greenpeace--2020-10-14--These Six Oil Companies Are Funding the Police (and Must Be Stopped!)

It ’ s been five months since George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police , and a lot is still being unearthed .
It ’ s been five months since George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police .
Ever since , calls to defund the police have gained traction nationwide .
Bloated police budgets are being intensely scrutinized for taking desperately-needed public resources away from Black and Brown communities — those hit hardest by police violence , COVID-19 , and the extreme weather we ’ re seeing across the country .
While keeping up the pressure on local @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cities fund police departments is important , we also need to seek out any and every person or entity contributing money to the militarization and expansion of police departments nationwide .
To truly divest from policing and invest in what keeps our communities safe , healthy , and housed , we need to follow the money .
Earlier in the year , LittleSis released a groundbreaking report outlining how over 200 police foundations in the U.S. use dark money donations from some of the world ’ s largest corporations and polluters — including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Walmart , Starbucks , Amazon , Bank of America , Target , Coca-Cola , Delta Airlines , Waffle House , and many more — to give massive amounts of funding to the nation ’ s biggest police departments outside of public scrutiny or budget oversight .
69 % of police departments reported partnering with corporations and 46 % of police departments partnered with police foundations in a 2014 survey .
Some of these corporate executives even sit on police foundation boards .
Police foundations are a key space for orchestrating , normalizing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the police .
Police foundations — like massive corporations or oil companies — serve wealthy and powerful interests , not people .
They partner with corporations to raise money to supplement police budgets , fund policing programs , and purchase new or controversial equipment for law enforcement outside of public scrutiny or budgetary oversight , including surveillance technology , military weapons , SWAT team equipment , and other tools that terrorize Black and Brown people .
They also act as free PR for police departments — contributing to misconceptions about crime and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while funding crime hotlines and “ deputy for a day ” programs that enable vigilantes to commit harm to Black , Brown , and Indigenous communities .
In Atlanta , Minneapolis , Los Angeles , New York City , and across the country , police foundations directly support the continued hyper-surveillance of BIPOC communities and the militarization of police .
NYPD ’ s police foundation explicitly embraces its role of expanding policing in ways that remove public oversight .
Corporations like Coca-Cola , AT & T , Microsoft , Wells Fargo , Halliburton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only complicit — they are among police foundations ’ largest backers .
But , that ’ s not all .
Many of the same corporations driving the climate crisis and causing atypical cancers , asthma , and other disturbing health conditions in BIPOC communities are also donors , partners , and board members for police foundations .
The levels of injustice and oppression are hard to stomach .
Here ’ s a list of the fossil fuel and utility companies that give to police foundations .
• Chevron has a spot on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past , has partnered with the foundation to host the North American Mounted Unit Commander ‘ s Association Conference .
• DTE Energy , the midwest utility giant , is a donor to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation board .
DTE also has a trustee spot on the foundation ’ s board .
• Marathon Petroleum , owner of a major refinery in Detroit , sits on the Detroit Public Safety Foundation board .
Marathon is also a donor to the foundation .
• The chairman and CEO of Hilcorp Energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while the CEO of Halliburton is on the foundation ’ s advisory board .
• Southern Company subsidiary Georgia Power is a donor to the Atlanta Police Foundation and has a board seat .
• Energy Transfer Partners , a company that gained notoriety for its role in the Dakota Access Pipeline , is a sponsor of “ Friends of the Dallas Police.
” Corporate polluters funding police foundations are an example of how climate justice and racial justice are so connected .
The same elites that benefit from destroying the planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Black communities !
What ’ s worse is that almost all of the corporations who give to police foundations have come out with statements supporting # BlackLivesMatter .
In June , some of the same corporations released statements in support of # BlackLivesMatter — but how can they publicly support one thing and then behind closed doors take action against it ?
This is a particularly callous example of corporate hypocrisy !
The U.S. ’ s most powerful corporations should not be making decisions about how communities are run on any front .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ their most valuable asset , and they don ’ t want to be publicly associated with racist police departments .
So if environmentalists and anti-racist activists speak out , we can drive a wedge between corporate America and the police , a huge step to dismantling corporate power and police power .
No corporation should profit from racist policing or polluting .
Thankfully , in the past few months , Color of Change and over 40 organizations have been pressuring corporations to divest from police foundations .
Thousands of messages have been sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with amazing results .
Wells Fargo has announced it will “ pause ” all contributions to police foundations and we ’ re waiting on active policy decisions from several more corporations .
But we need to keep up the pressure !
Join us and call on corporations that invest in police foundations to : Divest immediately from police foundations and any law enforcement non-profits .
• None Not one dime to police foundations or cops .
Cancel all current and future sponsorship deals with police foundations or law enforcement non-profits , including event @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and in-kind donations of equipment , software , data , or technology .
• None Current employees — at all levels — who sit on a police foundation ’ s board should immediately step down from the board .
Future employees should be banned from representing their employers on any police foundation board or in any law enforcement non-profit organization .
From coast to coast , people are awakening to the systemic racism that murdered George Floyd , Breonna Taylor , Atatiana Jefferson , Aura Rosser , Stephon Clark , Philando Castile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tamir Rice , Michael Brown , and so many others .
The voices online and in the streets have been resounding — we need to change and we need to do it now .
We need systems that put people first , not corporations or the wealthy .
And , we need police departments to stop killing Black people .
Take action for racial justice now .
Commit to holding corporations who donate to police foundations accountable for putting Black and Brown people in severe danger .
The time for defunding the police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now .

It’s been five months since George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police, and a lot is still being unearthed.
It’s been five months since George Floyd was murdered by the Minneapolis police.
Ever since, calls to defund the police have gained traction nationwide. Bloated police budgets are being intensely scrutinized for taking desperately-needed public resources away from Black and Brown communities — those hit hardest by police violence, COVID-19, and the extreme weather we’re seeing across the country.
While keeping up the pressure on local leaders to fundamentally change how towns and cities fund police departments is important, we also need to seek out any and every person or entity contributing money to the militarization and expansion of police departments nationwide.
To truly divest from policing and invest in what keeps our communities safe, healthy, and housed, we need to follow the money.
Cue the secret funding weapon for police: police foundations.
If you’ve never heard of #PoliceFoundations, you’re not alone. These dark money groups partner with corporations to supplement bloated police budgets, fund policing programs, and purchase equipment for cops with little to no public oversight. Learn more: https://t.co/DoDCKv27Tt pic.twitter.com/hMLDlwmJH6 — ColorOfChange (@ColorOfChange) August 2, 2020
Earlier in the year, LittleSis released a groundbreaking report outlining how over 200 police foundations in the U.S. use dark money donations from some of the world’s largest corporations and polluters — including Chevron, Marathon Petroleum, Verizon, Walmart, Starbucks, Amazon, Bank of America, Target, Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, Waffle House, and many more — to give massive amounts of funding to the nation’s biggest police departments outside of public scrutiny or budget oversight.
69% of police departments reported partnering with corporations and 46% of police departments partnered with police foundations in a 2014 survey. Some of these corporate executives even sit on police foundation boards.
Police foundations are a key space for orchestrating, normalizing, and celebrating the collaboration between corporate power and the police.
Police foundations — like massive corporations or oil companies — serve wealthy and powerful interests, not people. They partner with corporations to raise money to supplement police budgets, fund policing programs, and purchase new or controversial equipment for law enforcement outside of public scrutiny or budgetary oversight, including surveillance technology, military weapons, SWAT team equipment, and other tools that terrorize Black and Brown people. They also act as free PR for police departments — contributing to misconceptions about crime and the normalization of constant and growing policing while funding crime hotlines and “deputy for a day” programs that enable vigilantes to commit harm to Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.
In Atlanta, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, New York City, and across the country, police foundations directly support the continued hyper-surveillance of BIPOC communities and the militarization of police.
NYPD’s police foundation explicitly embraces its role of expanding policing in ways that remove public oversight. Corporations like Coca-Cola, AT&T, Microsoft, Wells Fargo, Halliburton, Google, and Facebook are not only complicit — they are among police foundations’ largest backers.
But, that’s not all.
Many of the same corporations driving the climate crisis and causing atypical cancers, asthma, and other disturbing health conditions in BIPOC communities are also donors, partners, and board members for police foundations. The levels of injustice and oppression are hard to stomach.
Here’s a list of the fossil fuel and utility companies that give to police foundations.
Chevron has a spot on the Houston Police Foundation board, and, in the past, has partnered with the foundation to host the North American Mounted Unit Commander‘s Association Conference.
has a spot on the Houston Police Foundation board, and, in the past, has partnered with the foundation to host the North American Mounted Unit Commander‘s Association Conference. DTE Energy , the midwest utility giant, is a donor to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation board. DTE also has a trustee spot on the foundation’s board.
