
Solar Power (to the People)
Justin Rolfe-Redding of Seattle Rainforest Action Group and Ant from the Climate Convergence
Want to get off the grid? Freeing yourself from electrons tainted by coal and damns is easier than you think. We will be doing a hands-on presentation with solar panels, batteries, and various appliances. You will be on your way to powering everything from cell phones and laptops to fridges with a small solar array. (Grange parking lot)
Digging out the roots of corporate power
Karen Coulter, co-founder of the Alliance for Sustainable Jobs and the Environment and the Blue Mountains Biodiversity Project, lead activist with the Program on Corporations, Law and Democracy.
Why are corporations allowed to change the global climate, causing ecological and social catastrophe? Karen Coulter has been researching hidden history of corporate power. She offers ways to reframe messaging and campaign design to dismantle the system of corporate rule. (Outside space # 1)
Bandicoot Insurgent Rebel Clown Army Training
Sophie, Rising Tide Network
The Bandicoot Insurgent Rebel Clown Army combine the ancient practice of clowning with the more recent practice of non-violent direct action with creative tools to confuse and befuddle authority. Come play games and learn clown army maneuvers - great affinity group building even if you don't end up as a clown. (Outside space # 3)
Water and Energy in the Northwest of Mexico: resistance and expropriation
Jorge Tadeo Vargas, Movimiento Mexicano de Afectados por las Presas y en Defensa de los Rios (Mexican movement of Affected by the Dam and in Defense of the Rivers) **CANCELLED BY THE US GOVERNMENT BORDER POLICE**
Starting @ 5:30pm
AFRICOM: Militarization, the War on Terror, fossil fuel Extraction and Resistance Movements in West Africa
Monica Vaughan, Rising Tide North America
In February Bush announced plans to open a military command center in Africa, explicitly stating that by 2015, 25% of US energy resources will come from West Africa. Come discuss the ways in which fossil fuel resistance movements are being labelled as "terrorist", and how the African Union is currently resisting the increased militarization, and further colonization of West Africa. (Outside space # 1)
7:30-9:30 Dr. Alder Fuller - Climate Change: Understanding the science & why we may be past a "tipping point" for irreversible change
This presentation will present published scientific evidence, along with principles from systems sciences - notably positive feedback, tipping points and phase transitions - that we can no longer stop global heating. Although we may slow onset of a major climate shift by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, within decades we will experience a radically hotter climate that hasn't existed for 55 million years. Thus, in addition to mitigation efforts, we must prepare for survival and adaptation.
9:30-10:30 MUSIC: East Valley Liberation Army (Debut performance! Featuring Nirvana's Krist Novoselic)
The East Valley Liberation Army is an adamantly local garage/guerilla band who usually practice in East Valley, Skamokawa. We play original rock music. Lead singer, writer, and guitarist is Moley (so called because he is visually impaired and may have questionable motives); bass player and sparkplug Commandante Kano is the brains of the operation, and, like the other members, has spent many years playing music; and Boom Boom the drummer is our hit man. Take it away, Boom Boom!
Saturday - Activities
Starting @ 10:30am
Climate Change and War
Catherine Thomasson, director of PSR - Climate Change and Health
Physicians for Social Responsibility present the factors of Climate Change that will result in resource wars. In addition, Dr. Thomasson will cover the cost to the US society of our militarism and its contributions to Climate Change. Solutions to Climate Change involve decentralized energy solutions and ending our reliance on foreign oil and gas. (Grange)
Starting & Running a Successful Group
Debra Erenberg, Organizing Director for the Rainforest Action Network
We can't do it all ourselves - that's why groups are such an important organizing tool! We'll cover key steps to starting and running an effective group, including outreach, leadership development, making meetings fun & effective, and more! (Outdoor space # 1)
Losing your activist Ego
Ant, Convergence for Climate Action
An open discussion centered around the rippling affects our Activist "Egos" can have on the community around us, the limits that can occur when we think of ourselves as activists, and the benefit of casting these notions aside. The facilitator will bring up these perspectives but the discussion is open for all to create. (Outdoor space # 2)
Local Organizers Perspective on LNG & Fossil Fuel Issues
Cheryl Johnson,Columbia Riverkeeper; George Exum & Carol Carver Wahkiakum Friends of the River; Dan Serres, Samantha Duncan (Rivervision); & a rep from Landowners & Citizens For a Safe Community.