, the midwest utility giant, is a donor to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation board. DTE also has a trustee spot on the foundation’s board. Marathon Petroleum , owner of a major refinery in Detroit, sits on the Detroit Public Safety Foundation board. Marathon is also a donor to the foundation.
, owner of a major refinery in Detroit, sits on the Detroit Public Safety Foundation board. Marathon is also a donor to the foundation. The chairman and CEO of Hilcorp Energy is a Houston Police Foundation board member, while the CEO of Halliburton is on the foundation’s advisory board.
is a Houston Police Foundation board member, while the CEO of is on the foundation’s advisory board. Southern Company subsidiary Georgia Power is a donor to the Atlanta Police Foundation and has a board seat.
subsidiary Georgia Power is a donor to the Atlanta Police Foundation and has a board seat. Energy Transfer Partners, a company that gained notoriety for its role in the Dakota Access Pipeline, is a sponsor of “Friends of the Dallas Police.”
Oil and gas companies bankroll racist police foundations which privately raise money to buy weapons, equipment, and surveillance technology. https://t.co/Z9DhRZoqSk — Truthout (@truthout) August 6, 2020
Corporate polluters funding police foundations are an example of how climate justice and racial justice are so connected. The same elites that benefit from destroying the planet are propping up the institutions that oppress Black communities!
1/ THREAD ➡ The fossil fuel companies and financiers that drive environmental racism are also intertwined with police foundations, helping build private slush funds for the police away from public oversight. https://t.co/ubcQ07IL8Y pic.twitter.com/y8oeoAEvCA — LittleSis.org (@twittlesis) July 27, 2020
Georgia Power today announced a $900,000 donation from the Georgia Power Foundation to the Atlanta Police Foundation https://t.co/03IBOvLwwC pic.twitter.com/OjQlK3hy0n — Georgia Power (@GeorgiaPower) November 10, 2016
What’s worse is that almost all of the corporations who give to police foundations have come out with statements supporting #BlackLivesMatter.
In June, some of the same corporations released statements in support of #BlackLivesMatter — but how can they publicly support one thing and then behind closed doors take action against it? This is a particularly callous example of corporate hypocrisy!
The U.S.’s most powerful corporations should not be making decisions about how communities are run on any front.
But, here’s the thing:
A corporation’s public image is their most valuable asset, and they don’t want to be publicly associated with racist police departments. So if environmentalists and anti-racist activists speak out, we can drive a wedge between corporate America and the police, a huge step to dismantling corporate power and police power. No corporation should profit from racist policing or polluting.
We know that corporations won’t change their ways unless their profits/reputation are at stake. We also know that there’s strength in numbers, & we need you with us now. Demand corporations divest from #PoliceFoundations that help militarize the police: https://t.co/DoDCKvjJi3 pic.twitter.com/5gw7qUczNs — ColorOfChange (@ColorOfChange) August 18, 2020
Thankfully, in the past few months, Color of Change and over 40 organizations have been pressuring corporations to divest from police foundations. Thousands of messages have been sent to various companies from people like you with amazing results. Wells Fargo has announced it will “pause” all contributions to police foundations and we’re waiting on active policy decisions from several more corporations. But we need to keep up the pressure!
Join us and call on corporations that invest in police foundations to:
Divest immediately from police foundations and any law enforcement non-profits.
Not one dime to police foundations or cops. Cancel all current and future sponsorship deals with police foundations or law enforcement non-profits, including event partnerships, participation in galas or fundraisers, and in-kind donations of equipment, software, data, or technology.
Refuse any positions on police foundation boards.
Current employees — at all levels — who sit on a police foundation’s board should immediately step down from the board. Future employees should be banned from representing their employers on any police foundation board or in any law enforcement non-profit organization.
From coast to coast, people are awakening to the systemic racism that murdered George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Aura Rosser, Stephon Clark, Philando Castile, Freddie Grey, Eric Garner, Tamir Rice, Michael Brown, and so many others.
The voices online and in the streets have been resounding — we need to change and we need to do it now. We need systems that put people first, not corporations or the wealthy. And, we need police departments to stop killing Black people.
Take action for racial justice now. Commit to holding corporations who donate to police foundations accountable for putting Black and Brown people in severe danger.
The time for defunding the police and calling out corporate-backed police foundations is right now.


greenpeace--2020-10-16--What We Need Now: Episode 2

What We Need Now: Episode 2

In this episode of Greenpeace ’ s What We Need Now podcast , we discuss youth activism and leadership across the occupied United States .
Our host Rico Sisney speaks with Isha Clarke and Dulce Arias from Youth Vs. Apocalypse , “ Bay Area-based diverse group of young climate justice activists ” who are serious about taking climate action and bringing their creativity to motivate the masses to do the same .
We explore their work to tackle climate change and how they ’ re using music to connect the 2020 election to their long term agenda , with their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the Time ” .
In this conversation , Youth Vs. Apocalypse poignantly calls out that “ everyone who can vote , needs to ” while also making space to address the real concerns around disillusionment in marginalized communities “ that [ are ] a result of people being failed over and over and over again ” .
You can also check out the Take Action Toolkit from our first episode , where Rico and Ash speak with multi-disciplinary performance artist , community organizer , activist and writer Adwoa Addae .
We ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism ’ s impacts even greater and Adwoa imparts their wisdom on why we need to feel to get through it all .
What ’ s up y ’ all ?
My name is Rico Sisney and welcome to the “ What We Need Now ” Podcast by Greenpeace USA .
We know that people of color are not just disproportionately impacted by environmental issues , we are greatly concerned and very involved in tackling them .
But too much of the conversation has separated climate , race , gender and class .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the grassroots of our movement to envision , equip , and empower each other on “ What We Need Now ” to build a better world for all of us .
Now , before we get into the episode , I have to give a huge shout out to Ash Williams who helped create and produce this podcast and until recently was my co-host .
Although Ash is no longer working for Greenpeace , he ’ s continuing his critical anti-carcerality work to build alternatives to police and policing and organizing abolition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reproductive , and environmental justice .
The goal of “ What We Need Now ” is to uplift the work of grassroots leaders and we ’ ll continue to support their work going forward .
Now let ’ s get into it .
It ’ s all anyone can talk about , so we ’ re going to talk about it – the election .
This historic moment with a whole lot at stake and what we need now to get through it .
And to be real , things are looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of organizing happening and we want to take a closer look specifically at what the youth are doing .
The elusive youths .
People love to say they aren ’ t at the polls , so where are they ?
Turns out they ’ re not too far , opting to operate locally on the grassroots level , creating bold platforms and gaining community support and buy-in .
• None I ’ m just gon na quickly highlight a few and I apologize if I don ’ t mention your favorite org , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out in the comments wherever you ’ re listening to this podcast .
• None is a really dope national organization with chapters across the US .
Their members are 18-35 year-old Black youth who organize to “ end systems of anti-Blackness , patriarchal violence , and white supremacy all through a Black Queer Feminist Lens .
They are fighting for the folks living on the margins of the margins , including Black women , girls , femmes and gender non-conforming people.
” I highly recommend checking out their , …and their exclusive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swag y ’ all .
• None was started and led by womxn and two-spirit peoples during the Standing Rock Indigenous Uprising while peacefully protecting the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline..
They organize youth through education , spiritual practices and civic engagement .
Another newer one , was started by two black women from Columbia University .
They provide training to organizers in New york and other cities as well as supplies and support for non-violent protests leading up to the election .
And maybe you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now because , you know , quarantine ’ s got them bored in the house and in the house bored , but most of those organizations did not start this year .
And lets not forget : • None global weekly school strikes for climate which started in 2018 and were not unlike the from Philly that marched on Washington , D.C in 1908 or the when children took the streets for a peaceful demonstration in South Africa and were met with brutal police violence .
• None And again , I ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ main point is that the youths are out here in these streets .
Literally .
And they have been .
Young people are leading fights for climate justice , racial justice , prison abolition , indigenous sovereignty and more , and – for the next month or so a lot of that energy is around the election .
While often the messaging of get out the vote focuses on individual responsibility , I can ’ t be mad at people who feel disillusioned with a democratic process that has worked so hard , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of folks ’ vote , and their access to it .
Covid and the current administration have exacerbated some of the very real barriers to voting that have existed for marginalized people for a long time .
So rather than shaming non-voters , the goal has to be to motivate and inform people , remove these barriers to voting and make sure that every vote is counted .
I highly recommend ballotopedia as a resource for info about voting and as always you can check out greenpeace.org/usa/whatweneednow to find links to pretty much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• None Next up , we ’ re gon na be talking with Isha Clarke and Dulce Arias from Youth vs Apocalypse about the work they ’ re doing in the Bay area to confront climate change and inspire folks to participate in the 2020 election , but first , this .
This Episode of “ What We Need Now ” brought to you in part by Staying Home .
All over the country , cities and states are beginning to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day , rather than Columbus Day .
[ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who committed and enabled countless atrocities against black and native people when you could celebrate the people who ’ s land you are literally on ?
Need I remind you , we are still living in a global pandemic .
Even the president has caught “ The Rona ” So , unless you ’ re headed out of the house for essential goods or to go to the polls for early voting , this “ Columbus Day ” why not do the one thing Cristobal Colombo should have done and stay the **** @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome to the What We Need Now podcast .
Before we get into it , could you each say your name , your pronouns , and what land you ’ re on so folks can recognize your voices ?
Dulce Hi , my name is Dulce Arias and I ’ m 19 years old .
My pronouns are she , her , hers .
And I was born in Mexico , but came to this country when I was about like 5 but then the Bay Area became my home when I was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been living here on stolen Ohlone Land , occupied Ohlone territory .
Isha Hey y ’ all my name is Isha Clarke I ’ m 17 .
I ’ m an activist , born , raised , and educated in Oakland , CA , AKA occupied Ohlone territory .
And I use she , her pronouns Rico Word .
I ’ m also on occupied Ohlone territory , so we ’ re all in the Bay Area , but for obvious reasons , we ’ re not in the same space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the podcast today .
So , I want to hear a little bit about Youth vs. Apocalypse .
What do you all do ?
How did you get started ?
Isha Dulce , do you want to start , or should I ?
Dulce I feel like you should start because you ’ re like the OG .
Isha OK , So Youth vs. Apocalypse started as a group of young people to fight against Phil Tegami , who is a very powerful developer in Oakland and who was at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ build a coal terminal through West Oakland , which is a community that is predominantly working-class people of color .
And .
That campaign was called Youth vs Coal , and then from that campaign grew Youth vs. Apocalypse .
Rico Why is it important to highlight Youth ?
Youth Vs. Coal and then Youth vs. Apocalypse ?
You put that first .
Why is that framing important to you ?
Dulce I think we like- emphasized like Youth vs Coal , Youth vs. Apocalypse because at the end of the day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re the ones that are going to carry on like whatever crisis we ’ re in , and we ’ re the ones that are going to be like most affected by all the decisions everyone ’ s making right now .
We ’ re like the people of tomorrow .
So I feel like it ’ s really important for us to take the lead , even though , like it sucks that we have to because we have these adults who have like Hella power , you know ?
They @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sit in like the -how do you call it ?
These important positions that us youth can ’ t because we have to go to school and basically literally like learn how to sell ourselves for money .
But I feel like ever since like I became like an activist and organizer I feel like I could basically do anything and help my community instead of like waiting after I get like a bachelors or something and I feel like right now that ’ s super powerful because….I don ’ t know like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hope to change it one day , but a lot of the times like the adults tell us to like wait until you get like a bachelors or like a degree in something and then start making the change and so right now for the youth .
I feel like more– or like even before a lot of the youth know that they have like the power .
And so they ’ re taking action and they ’ re accomplishing a lot of things .
And I feel like in the little @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YvA , I feel like we ’ ve done together a lot of things that I truly didn ’ t think I could have if I like waited until I finish school .
Isha I second that and I also like…I feel like people are kind of acting as if this is something new– like it ’ s not .
Young people have been leading movements forever .
I mean like every single big social movement was led by mostly young people .
I mean like the civil rights movement…there was– I mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young young , there was the Birmingham Children ’ s crusade where it was literally middle and high school students who walked out of school and had a significant impact on that specific time in that movement .
There was the Black Power movement that was started by two Laney college students and then had many middle school–I mean high school students that were joining and really like being th spine of that movement you know ?
So like , this isn ’ t new .
This– young people are the people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in society .
Rico Yes , you can ’ t see me , but I was– there was a lot of nodding .
I got ta realize that in a podcast medium nodding is not how you give affirmation .
I ’ m still new to this .
But yeah , I really , really appreciate both of what y ’ all just said because I agree .
I don ’ t think it ’ s anything new .
And I mean even thinking about , you know , John Lewis , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his work , he was very young when he got started with that work .
I think he was like 17 when he met Rosa Parks .
So what is YVA working on right now ?
Isha We ’ re kind of doing a lot right now Dulce , do you want to talk about a little bit and then I can pick it up from there ?
Dulce So Youth vs. Apocalypse is putting out a song .
It ’ s called , “ This is the Time ” and it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 15 .
You can find it on Spotify , YouTube and Apple music and this song…basically it ’ s a contribution of different people in Youth vs. Apocalypse talking about like , the time is now to act and also encouraging people to get to the polls .
Then there ’ s the campaign trying to put pressure at this big company who holds all the public school teacher pension funds in California and they ’ re actually investing it in fossil fuels .
Which sucks , because it affects our own communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who are like literally funding De-struction in our communities in order to get money .
Yeah , Isha do you wan na add ?
Isha Yeah .
So I think , kind of just to like talk about the big picture for a second : for me , and I think really for everyone in Youth vs. Apocalypse , our purpose and our work is to acknowledge the fact that the reason why we are in this state of climate crisis , and really like all of the crises that we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is because our country was founded on unsustainable , destructive systems of oppression .
Systems of white supremacy and patriarchy and colonialism and capitalism .
And because of that , in order to stop the climate crisis and to stop all of the crises that we ’ re experiencing right now , we have to dismantle that foundation and work to build a new foundation in its place that is envisioned by the communities who have been most hurt by these systems .
And that is built on justice and true sustainability @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now and that is the work of Youth vs. Apocalypse , and so all of the campaigns that were in are working to do that in different ways .
And this one specific campaign that we ’ re working on right now , that Dulce mentioned is called , “ This is the Time ” , and it ’ s really this multilayered national action where we are launching a pledge and we are trying to get young people under the age of 18 who can ’ t vote to mobilize their communities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this pledge to fight to leave us a livable and just society , and in that pledge it lists all of the things that that means , which is a lot .
But to summarize , it ’ s basically creating a society in which everyone can thrive .
And so there ’ s also a song and a music video that Dulce was talking about to get people ’ s attention .
There ’ s this social media campaign .
There ’ s a lot , so that ’ s my spiel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you talking about the vision and also what it looks like on the ground , which leads me to the vote .
I want to hear how you ’ re connecting this long-term agenda , big systemic changes to the polls , which is a more immediate issue .
How are you doing that ?
How do you make that connection ?
Isha We ’ ve been having a lot of conversations about this within YVA .
Where… I ’ m like trying to figure out how to…how to talk about this because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing right now , and every person who can vote needs to vote , and at the same time , it is not only about voting , you know ?
It is about like– I was talking about before , creating this movement that has already been in the works to completely reimagine the entire way that we exist on this planet .
And so I get the immediate push to vote , because that ’ s what ’ s happening right now in this moment , and it ’ s the most– @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now .
But the way that we ’ re thinking about voting is more as a step .
Like it is one of the first steps in building this movement that we need in order to create the society that we want to see .
Because the truth of the matter is that for people of color , for poor people , for Queer , Trans folks , for women , political systems and people in positions of political power have never been for us and have never done anything for us really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting people in positions of power who are most in alignment with what we ’ re working towards and pushing the hell out of them every single day to get to where we need to be .
It ’ s so much bigger than just , you know , ‘ vote for whoever ’ you know ?
Rico Yeah , I love that .
Describing voting as a first step and when there are so many attacks on it , when it ’ s you know– when it ’ s made more difficult @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re going to put energy behind , not just making it safe for people , making sure their vote has power , and making sure people get out to the vote , but we have to maintain that we are still working for something longer term , right ?
And we ’ re not going to be done once we get these election results .
Isha And also , like , let ’ s not ignore the fact .
That American politics have failed us like in have failed people of color @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group of people .
And like people , while I think that… I sincerely believe that everyone who can vote needs to vote and I will say that .
But I also think like we can ’ t shame people for not wanting to , you know ?
Like we need to address that .
That is a real concern and that is a real feeling that is a result of people being failed over and over and over and over again .
And so that ’ s kind of just my call @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and to really think about what it is that people have experienced in this country .
And that is like flowing through our DNA , you know ?
And how we walk through this world .
Let ’ s have some compassion for that .
And still , let ’ s tell our people to vote for it .
Rico Yeah , I was just going to say like as an organizer , how do you meet people where there at ?
If people feel you know , disillusioned with this whole Democratic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote .
How do you message that to them ?
Dulce I feel like in order to like , have change , like how you say– you kind of have to like meet people halfway .
And it ’ s kind of like that for voting .
Like you don ’ t agree with like the government but you have to meet them halfway and like at least try to vote .
Especially because I feel like they ’ re like scared of the vote of people of color you know ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the late 19-somethings when like the people of color could vote like indigenous people , black people and other ?
So Dulce brings up a really straight-forward question with a very complicated answer .
When did people of color in this country get the right to vote ?