This workshop will be a discussion involving panelists and participants regarding building coalitions of non-traditional allies. Large fossil fuel projects offer an almost unprecedented opportunity for interest groups that usually disagree to work together. The workshop will talk about some of the unusual alliances that have developed as part of the LNG struggle, and discuss where more help is needed in continuing to use LNG development to foster discussion about a broader range of local, regional, and global issues. We want to hear from others about more connections that can be built between rural and urban energy issues and activists, in particular. (Outdoor space # 4)
Natural medicine for personal and community self sufficiency
Orna Izakson and Amalia Oster
As the mainstream model of medicine breaks down, health care will return to the traditional interdependence between nature and people. This workshop will explore low-tech, sustainable options for healing and staying healthy (acupressure, herbs, water therapy and homeopathy) and offer concrete suggestions for garden, kitchen and home pharmacy. (Outdoor space # 3)
Introduction to Non-Violent Direct Action and Blockades
Grumbles, Seeds of Peace
This is a workshop introducing people to non-violent direct action using blockades as a tactic. The workshop will cover affinity group formation and the roles that need to be filled with-in that structure to have a safe and successful action. We will also cover descriptions of different blockade techniques from people only to "mono pods". In this workshop we also discuss when blockades can be an effect tactic with-in a larger campaign, as well as jail solidarity, security, scouting, and materials needed. (Outdoor space # 5)
Starting @ Noon
The Beehive Design Collective
David from The Beehive Design Collective
The Beehive Design Collective (from eastern Maine) has the mission of cross-pollinating the grassroots through the use of visual narratives as effective teaching tools. With larger than life banners, the Bees will take you on an interactive picture lecture through the scope of the Collective's graphic trilogy. Campaigns focused on the Free Trade Area of the Americas, Plan Colombia, and Plan Puebla Panama will illuminate the connections between colonialism, militarism, and resource extraction in the Western Hemisphere. (Grange)
Propaganda and You: What You Need to Know to Be a Video Pirate
Two guerrilla videoistas from the portland indy video collective
We plan to address 1) the power of the media, and why we must reclaim our own voices; 2) the need to bear witness to what is happening in the world; 3) how and why the corporate media numbs us all into complacency and why that matters; and 4) how we can take back the power to tell our own stories, and how that power can help us save the world. (Outdoor space # 2)
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Last at the Table, but the First to be Cut Off? Addressing Cross Cultural Issues
J. D. Williams
An exploration of cross-cultural issues in working with minorities on energy and environmental reforms. This one hour workshop will focus especially on working with Native Americans, who control large percentages of the Nation's remaining fossil fuels and whose reservations are often located in ideal areas for renewable energy development. (Outdoor space # 4)
Saturday - Activities (continued)
Starting @ Noon (continued)
Campus Organizing
Nina Rizzo, Global Exchange and Monica Vaughan, Rising Tide North America
This will cover the basic principles of organizing and the main steps of campaign planning such as goal-setting, power-mapping targets, campaign communication and use of tactics. Enriched by personal rules of thumb and examples of sweat free and climate campaigns in the University of California. (Stage)
Forests and Climate Change -- Forest Die-off, Carbon Sinks and What We Can Do
Pat Rasmussen, Coordinator of the World Temperate Rainforest Network
Forests in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and around the world are already dying off from the stresses of higher temperatures and CO2 levels. Climate change is not 2050, it is now. Will we recognize forests as carbon sinks and protect old growth forests for the carbon they hold or will massive forest die-off lead to runaway global warming, releasing the "Carbon Bomb?" Only reducing greenhouse gas emissions can save our forests. Forests remove carbon from the atmosphere. Will you too? (Outside space # 1)
Starting @ 2:00pm
The Environment as We See It: An Introduction to Environmental Racism
Yalonda Sindé, Jeri Sundvall Williams, and Sylvia Evans
For more than twenty years communities of color throughout the U.S. and the world have been leading a grassroots movement against environmental racism. What lessons can be learned from these communities? How can the environmental movement and the environmental justice movement join forces and find common ground? Attend this workshop and find out. (Grange)
Corporate Campaigning: How to take on the big boys and win