The simplest answer I could give is that black folks , indigneous folks and other people of color in this country have won the right to vote many times and been denied this right through changes in legislation and direct or indirect voting restrictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day .
Two dates that might be familiar to you are 1865 when the the 13th amendment partially abolished slavery and 1870 when the fifteenth amendment prevented states from denying the vote on the grounds of race explicitly .
What a lot of folks may not know is that • None places .
In new jersey , voters included women property-owners as well .
But then those places shifted from class-based to race-based voter discrimination , and those folks were no longer eligible .
• None After the mexican-american war , the treaty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ territories gained by the US technically were citizens , but language barriers and intimidation limited access to voting .
• None Between 1865 and 1870 , the aforementioned amendments and the guarantee of citizenship to males born or naturalized in the U.S meant once again black and other poc men could vote in places , but during reconstruction poll taxes , literacy tests and the newly formed KKK prevented many black people and poor white folks from voting .
If you ’ re listening to this on the website , I recommend clicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not as easy as you might expect .
• None The Chinese exclusion act barred people of chinese ancestry from becoming citizens in 1882 • None The Dawes act granted US citizenship to indigenous folks willing to dissociate from their tribe in 1887 , • None the 19th amendment prohibited states from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex explicitly in 1920 • None 1924 Native Americans are technically granted citizenship but some states barred Native Americans from voting through 1957 • None to enforce the 14th and 15th amendment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tests and providing for bilingual ballots .
This act meant that along with many black folks , my father and his mother voted for the 1st time in the same election .
But as is the theme here , there were limitations ( people convicted of felonies are not allowed to vote in some places for example ) and a supreme court decision in 2013 rolled back many of those hard-won protections .
So again it ’ s not straightforward except to say people of color have been fighting for the right to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that fight continues today .
Dulce And so I feel like…to me , like it ’ s important to like play their game , but to an extent .
Not enough to like be as like hella oppressive like they are , but enough to like try to like play it more and at least like vote you know ?
Isha People react to the truth ; like that is how you mobilize people .
That ’ s how you get people to vote .
That ’ s how you get people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ action you ’ re doing if it ’ s rooted in truth and you ’ re telling that truth , then that ’ s going to get people .
So I think like to go back to something that Dulce said , like systemically marginalized people understand what it means to ‘ play the game ’ .
You know ?
So if you talk about it in that way , if you say .
“ we know this is not ideal , like this is not an ideal time or situation for anybody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s about playing the game to win and then change it and one of the ways that we do that is by using our voting power to get in the people who are most in alignment with what we want and like I said before it to keep pushing and pushing , and I think when you talk about it in that way with this larger context of .
The fact that we ’ re fighting to dismantle all this **** like we ’ re fighting to completely reimagine the way that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this moment we have to do this thing of voting and then we can step back and say , ‘ OK , time to tear it down.
’ Rico : Up next , we ’ re going to hear a little bit about Dulce and Isha ’ s art and the brand new song .
“ This is the Time ” that YVA released earlier this week .
But first , a word from our sponsors… Do you struggle with a strong sense of self-entitlement ?
Have you ever walked into someone else @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the kitchen eating dinner and declared , “ This is mines now ” ?
Do you have an abnormal allegiance to the state and would look past genocide if it meant inheriting the spoils of the fallen ?
Then you just might have Columbusitis .
Many people suffer from Columbusitis , but refuse to allow it to define their relationships with people of color and their own history .
Aintaboutyou has been shown to increase empathy and is effective against symptoms of Columbusitis like Appropriation , gentrification , and bootstrap narratives .
While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , tears and fragility , aintaboutyou gets to the root of the problem and provides ample amounts of unlearning , self reflection , listening , and humbling .
Aintaboutyou may lead to existential crisis , questioning your accomplishments , strained relationships with those who have not yet undergone treatment , anger at racial capitalism and the education system and chronic incredulity at the state of the world .
Some patients reported sitting in silence for hours .
It may have taken a lifetime to develop columbisitis , but it doesn ’ t take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your doctor about Aintaboutyou Rico So Isha I met you in a context working on a project where you were doing aerial dance .
And Dulce , I hear you got some bars…I hear you rap and do some graphic design .
So I ’ m wondering if you could just talk about like what is the connection for you , between the art that you make and your activism ?
Isha Well , on a very like personal , individual level , I think that my art allows me to do the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me , my dance , and writing or whatever I ’ m doing in the moment is therapy and allows me to release and process and step out of my mind , which is something that I can ’ t really do any other time .
But on this , like larger level , I think art has always been a part of activism and social movements .
It is the artist that sparked the inspiration and really allow people to understand these really complex concepts .
Also , like in these times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like there ’ s always something more horrible that ’ s happening man like .
You need inspiration .
You need music .
You need dancing .
You need beautiful photographs and videos and like .
You need all of that like that is what keeps us going as a people and as the human race .
So there ’ s that too .
Rico Yes , I ’ m doing nodding again , but yes , I resonate with that for sure for sure .
What about you Dulce ?
Dulce For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like Art is like very healing and how Isha , said therapeutic .
That ’ s like a good and powerful and beautiful way to like , reach other people .
And I know for like the song that we made for YVA , the first one , the vision I had with our music director was that you know , like at least the climate movement .
How the media portrays it is very like – whitewashed veganism… You have to talk like hella like professional and stuff .
Some people like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it started and I I don ’ t fee like that ’ s something that should continue on .
And with music , like to be honest not like everyone wants to read a whole-ass article about like the climate movement and stuff like that .
‘ Cause even for me like a lot of times I don ’ t have time and with the music it ’ s short it ’ s nice .
It ’ s vibey .
You get the message across and you get to like reach people that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good articles or don ’ t want to read them .
Rico Are you performing on the song or did you ?
Did you write this ?
Dulce Actually , I ’ m one of the YvA writers and I know Isha you ’ re on this right ?
Rico How yall gon na be coy about that ?
Like hold up- you just talking about the song all abstract .
So y ’ all are like ya ’ ll are part of the people who created the song , yes ?
Isha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought up the first song that we made that I actually wasn ’ t on , but it was called or it is called “ No One is Disposable.
” And if you ’ re listening you should definitely go check that out .
We ’ re on all streaming platforms and there ’ s also an original music video that I would highly recommend watching .
And for me that was so powerful because it was the first time that we had really simplified that language about what I was talking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fact that this is about the foundation on which we live on .
The fact that , like .
We ’ re here because of all of these messed up systems of oppression and that song captured it in such a simple way .
“ No One is Disposable ” like that is why we ’ re here–because our society views people as disposable .
And just like the fact that that was able to come out through that music which is so powerful .
And I can ’ t wait to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ song called , “ This is the Time .
For whatever reason , in this moment we are experiencing the crumbling of these foundational systems– not because they ’ re not functioning as they ’ re supposed to , but because their function– functioning exactly as they are supposed to and they are unsustainable .
Violent systems that were not built to last .
Because of that , we have this unique moment to actually do the work that people have been trying to do forever , which is to dismantle these systems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place .
And that is why this song is called , “ This is the Time ” Rico Yes .
Yeah , that was like a phenomenal segueway for my last question , which is what I ask every guest .
What do our listeners need to know and what do we need now to have an impact on climate and to take action in these times ?
Dulce I think that what people need to know is that they literally have the power in their hands , they just need to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change or just got ta like get up there and just like take action and I feel like you will find your people and you could create change when you like , work with your community .
Isha Yes , the only thing I will add is a lyric from “ This is the Time ” which I believe that Dulce wrote which is , “ We are only out of time when we lose hope.
” Rico That ’ s a bar .
Yeah , please let people know where they can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the song .
Isha Our Instagram is youthversusapocalypse .
Our Twitter is @ Y_VS_A .
Find us on Facebook .
Our website is youthversusapocalypse.org .
And if you wan na go directly to the This is the time campaign website you can go to thisisthetime.org .
So now for my favorite part of the show , which is where we ask you to take action .
we want all of y ’ all to take action .
First , please text “ What We Need Now ” to 877-877 .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s the easiest way to do the other things I ’ m going to ask you to do which are : • Visit Youth Vs. Apocalypse.org to hear the new song and music video for “ This is the Time ” co-written by our amazing guest Dulce and Isha along with other Youth vs. Apocalypse organizers • None to find out all the information you need about voting in your local election .
• None As always , continue to educate yourself on how to show up for your movement and communities , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s episode and check out some resources that the podcast team has put together for you .
The Toolkit is really what it ’ s all about , we ’ re just trying to get you there .
And that ’ s it for this episode .
Thanks for listening and remember , if you want to support , share , subscribe , and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts .
That ’ s all for now , but we ’ ll see you next time on What We @ @ @

In this episode of Greenpeace’s What We Need Now podcast, we discuss youth activism and leadership across the occupied United States.
Our host Rico Sisney speaks with Isha Clarke and Dulce Arias from Youth Vs. Apocalypse, “Bay Area-based diverse group of young climate justice activists” who are serious about taking climate action and bringing their creativity to motivate the masses to do the same. We explore their work to tackle climate change and how they’re using music to connect the 2020 election to their long term agenda, with their new song and video, “This is the Time”.
In this conversation, Youth Vs. Apocalypse poignantly calls out that “everyone who can vote, needs to” while also making space to address the real concerns around disillusionment in marginalized communities “that [are] a result of people being failed over and over and over again”.
You can also check out the Take Action Toolkit from our first episode, where Rico and Ash speak with multi-disciplinary performance artist, community organizer, activist and writer Adwoa Addae. We’ll explore how Covid has made environmental racism’s impacts even greater and Adwoa imparts their wisdom on why we need to feel to get through it all.
EPISODE 2 TRANSCRIPT
What’s up y’all? My name is Rico Sisney and welcome to the “What We Need Now” Podcast by Greenpeace USA.
We know that people of color are not just disproportionately impacted by environmental issues, we are greatly concerned and very involved in tackling them. But too much of the conversation has separated climate, race, gender and class. Our goal is to uplift the voices at the grassroots of our movement to envision, equip, and empower each other on “What We Need Now” to build a better world for all of us.
Now, before we get into the episode, I have to give a huge shout out to Ash Williams who helped create and produce this podcast and until recently was my co-host. Although Ash is no longer working for Greenpeace, he’s continuing his critical anti-carcerality work to build alternatives to police and policing and organizing abolition at the intersections of gender, racial, reproductive, and environmental justice. The goal of “What We Need Now” is to uplift the work of grassroots leaders and we’ll continue to support their work going forward.
Now let’s get into it.
[INTRO JINGLE]
It’s all anyone can talk about, so we’re going to talk about it – the election. This historic moment with a whole lot at stake and what we need now to get through it.
And to be real, things are looking bleak, but there are incredible feats of organizing happening and we want to take a closer look specifically at what the youth are doing. The elusive youths. People love to say they aren’t at the polls, so where are they? Turns out they’re not too far, opting to operate locally on the grassroots level, creating bold platforms and gaining community support and buy-in.
Present-Day Examples
I’m just gonna quickly highlight a few and I apologize if I don’t mention your favorite org, but feel free to just shout them out in the comments wherever you’re listening to this podcast.
BYP100 is a really dope national organization with chapters across the US. Their members are 18-35 year-old Black youth who organize to “end systems of anti-Blackness, patriarchal violence, and white supremacy all through a Black Queer Feminist Lens. They are fighting for the folks living on the margins of the margins, including Black women, girls, femmes and gender non-conforming people.” I highly recommend checking out their SheSafeWeSafe campaign to end gender-based violence, theur Agenda to Build Black Futures policy platform, the Black Joy Experience Mixtape ,…and their exclusive swag. They have some really nice swag y’all.
“ The indigenous youth council was started and led by womxn and two-spirit peoples during the Standing Rock Indigenous Uprising while peacefully protecting the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.. They organize youth through education, spiritual practices and civic engagement. Another newer one, Freedom March NYC was started by two black women from Columbia University. They provide training to organizers in New york and other cities as well as supplies and support for non-violent protests leading up to the election.
And maybe you’re thinking youth are taking action now because, you know, quarantine’s got them bored in the house and in the house bored, but most of those organizations did not start this year. And lets not forget:
The Fridays for Future global weekly school strikes for climate which started in 2018 and were not unlike the 16,000 child miners from Philly that marched on Washington, D.C in 1908 or the Soweto uprising when children took the streets for a peaceful demonstration in South Africa and were met with brutal police violence.
And again, I’m skipping so many examples but the main point is that the youths are out here in these streets. Literally. And they have been.
Young people are leading fights for climate justice, racial justice, prison abolition, indigenous sovereignty and more, and – for the next month or so a lot of that energy is around the election.
While often the messaging of get out the vote focuses on individual responsibility, I can’t be mad at people who feel disillusioned with a democratic process that has worked so hard, for so long to lessen the power of folks’ vote, and their access to it.
Covid and the current administration have exacerbated some of the very real barriers to voting that have existed for marginalized people for a long time. So rather than shaming non-voters, the goal has to be to motivate and inform people, remove these barriers to voting and make sure that every vote is counted.
I highly recommend ballotopedia as a resource for info about voting and as always you can check out greenpeace.org/usa/whatweneednow to find links to pretty much everything we talk about on the show.
[SEGUE]
Next up, we’re gonna be talking with Isha Clarke and Dulce Arias from Youth vs Apocalypse about the work they’re doing in the Bay area to confront climate change and inspire folks to participate in the 2020 election, but first, this.
[MID-ROLL JINGLE & AD]
This Episode of “What We Need Now” brought to you in part by Staying Home.
All over the country, cities and states are beginning to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, rather than Columbus Day. [C-C-C-COLUMBUS DAY!]
Why celebrate someone who committed and enabled countless atrocities against black and native people when you could celebrate the people who’s land you are literally on?
Despite this, Columbus Day Sales [C-C-C-COLUMBUS DAY SALES!] remain a thing.
Need I remind you, we are still living in a global pandemic.
Even the president has caught “The Rona”
So, unless you’re headed out of the house for essential goods or to go to the polls for early voting, this “Columbus Day” why not do the one thing Cristobal Colombo should have done and stay the **** home?
[GUEST PANEL DISCUSSION pt. 1 ]
Rico
Isha, Dulce, welcome to the What We Need Now podcast. Before we get into it, could you each say your name, your pronouns, and what land you’re on so folks can recognize your voices?
Dulce
Hi, my name is Dulce Arias and I’m 19 years old. My pronouns are she, her, hers. And I was born in Mexico, but came to this country when I was about like 5 but then the Bay Area became my home when I was seven years old and ever since I’ve been living here on stolen Ohlone Land, occupied Ohlone territory.
Isha
Hey y’all my name is Isha Clarke I’m 17. I’m an activist, born, raised, and educated in Oakland, CA, AKA occupied Ohlone territory. And I use she, her pronouns
Rico
Word. I’m also on occupied Ohlone territory, so we’re all in the Bay Area, but for obvious reasons, we’re not in the same space. But I thank you for being on the podcast today. So, I want to hear a little bit about Youth vs. Apocalypse. What do you all do? How did you get started?
Isha
Dulce, do you want to start, or should I?
Dulce
I feel like you should start because you’re like the OG.
Isha
OK, So Youth vs. Apocalypse started as a group of young people to fight against Phil Tegami, who is a very powerful developer in Oakland and who was at the time, and still is, trying to build a coal terminal through West Oakland, which is a community that is predominantly working-class people of color. And. That campaign was called Youth vs Coal, and then from that campaign grew Youth vs. Apocalypse.
Rico
Why is it important to highlight Youth? Youth Vs. Coal and then Youth vs. Apocalypse? You put that first. Why is that framing important to you?
Dulce
I think we like- emphasized like Youth vs Coal, Youth vs. Apocalypse because at the end of the day, we are literally the future. We’re the ones that are going to carry on like whatever crisis we’re in, and we’re the ones that are going to be like most affected by all the decisions everyone’s making right now. We’re like the people of tomorrow. So I feel like it’s really important for us to take the lead, even though, like it sucks that we have to because we have these adults who have like Hella power, you know? They have money. They get to like sit in like the -how do you call it? These important positions that us youth can’t because we have to go to school and basically literally like learn how to sell ourselves for money. But I feel like ever since like I became like an activist and organizer I feel like I could basically do anything and help my community instead of like waiting after I get like a bachelors or something and I feel like right now that’s super powerful because….I don’t know like school is just not for me and I hope to change it one day, but a lot of the times like the adults tell us to like wait until you get like a bachelors or like a degree in something and then start making the change and so right now for the youth. I feel like more– or like even before a lot of the youth know that they have like the power. And so they’re taking action and they’re accomplishing a lot of things. And I feel like in the little time that I’ve been with YvA, I feel like we’ve done together a lot of things that I truly didn’t think I could have if I like waited until I finish school.
Isha
I second that and I also like…I feel like people are kind of acting as if this is something new– like it’s not. Young people have been leading movements forever. I mean like every single big social movement was led by mostly young people. I mean like the civil rights movement…there was– I mean, if you want to go like young young, there was the Birmingham Children’s crusade where it was literally middle and high school students who walked out of school and had a significant impact on that specific time in that movement.
There was the Black Power movement that was started by two Laney college students and then had many middle school–I mean high school students that were joining and really like being th spine of that movement you know? So like, this isn’t new. This– young people are the people who consistently push the change that is needed in society.
Rico
Yes, you can’t see me, but I was– there was a lot of nodding. I gotta realize that in a podcast medium nodding is not how you give affirmation. I’m still new to this.