Mike Hudema, Freedom from Oil Director, Global Exchange, Tar Sands Campaigner, Greenpeace
Corporations have an incredible amount of power and influence over our world, yet their unregulated power and widespread brand familiarity may be their biggest weaknesses. Learn how to take on the big boys and win. (Outside space # 4 )
Agriculture, Climate Change & Industrial Agri-fuels
Debra Erenberg, Organizing Director for the Rainforest Action Network
Industrial agriculture accounts for up to 20% of the dangerous greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming today. Meanwhile, increasing globalization of agricultural commodities and the massive profiteering by a handful of large agribusiness corporations that control these markets has caused a major slump in agricultural capital. Corporate Agribusiness has had to rethink its market strategies and has identified the perfect vehicle to reinvigorate investment in their sector - biofuels! Can biofuels be sustainable? Under what conditions? (Outside space # 1)
Breakdance foundations
Lynne Piper
From the ground up, we will learn the basics of breakdance foundation. Through toprock, footwork and freeze we will explore the "circle", and battle each other. It will be really fun and hard. (Stage)
Popular Education & Climate Change - Training for Trainers
Sophie, Rising Tide Network
Come learn and play popular education games & exercises designed to engage and inspire folks to take action and see how all our struggles are linked. (Outside space 5)
Stopping Fortress North America, energy infrastructure projects for corporate globalization
Brian S., Root Force PDX
Think of the SPP as NAFTA plus Homeland Security. The SPP launched in 2005 by the leaders of U.S., Mexico, and Canada with members of the corporate elite(NACC) given an explicit role in drafting the SPP. It includes border militarization; attacks on indigenous and working people; ecological destruction; privatizing energy resources; mega-projects in the service of corporate greed; and unfortunately, much more and worse. Informational on Root Force Campaign. (Outside space 3)
The Rural Urban Divide
Kent Martin, Commercial Fishermen and Wahkiakum County resident (with George Exum, moderating)
This workshop and discussion will address the persistent divisions in the Northwest between urban and rural perspectives on environmentalism and rural land and water issues. Mr. Martin, a long-time commercial fishermen, will open by describing the potential problems with viewing rural areas as recreational spaces for urbanites, while people living in these areas attempt to sustain themselves on the local economy. This should be a lively and respectful discussion, and give people a forum to explore bridging this divide. (Outside space # 2)
Saturday - Activities (continued)
Starting @ 2:00pm (continued)
ABCs of Guerilla Kitchens to provide support for Actions and Campaigns
Seeds of Peace Collective
We will discuss the kinds of equipment needed to construct a kitchen and the flexibility to adapt it to any location that has water with-in a reasonable distant. We will also look at procuring food for free, good place to find free food, and how to get donations. We will go over fire regulations, sanitation, food storage, and common health code regulations among states and cities. The last part of the workshop will be helping us cook a meal for the convergence. (Kitchen)
Starting @ 4:30pm
Potential effects of climate change in the Pacific NW with considerations for survival & adaptation
Dr. Alder Fuller
This workshop will explore: 1) predictions for climate changes specific to the Pacific NW, and 2) personal, community and bioregional strategies to facilitate a less abrupt transition to a new kind of civilization adapted to a radically hotter and different climate, including public education; reducing energy use; building and community design; promoting ecosystem healing; planning for water, food and personal/family security; and related topics. (Grange)
Indigenous Rights, Climate Change & Weyerhaeuser
Debra Erenberg, Organizing Director for the Rainforest Action Network
Boreal forests store more carbon than other ecosystems, with the Boreal of Canada and Alaska storing up to 11% of the world's terrestrial biospheres' carbon. Weyerhaeuser's clear-cutting of Old Growth Boreal forests ignores both the climate ramifications and the rights of the Indigenous communities who live there. Learn more about the longest logging blockade in history and what you can do to get Weyerhaeuser to respect native rights and protect the climate. (Outside space #1)
GAIA CYCLES climate crisis solutions
Micheal Sunanda, Certified Permaculture designer
Climate Crisis causes, effects, patterns & local natural solutions. Using a wholistic ecology (deeper than Al Gore) of earth cycles & bioregional patterns we explore how we're co-creating pollution & climate chaos. I give some positive & negative trends coming in Peak oil & food trends. (Outside space # 2)
Climate Convergence Systems Tour - Greywater, Solar, Rocket stoves, etc.