But yeah, I really, really appreciate both of what y’all just said because I agree. I don’t think it’s anything new. And I mean even thinking about, you know, John Lewis, who obviously there is a renewed focus on his work, he was very young when he got started with that work. I think he was like 17 when he met Rosa Parks.
So what is YVA working on right now?
Isha
We’re kind of doing a lot right now Dulce, do you want to talk about a little bit and then I can pick it up from there?
Dulce
So Youth vs. Apocalypse is putting out a song. It’s called, “This is the Time” and it’s gonna be released on October 15. You can find it on Spotify, YouTube and Apple music and this song…basically it’s a contribution of different people in Youth vs. Apocalypse talking about like, the time is now to act and also encouraging people to get to the polls. Then there’s the campaign trying to put pressure at this big company who holds all the public school teacher pension funds in California and they’re actually investing it in fossil fuels. Which sucks, because it affects our own communities and also this like company named BlackRock, who are like literally funding De-struction in our communities in order to get money. Yeah, Isha do you wanna add?
Isha
Yeah. So I think, kind of just to like talk about the big picture for a second: for me, and I think really for everyone in Youth vs. Apocalypse, our purpose and our work is to acknowledge the fact that the reason why we are in this state of climate crisis, and really like all of the crises that we’re experiencing in this very apocalyptic moment, is because our country was founded on unsustainable, destructive systems of oppression. Systems of white supremacy and patriarchy and colonialism and capitalism. And because of that, in order to stop the climate crisis and to stop all of the crises that we’re experiencing right now, we have to dismantle that foundation and work to build a new foundation in its place that is envisioned by the communities who have been most hurt by these systems. And that is built on justice and true sustainability.
And that is the work of now and that is the work of Youth vs. Apocalypse, and so all of the campaigns that were in are working to do that in different ways. And this one specific campaign that we’re working on right now, that Dulce mentioned is called, “This is the Time”, and it’s really this multilayered national action where we are launching a pledge and we are trying to get young people under the age of 18 who can’t vote to mobilize their communities. To mobilize adult allies to sign this pledge to fight to leave us a livable and just society, and in that pledge it lists all of the things that that means, which is a lot. But to summarize, it’s basically creating a society in which everyone can thrive. And so there’s also a song and a music video that Dulce was talking about to get people’s attention. There’s this social media campaign. There’s a lot, so that’s my spiel.
Rico
Word. And I appreciate you talking about the vision and also what it looks like on the ground, which leads me to the vote. I want to hear how you’re connecting this long-term agenda, big systemic changes to the polls, which is a more immediate issue. How are you doing that? How do you make that connection?
Isha
We’ve been having a lot of conversations about this within YVA. Where… I’m like trying to figure out how to…how to talk about this because I think voting is such an important thing right now, and every person who can vote needs to vote, and at the same time, it is not only about voting, you know? It is about like– I was talking about before, creating this movement that has already been in the works to completely reimagine the entire way that we exist on this planet. And so I get the immediate push to vote, because that’s what’s happening right now in this moment, and it’s the most– one of the most pressing things right now. But the way that we’re thinking about voting is more as a step. Like it is one of the first steps in building this movement that we need in order to create the society that we want to see. Because the truth of the matter is that for people of color, for poor people, for Queer, Trans folks, for women, political systems and people in positions of political power have never been for us and have never done anything for us really. And so it’s about getting people in positions of power who are most in alignment with what we’re working towards and pushing the hell out of them every single day to get to where we need to be. It’s so much bigger than just, you know, ‘vote for whoever’ you know?
Rico
Yeah, I love that. Describing voting as a first step and when there are so many attacks on it, when it’s you know– when it’s made more difficult and all of that, obviously we’re going to put energy behind, not just making it safe for people, making sure their vote has power, and making sure people get out to the vote, but we have to maintain that we are still working for something longer term, right? And we’re not going to be done once we get these election results.
Isha
And also, like, let’s not ignore the fact. That American politics have failed us like in have failed people of color in that like and every systemically marginalized group of people. And like people, while I think that… I sincerely believe that everyone who can vote needs to vote and I will say that. But I also think like we can’t shame people for not wanting to, you know? Like we need to address that. That is a real concern and that is a real feeling that is a result of people being failed over and over and over and over again. And so that’s kind of just my call to people to like, be compassionate and to really think about what it is that people have experienced in this country. And that is like flowing through our DNA, you know? And how we walk through this world. Let’s have some compassion for that. And still, let’s tell our people to vote for it.
Rico
Yeah, I was just going to say like as an organizer, how do you meet people where there at? If people feel you know, disillusioned with this whole Democratic process or don’t feel motivated to vote. How do you message that to them?
Dulce
I feel like in order to like, have change, like how you say– you kind of have to like meet people halfway. And it’s kind of like that for voting. Like you don’t agree with like the government but you have to meet them halfway and like at least try to vote. Especially because I feel like they’re like scared of the vote of people of color you know? Like it was not until, like the late 19-somethings when like the people of color could vote like indigenous people, black people and other?
[VOTING RIGHTS SEGUE]
So Dulce brings up a really straight-forward question with a very complicated answer. When did people of color in this country get the right to vote?
The simplest answer I could give is that black folks, indigneous folks and other people of color in this country have won the right to vote many times and been denied this right through changes in legislation and direct or indirect voting restrictions, which continue in varying degree to this day.
Two dates that might be familiar to you are 1865 when the the 13th amendment partially abolished slavery and 1870 when the fifteenth amendment prevented states from denying the vote on the grounds of race explicitly. What a lot of folks may not know is that
Prior to the 1800’s some black wealthy men could vote in some places. In new jersey, voters included women property-owners as well. But then those places shifted from class-based to race-based voter discrimination, and those folks were no longer eligible.
After the mexican-american war, the treaty of guadalupe-hidalgo meant that Mexicans living in territories gained by the US technically were citizens, but language barriers and intimidation limited access to voting.
Between 1865 and 1870, the aforementioned amendments and the guarantee of citizenship to males born or naturalized in the U.S meant once again some black and other poc men could vote in some places, but during reconstruction poll taxes, literacy tests and the newly formed KKK prevented many black people and poor white folks from voting. If you’re listening to this on the website, I recommend clicking the link to the sample literacy test . It’s not as easy as you might expect.
In 1876 a supreme court decision explicitly prevented indigneous folks from voting,
The Chinese exclusion act barred people of chinese ancestry from becoming citizens in 1882
The Dawes act granted US citizenship to indigenous folks willing to dissociate from their tribe in 1887,
the 19th amendment prohibited states from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex explicitly in 1920
1924 Native Americans are technically granted citizenship but some states barred Native Americans from voting through 1957
In 1965 civil rights organizers won the voting rights act to enforce the 14th and 15th amendment to eliminate poll taxes, and literacy tests and providing for bilingual ballots. This act meant that along with many black folks, my father and his mother voted for the 1st time in the same election. But as is the theme here, there were limitations (people convicted of felonies are not allowed to vote in some places for example)and a supreme court decision in 2013 rolled back many of those hard-won protections.
So again it’s not straightforward except to say people of color have been fighting for the right to vote since this country’s inception and that fight continues today.
Dulce
And so I feel like…to me, like it’s important to like play their game, but to an extent. Not enough to like be as like hella oppressive like they are, but enough to like try to like play it more and at least like vote you know?
Isha
People react to the truth; like that is how you mobilize people. That’s how you get people to vote. That’s how you get people to, you know, take whatever action you’re doing if it’s rooted in truth and you’re telling that truth, then that’s going to get people. So I think like to go back to something that Dulce said, like systemically marginalized people understand what it means to ‘play the game’. You know? So if you talk about it in that way, if you say. “we know this is not ideal, like this is not an ideal time or situation for anybody,” you know? But it’s about playing the game to win and then change it and one of the ways that we do that is by using our voting power to get in the people who are most in alignment with what we want and like I said before it to keep pushing and pushing, and I think when you talk about it in that way with this larger context of. The fact that we’re fighting to dismantle all this **** like we’re fighting to completely reimagine the way that they we’re existing and in this moment we have to do this thing of voting and then we can step back and say, ‘OK, time to tear it down.’
Rico: Up next, we’re going to hear a little bit about Dulce and Isha’s art and the brand new song. “This is the Time” that YVA released earlier this week. But first, a word from our sponsors…
[SECOND AD BREAK]
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Aintaboutyou has been shown to increase empathy and is effective against symptoms of Columbusitis like Appropriation, gentrification, and bootstrap narratives.
While other treatments have led to white guilt, tears and fragility, aintaboutyou gets to the root of the problem and provides ample amounts of unlearning, self reflection, listening, and humbling.
Aintaboutyou may lead to existential crisis, questioning your accomplishments, strained relationships with those who have not yet undergone treatment, anger at racial capitalism and the education system and chronic incredulity at the state of the world. Some patients reported sitting in silence for hours.