Ant, Convergence for Climate Action
Take a tour of the various efforts we've made to make the climate convergence more sustainable and learn a bit about setting up these technologies in your own community. (Grange Parking Lot)
Building broad public interest alliances to fight climate change
Ananda Tan, Global Finance Campaign, Rainforest Action Network
The most severe impacts of global warming are felt by those peoples and communities around the world who benefit the least from fossil fuel economies, have the lightest carbon footprint and have historically on the frontlines of fighting corporate power. In order to decouple fossil fuels from growth we need to decouple poverty from energy. How can labor unions, anti-poverty and justice groups, frontline communities and environmental activists work together to fight corporate power. (Outside space # 3)
The Rising Tide Network: organizers against the root causes of climate change
Brian, Monica, Sophie, Steph, Maya
Rising Tide is a decentralized international grassroots network focused on climate and energy industry issues. We're one of the co-founders of both the 2006 UK Climate Camp and this year's Convergences for Climate Action. Born out of the conviction that corporate-friendly and state-sponsored "solutions" to climate change will not save us, we work to promote direct action against the fossil fuel industry, community autonomy, social solidarity, and sustainable living. If this sound likes your cup of tea, please join us at this presentation and meet up. (Outside space # 4)
Starting @ 5:30pm
The Organizing of the Convergence for Climate Action
Brian, Dan, Monica, and Ant
The title says it all! Want to learn how to organize big events? Want to see another Climate Convergence next year? Come meet some of the organizers for this year's convergence, hear about how we (hopefully!) pulled it off, and maybe become an organizer for the (still very hypothetical!) 2008 Convergence for Climate Action. (Outside space # 4)
Saturday - Activities (continued)
7:30 - 8:30 Dr. Robert Michael Pyle - Eating up life; climate changes impacts on plants and animals
Dr Robert Micahel Pyle is a scientist, author and one of Cascadia's foremost natural historians. He is the founder the Xerces Society, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting biological diversity through invertebrate conservation and co-author of "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Butterflies" and author of "Wintergreen", "Where Bigfoot Walks: Crossing the Dark Divide" and a numerous other works.