It may have taken a lifetime to develop columbisitis, but it doesn’t take a lifetime to cure it. Ask your doctor about Aintaboutyou
[GUEST PANEL DISCUSSION pt. 2]
Rico
So Isha I met you in a context working on a project where you were doing aerial dance. And Dulce, I hear you got some bars…I hear you rap and do some graphic design. So I’m wondering if you could just talk about like what is the connection for you, between the art that you make and your activism?
Isha
Well, on a very like personal, individual level, I think that my art allows me to do the work that I do. Because for me, my dance, and writing or whatever I’m doing in the moment is therapy and allows me to release and process and step out of my mind, which is something that I can’t really do any other time. But on this, like larger level, I think art has always been a part of activism and social movements. It is the artist that sparked the inspiration and really allow people to understand these really complex concepts. Also, like in these times when everything is just so depressing and like there’s always something more horrible that’s happening man like. You need inspiration. You need music. You need dancing. You need beautiful photographs and videos and like. You need all of that like that is what keeps us going as a people and as the human race. So there’s that too.
Rico
Yes, I’m doing nodding again, but yes, I resonate with that for sure for sure. What about you Dulce?
Dulce
For me, like at least I feel like Art is like very healing and how Isha, said therapeutic. That’s like a good and powerful and beautiful way to like, reach other people. And I know for like the song that we made for YVA, the first one, the vision I had with our music director was that you know, like at least the climate movement. How the media portrays it is very like – whitewashed veganism… You have to talk like hella like professional and stuff. Some people like to fight the fight the same way it started and I I don’t fee like that’s something that should continue on. And with music, like to be honest not like everyone wants to read a whole-ass article about like the climate movement and stuff like that. ‘Cause even for me like a lot of times I don’t have time and with the music it’s short it’s nice. It’s vibey. You get the message across and you get to like reach people that like probably could not find these like good articles or don’t want to read them.
Rico
Are you performing on the song or did you? Did you write this?
Dulce
Actually, I’m one of the YvA writers and I know Isha you’re on this right?
Isha
Hahaha I am.
Rico
How yall gonna be coy about that? Like hold up- you just talking about the song all abstract. So y’all are like ya’ll are part of the people who created the song, yes?
Isha
I was just gonna say Dulce brought up the first song that we made that I actually wasn’t on, but it was called or it is called “No One is Disposable.” And if you’re listening you should definitely go check that out. We’re on all streaming platforms and there’s also an original music video that I would highly recommend watching. And for me that was so powerful because it was the first time that we had really simplified that language about what I was talking about in the beginning. You know, the fact that this is about the foundation on which we live on. The fact that, like. We’re here because of all of these messed up systems of oppression and that song captured it in such a simple way. “No One is Disposable” like that is why we’re here–because our society views people as disposable. And just like the fact that that was able to come out through that music which is so powerful. And I can’t wait to see that happen again with this next song called, “This is the Time.
For whatever reason, in this moment we are experiencing the crumbling of these foundational systems– not because they’re not functioning as they’re supposed to, but because their function– functioning exactly as they are supposed to and they are unsustainable. Violent systems that were not built to last. Because of that, we have this unique moment to actually do the work that people have been trying to do forever, which is to dismantle these systems and to build something new in its place. And that is why this song is called, “This is the Time”
Rico
Yes. Yeah, that was like a phenomenal segueway for my last question, which is what I ask every guest. What do our listeners need to know and what do we need now to have an impact on climate and to take action in these times?
Dulce
I think that what people need to know is that they literally have the power in their hands, they just need to know how to use it and to create change or just gotta like get up there and just like take action and I feel like you will find your people and you could create change when you like, work with your community.
Isha
Yes, the only thing I will add is a lyric from “This is the Time” which I believe that Dulce wrote which is, “We are only out of time when we lose hope.”
Rico
That’s a bar. Yeah, please let people know where they can find you and where they can find the song.
Isha
Our Instagram is youthversusapocalypse. Our Twitter is @Y_VS_A. Find us on Facebook. Our website is youthversusapocalypse.org.
28:43
And if you wanna go directly to the This is the time campaign website you can go to thisisthetime.org.
[SIGN OFF & CALL-TO-ACTION]
So now for my favorite part of the show, which is where we ask you to take action. we want all of y’all to take action. First, please text “What We Need Now” to 877-877. That’s like a cheat code. It’s the easiest way to do the other things I’m going to ask you to do which are:
Visit Youth Vs. Apocalypse.org to hear the new song and music video for “This is the Time” co-written by our amazing guest Dulce and Isha along with other Youth vs. Apocalypse organizers .
Checkout ballotpedia to find out all the information you need about voting in your local election.
As always, continue to educate yourself on how to show up for your movement and communities, and visit our website greenpeace.org/usa/whatweneednow to learn more about this month’s episode and check out some resources that the podcast team has put together for you.
The Toolkit is really what it’s all about, we’re just trying to get you there. And that’s it for this episode. Thanks for listening and remember, if you want to support, share, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
That’s all for now, but we’ll see you next time on What We Need Now.


greenpeace--2020-10-21--3 Climate Questions We’d Actually Like to Hear at the Final Presidential Debate

3 Climate Questions We ’ d Actually Like to Hear at the Final Presidential Debate This Thursday will be the first time in the entire 2020 election cycle that climate change has been on the debate agenda from the beginning .
It ’ s almost as if the debate commission has realized it ’ s a crisis !
Climate has come up in previous debates — a lot more than in 2016 , in fact — but sometimes the way the questions are framed is frustrating , to say the least .
Cornering the candidates on whether they believe in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the environment , or how they ’ ll maintain energy independence doesn ’ t tell us much .
In fact , all of those questions stem from Republican talking points , language ripped directly from the party with no plan .
Here are three questions we ’ d like to see asked instead .
The real answer to this one is fairly obvious .
Donald Trump and the rest of the radical right thought they could continue getting away denying the science of climate change , insisting that it was a hoax , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the support of fossil fuel billionaires would insulate them from the wave of climate activists holding them accountable for denial and delay .
They were wrong , and now concern about the climate crisis is rising even among registered Republican voters .
They have to at least appear to be trying .
But Trump can ’ t say any of that out loud .
The reason he spends so much time attacking Biden ’ s climate plan is because he doesn ’ t have one , and he knows it ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to either double down on denying science — which is out of touch even with his own party — or admit that he has no idea what he ’ s doing .
It exposes him for the catastrophic failure that he is .
Oh , and just in case Trump tries to play the distraction game with one of his many false solutions , planting trees is not a climate plan .
2 .
Why exactly is climate action a part of Joe Biden ’ s jobs plan ?
In September , Joe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thinks about climate change , he thinks ‘ hoax.
’ I think ‘ jobs.
’ ” So do we !
But what kind of jobs ?
And where ?
And how does he plan to help workers who currently rely on the fossil fuel industry transition to these new jobs ?
These debates usually try to separate big , overarching issues like the economy , race , healthcare , and the environment into tidy categories .
But the reality is that they are fundamentally connected .
The crises we ’ re experiencing as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unemployment to climate change — are compounding , and our next president can ’ t afford to address them one at a time .
So we want to hear about exactly how Biden will power the recovery from COVID-19 on renewable energy .
How the jobs his policies create will come with union benefits and access to healthcare .
How he ’ ll ensure investment flows to the Black , Brown , Indigenous , and working-class communities hit hardest by the pandemic .
This is all in Biden ’ s plan , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet on the debate stage , which means millions of Americans still haven ’ t heard about it .
Jumpstarting an equitable economy through clean energy is also the main thrust of the Green New Deal , which is why we ’ re not too concerned by Biden ’ s recent attempts to distance himself from the Green New Deal movement .
If he wins , we ’ re ready to pressure him like hell to get on board with the full promise of a future beyond fossil fuels .
3 .
What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ office to stop the climate crisis ?
We know exactly what four more years of Trump would look like .
Upon entering office in 2017 , he immediately fast-tracked the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines and made the CEO of Exxon his Secretary of State ( he ’ s still courting Exxon to this day ) .
Since then , his administration has attempted to weaken or repeal more than 100 environmental and public health rules .
The last thing we need is Trump supercharging his pro-polluter agenda in 2021 .
Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he wants to accomplish in his climate and clean energy plan , but we ’ re still not sure how he ’ d prioritize .
Rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement ?
Sure , that ’ s easy .
Start the process of ending fossil fuel extraction while supporting affected fossil fuel workers ?
Now we ’ re talking !
We ’ re on the lookout for high ambition from the Biden team from the very beginning .
There is no time for a middle of the road approach .
The bar is set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s set high .
Voters deserve to know if Biden is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work to stop a full out climate catastrophe from day one in the Oval Office .
Do you plan on watching the debate tomorrow ?
Join us on Twitter @ greenpeaceusa or in our online volunteer community to share live reactions , questions , and rants .