8:30 - 9:30 MUSIC: VICTORY and the LADS
Psychedelic punk rock from Portland featuring scintillating sexy female front-man Jai Milx. Raises your hackles while soothing your soul, V&tL are talented multi-instrumentalists who change instruments during set. Expect a dynamic, varied, and interesting show from the TRASH FACTORY house band! http://victoryandthelads.com/
9:30 - 10:30 PERFORMANCE: The Clown House
Sunday - Activities
Starting @ 10:30am
Movie: Mountain Top Removal and discussion of the movement against coal from the East Coast
Jay
Coal companies are levelling the Appalachian Mountains for coal using enough TNT to equal to the power 28 atomic bombs per year. Join Ed Wiley and Larry Gibson and other activists organize some of the most impoverished communities in the Nation against a handful of coal companies. From Charleston, WV to DC to threatened Marshfork Elementary School politicians are turning a blind eye! Let's connect this movement from coast to coast and rise against coal! (Grange)
Creative Activism: Theatre, Hijinks and Culture Jamming 101
Mike Hudema, Freedom from Oil Director, Global Exchange, Tar Sands Campaigner, Greenpeace
This workshop provides an introduction to the basics of carrying out theatrical actions. We will cover improvisational theatre skills, and case studies of previous creative action. Be prepared to move and hopefully laugh. (Outside space # 1)
Strategic Campaign Planning
Debra Erenberg, Organizing Director for the Rainforest Action Network
Learn how to design campaigns to be strategically effective. Classic power mapping has been adapted by the Program on Corporations, Law and Democracy to cover more complex needs of today's activists fighting the passivity of corporate culture. Excellent tool for starting a campaign form scratch, with accountability. (Outside space # 2)
Protect Your Rights
Kenneth
Have you ever been approached by cops and have not known what to do? Have you ever felt like cops have tried to intimidate you? Come to this workshop and learn what rights we have, how to exercise them and what to do when the cops try to ruin your day (or your protest action). (Outside space # 3)
Boat tours of the Columbia River (starting hourly at 10am, 11am, 12am, & 1m)
Capt. Peter Wilcox from the board of directors of Columbia Riverkeeper and RiversWest, and founder of Skippers for Clean Oregon & Washington Waters will give short tours onboard a 20' wooden fast garvey that he built to and from the proposed LNG site closest to Skamakowa. Peter is the leading advocate for highly sustainable river transit in the Portland area. Professionally, he is a developer of infill green and affordable housing projects in Portland. (Meet on the bridge to Vista Park)
The Future of Biofuels, the story of organizing against BP at Berkeley
Ali Tonak, Stop BP-Berkeley
On February 1, 2007, British Petroleum announced that on its quest against climate change it had chosen the University of California at Berkeley, to host the Energy Biosciences Institute (EBI) . Funded with $500 million over 10 years, this deal provides a glimpse of what is on global capital's drawing table. This workshop will look at the future of biofuels through the Story of Organizing against the deal. (Outside space # 4)
Sunday - Activities
Starting @ Noon
Targeting the Climate Change Bankers
Ananda Tan, Global Finance Campaign, Rainforest Action Network
The proposed 153 coal-fired power plants to be built in the US are estimated to cost as much as $144 billion dollars. RAN has identified the 9 banks as the primary financial supporters of coal. Our goal is to hold banks accountable for their financial support of climate-killing industries and push Wall Street to end investments in new coal. (Outside space # 4)
Action Planning for NW Students
Monica Vaughan, Rising Tide North America
This workshop is a planning/strategy session for campus organizers and community activists ready to start their school year off with an action. Whether interested in working on anti-oil policy, pro-bike policy, anti-LNG organizing, educational campaigns, or anything else climate change related, this workshop will provide ideas, inspiration, and plans for pulling in interest for your group or campaign, gaining campus media attention, and energizing yourself for the year ahead. (Outside space # 1)
Columbia River: Ground Zero for Fossil Fuel Development in our region.
Dan Serres, Columbia Riverkeeper & Columbia River Clean Energy Coalition
Three proposals are actively seeking permit approval to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Oregon, with massive sendout pipelines proposed to deliver gas to the Western (mostly Californian) market. NorthernStar, Oregon LNG, Jordan Cove LNG, PG&E, NW Natural, Williams Pipeline Co., Fort Chicago Energy, and TransCanada are among the energy industry players attempting to use Oregon as a "back door" for hooking California on the next generation of foreign fossil fuels - namely, LNG. Will examinee this acronym and another - "IGCC" - with which we should also be familiarizing ourselves. (Outside space # 3)
Starting @ 2:00 pm
Climate Change 101: Basics of the science & why we may be past a tipping point for irreversible change
Dr. Alder Fuller
This presentation will present published scientific evidence, along with principles from systems sciences - notably positive feedback, tipping points and phase transitions - that we can no longer stop global heating. Although we may slow onset of a major climate shift by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, within decades we will experience a radically hotter climate that hasn't existed for 55 million years. Thus, in addition to mitigation efforts, we must prepare for survival and adaptation. (Grange)
How to Use the Media
Nina Rizzo, Global Exchange
The media is a tool that can help achieve victories, influence decision-makers and the public, and build group recognition and credibility. Learn how to get outlets to effectively cover your issue: brainstorm hooks, how to write advisories and releases, how to pitch, interview and write a letter the editor. (Outside space # 1)
Preparing for the worst - community disaster response??
Jenka, KBOO Radio Disaster Response Team
With climate change comes more intense storms, and more frequent and powerful natural disasters. The government's response, as we have seen in hurricane Katrina and other disasters, is to militarize the affected area and criminalize the victims. We need to be prepared to face these emergencies in a spirit of mutual aid. We need to build our own networks of communication, support, aid and infrastructure in order to take care of ourselves and each other when disaster strikes. Building on the experience of post-Katrina disaster relief, we'll talk about how to assess your community's needs, and how to respond to disaster. (Outside space # 3)
Non-Violent Direct Action Planning 101
Sophie and Mike
This workshop will help groups prepare for an upcoming action. It'll look closely at the action scenario, making sure the group has solid plans for direct action roles, scouting, decision-making, and safety. After assessing the action, the group uses role-plays to practice de-escalation skills and tactics. (Outside space # 4)
Advanced Blockades Training
Grumbles, Seeds of Peace
This workshop includes hands on construction of tripods, bipeds, and Monopod blockade structures. It includes using the structures for role plays focusing on recreations of real experience situations. We will also discuss dragons and barrel locking devices. This includes more advance instruction on safety, media, legal, and logistics of blockades. The workshop is 4 hours. (Outside space # 5)
Sunday - Activities
Starting @ 4:30 pm
Nature Fun Time! For children of all ages
Maya Face with Olympia's Environmental Resource Center, Olympia Climate Action and Rising Tide North America
Games, giggling and singing about this incredible planet that we have the honour to exist on. Come build appreciation and connections to nature, take a break from learning about the atrocities being committed against Mother Earth, learn some skills for integrating harmoniously into your ecosystem, and learn how to ride a big white pony. (Meet at Grange parking lot)
Food not Lawns!
Heather Flores, Food not Lawns
Food Not Lawns is a loosely affiliated cluster of grassroots gardeners in and around the Willamette Valley, just West of the Oregon Cascades. We work together toward an ecologically, socially, and perpetually thriving bioregion, using theories and techniques derived from permaculture, kinship gardening, ecological design, and biodynamics. We also develop and test our own ideas, and offer a wide range of educational, organizational, and hands-on services. (Outside space # 3)
Jail Support / Solidarity
Portland Legal Defense Network
When we take action against an unjust system, we often find ourselves facing the possibility of arrest. At times, risking arrest may be a planned part of our action: in other situations we may deeply desire to avoid it. Nevertheless, activists get arrested. Planning, preparation, support for those who have been arrested can help us protect each other and continue to build our movement - come learn all about the importance and how-tos of doing so. (Outside space # 2)
Starting @ 5:30 pm
The Sprockettes: Promoting Sustainability Through Performance Art
Join The Sprockettes, Portland's own all-female synchronized mini-bike dance team for a workshop on how bicycles can change your life. We'll discuss our group history, radical cooperation, the importance of bike advocacy, and our recent tour on a veggie-oil fueled bus. Following that we'll teach some acrobalancing and fun mini-bike tricks. (Performance area)
7:00 - 8:00 Performance: The Sprockettes
The Sprockettes are an all female synchronized mini-bike dance troupe. In a basic sense it is our mission to entertain audiences by choreographing dances to songs while using bikes in our performances. In a broader sense our mission is to: 1) Support and interact with our community to advocate and promote bicycle riding. 2) Empower and inspire people to live out their crazy and wildest dreams, therefore embracing the bad-ass-ossity of life and living to their potential. 3) To promote positive self image for all body types, offering an alternative to the dangerous mono-culture of what the ideal body type is. 4) To promote a female positive perspective that celebrates women empowerment. 5) Encourage exercise, movement, health, and a pro-physical lifestyle.
7:30 - 8:30 MUSIC: Willapa Hills
Willapa Hills is a six-member all-acoustic band of Wahkiakum County musicians. Formed in 2002 as an old-time music band, they have branched out into unique interpretations of modern folk as well as original songs. They are known for their vocal harmonies and for unusual and varied instrumentation using combinations of guitar, autoharp, banjo, mandolin, cello, mandocello, fiddle, jews harp and accordion. Come sing and stomp along!
8:30 - 9:30 Jorge Tadeo Vargas
of El Movimiento Mexicano de Afectados por las Presas y en Defensa de los Rios (the Mexican movement of Affected by the Dam and in Defense of the Rivers): Water and Energy in the Northwest of Mexico: resistance and expropriation
9:30 - 10:30 MUSIC: Brenna Sahatjian
Benna Sahatjian has song sprouting in her stomach. She plays original neo-folk tunes, and is part of Riot-Folk, a mutual aid music collective.
But wait, there's MORE!!
All day every day...
BASIC CLIMBING Learn the essential gear, knots, and techniques to throw a line into a tree, set an anchor and proceed up and back down the tree. We teach with safety at the forefront, but do realize that tree-climbing can be dangerous. You must attend Tree-Climbing 101 or prove your climbing knowledge before attending Advanced Climbing Techniques.
ADVANCED CLIMBING Learn different climbing techniques that will enable you to shoot lines in tall trees, rig up traverses, set up tree-sits, and free climb trees safely. A few more advanced knots will be shown and a little more one on one work can be done. We will show different things based on the time available and the interest of attendees. Thx to Cascadian Climbers Network, the Northwest Ecosystem Survey Team and friends!
Activities in Skamokawa and Wahkiakum county...
1. Bicycle 6 miles up East Valley Road to play Frisbee-golf. The Inn at Lucky Mud is offering convergence attendees free access to their disk golf course.
2. Explore the sloughs with a kayak or canoe. The Skamokawa Center is offering a 15% discount on kayak rentals for convergence attendees.
3. Bicycle or drive through the National Wildlife Refuge for the Columbian White-tailed Deer.
4. Stroll west along the sand beach for a picnic at Hidden Cove.
5. Check out the Skamokawa Community Library at the entrance to Vista Park.
6. Visit the historic Oasis Tavern, they have some good beers and many photos of old Skamok.
Daily @ 2pm at the basketball court... .
Bike polo, or bike hockey, is a team sport, where players use mallets to knock a ball though their opponents' goal. Playing bike polo improves your handling skills and teaches you how to negotiate moving objects. We'll also be doing an overview of critical bike safety, useful in all settings, including how to avoid crashes, how to avoid injury, what do when injured and bicycles and the law.
Ad hoc, last minute workshops of all sorts
Have something you want to share? Not finding exactly what you want on the schedule? Last minute workshops will be scheduled throughout the convergence - check in with the welcome table for more information about getting something on the schedule or to see late additions on the giant schedule board.
Monday, August 13th is the Day of Action -
All details TBA until the Convergence!
WAKE UP EARLY -- 7 am Monday, Bird Identification Trip, meet on the bridge to Vista Park!
MUSIC by Spruce in the evening, back at the Convergence Site.
Tuesday, August 14th is for closing celebrations
and possibly a Portland protest!
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homepage: http://www.climateconvergence.org
phone: 541-521-1832
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