3 Climate Questions We’d Actually Like to Hear at the Final Presidential Debate
This Thursday will be the first time in the entire 2020 election cycle that climate change has been on the debate agenda from the beginning. It’s almost as if the debate commission has realized it’s a crisis! Climate has come up in previous debates — a lot more than in 2016, in fact — but sometimes the way the questions are framed is frustrating, to say the least.
Cornering the candidates on whether they believe in science, whether they prioritize jobs versus the environment, or how they’ll maintain energy independence doesn’t tell us much. In fact, all of those questions stem from Republican talking points, language ripped directly from the party with no plan.
Here are three questions we’d like to see asked instead.
1. Why doesn’t Donald Trump have a climate plan?
The real answer to this one is fairly obvious. Donald Trump and the rest of the radical right thought they could continue getting away denying the science of climate change, insisting that it was a hoax, and obstructing climate action. They thought the support of fossil fuel billionaires would insulate them from the wave of climate activists holding them accountable for denial and delay. They were wrong, and now concern about the climate crisis is rising even among registered Republican voters. They have to at least appear to be trying.
But Trump can’t say any of that out loud. The reason he spends so much time attacking Biden’s climate plan is because he doesn’t have one, and he knows it’s a major weakness. This question forces Trump to either double down on denying science — which is out of touch even with his own party — or admit that he has no idea what he’s doing. It exposes him for the catastrophic failure that he is.
Oh, and just in case Trump tries to play the distraction game with one of his many false solutions, planting trees is not a climate plan.
2. Why exactly is climate action a part of Joe Biden’s jobs plan?
In September, Joe Biden tweeted, “When Donald Trump thinks about climate change, he thinks ‘hoax.’ I think ‘jobs.’” So do we! But what kind of jobs? And where? And how does he plan to help workers who currently rely on the fossil fuel industry transition to these new jobs?
When Donald Trump thinks about climate change, he thinks “hoax.” I think “jobs.” Good paying, union jobs that put Americans to work building a stronger, more climate-resilient nation. https://t.co/AKl9jZKB0s — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) September 15, 2020
These debates usually try to separate big, overarching issues like the economy, race, healthcare, and the environment into tidy categories. But the reality is that they are fundamentally connected. The crises we’re experiencing as a country — from COVID-19 to massive unemployment to climate change — are compounding, and our next president can’t afford to address them one at a time.
So we want to hear about exactly how Biden will power the recovery from COVID-19 on renewable energy. How the jobs his policies create will come with union benefits and access to healthcare. How he’ll ensure investment flows to the Black, Brown, Indigenous, and working-class communities hit hardest by the pandemic.
This is all in Biden’s plan, but we haven’t heard about it yet on the debate stage, which means millions of Americans still haven’t heard about it. Jumpstarting an equitable economy through clean energy is also the main thrust of the Green New Deal, which is why we’re not too concerned by Biden’s recent attempts to distance himself from the Green New Deal movement. If he wins, we’re ready to pressure him like hell to get on board with the full promise of a future beyond fossil fuels.
3. What would you do on day one in office to stop the climate crisis?
We know exactly what four more years of Trump would look like. Upon entering office in 2017, he immediately fast-tracked the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines and made the CEO of Exxon his Secretary of State (he’s still courting Exxon to this day). Since then, his administration has attempted to weaken or repeal more than 100 environmental and public health rules. The last thing we need is Trump supercharging his pro-polluter agenda in 2021.
Biden has spelled out a lot of what he wants to accomplish in his climate and clean energy plan, but we’re still not sure how he’d prioritize. Rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement? Sure, that’s easy. Start the process of ending fossil fuel extraction while supporting affected fossil fuel workers? Now we’re talking! We’re on the lookout for high ambition from the Biden team from the very beginning. There is no time for a middle of the road approach. The bar is set by science and justice, and it’s set high. Voters deserve to know if Biden is ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work to stop a full out climate catastrophe from day one in the Oval Office.
Do you plan on watching the debate tomorrow? Join us on Twitter @greenpeaceusa or in our online volunteer community to share live reactions, questions, and rants.


greenpeace--2020-10-22--Here’s How YOU Can “Make A Plan to Vote” for the Planet

Here ’ s How YOU Can “ Make A Plan to Vote ” for the Planet This is a critical electoral year for setting the stage for the political fight to win on key issues like the Green New Deal , pivotal voting reforms , and removing the influence of the fossil fuel industry from our politics .
We need everyone in this fight and that includes you !
With the backdrop of a global pandemic that continues to impact our lives , especially Black , Brown , and Indigenous communities , we feel the urgency of ensuring people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to vote .
Making a plan to vote is more than just understanding how you are going to vote , and be safe while doing so , but also how your friends and family will vote .
In 2016 , more than 10-million climate voters sat out on the election and what we got was a Climate Denier-in-Chief , the continued exploitation of the planet , and our communities , and a whole host of attacks on climate activists who are trying to fight for the health of our fragile blue planet .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ his way through an election he knows he ’ s losing .
We know you ’ ve probably heard this a million times already , but this is the most important election of our lifetime , the result of which will define the trajectory of our planet .
This election cycle is unlike any we ’ ve witnessed .
This is a critical electoral year for setting the stage for the political fight to win on key issues like the Green New Deal , pivotal voting reforms , and removing the influence of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need everyone in this fight and that includes you !
So , What You Can Do ?
All things considered , we still have hope .
Amidst all of the Trump administration ’ s incompetence and insistence on lying , we have more support and momentum than ever to remove Trump from office and get back on the right track for a green , peaceful and just future .
Trump hopes that by sowing chaos and stoking fear , it will stop us from voting at all .
But we ’ re onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here are 3 quick & easy steps you can take to “ make a plan to vote ” One of the first steps in your plan to vote must be to register to vote or update your registration status .
Registration deadlines and rules vary by state so make you take care of this as soon as possible .
Visit non-partisan resources like to easily check your registration status .
2 .
Make a decision on how you ’ re voting and make sure you know the laws in your state After you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time to make a decision on how to vote .
This election cycle is unlike any other in that we are still in the midst of a deadly global pandemic .
Your health and the health of your community is of utmost importance , so it ’ s necessary to carefully consider how and where you will vote .
Early voting is a great way to avoid long lines at the polls on election day and ensure your voice is heard .
Early voting starts soon – it may have already started in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s BallotReady site to make your plan for early voting and see what specific rules your state might have .
You can also call or text 866-OUR-VOTE for nonpartisan help if you have questions .
• Millions of people will be voting by mail as a way to keep safe and still have their voices heard in this election during the pandemic .
Vote-by-mail is a safe and secure way to engage in this election while maintaining safety from your home .
• Each state is different so make sure you know your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Visit https : //www.greenpeace.org/usa/voteplan/ for more information on your state ’ s guidelines • As we have already seen during the 2020 primaries , in-person requires a lot of preparation in order to be safe .
In addition to Personal Protection Equipment ( PPE ) like a mask , gloves , and hand sanitizer , being aware of your polling locations rules and procedures is critical for making sure your vote is counted properly .
• If you ’ re voting in person on November 3rd , be sure to check the hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you need to vote .
Each state , and polling location , have different so make sure you have all items required .
Lastly , don ’ t forget to arrive early , wear a mask , and stay at least six feet away from others Next , Make a Plan with a Friend or Loved One • Voting is more fun with friends .
A part of the political process is researching the issues and having conversations , though sometimes difficult , with friends and family .
There is no easy way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brutality , voter suppression , and other key issues in this election but having the conversation is key .
• Remember national elections are more than just voting for a president make sure you do your research about down-ballot candidates and local initiatives that impact your community and the climate .
The next step is making sure your friends/neighbors/loved ones are clear about where they can get accurate information for voting .
• You and your loved ones can visit https : //www.greenpeace.org/usa/voteplan/for more details on how you can make a plan to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Join in the National Movement to # SavethePostalService • Don ’ t forget to join us in support of the USPS .
All of 2020 Trump has been intentionally trying to suppress the vote by spreading lies about the USPS and vote-by-mail and attempting to disrupt our trust in them .
Under Trump , this has included installing Louis DeJoy as postmaster to disrupt the service of USPS , lying about vote-by-mail publicly because he knows how powerful it is , and fighting to defund the USPS so he can privatize mail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can fight back against this by showing our support for the USPS .
• You can request a postcard that you can send via USPS and stimulate their service and sign this petition in support of saving the USPS from Trump ’ s attacks .
Greenpeace ’ s mission is to promote solutions that are essential to a green , just , and peaceful future .
We know that when we come out to vote in huge numbers , the planet and our communities win .
The 2020 election is critical in setting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pass a Green New Deal and in order to win we need to combat voter suppression and increase voter turnout .
In this 2020 election , we have the power to swap a destructive force in the White House with a movable one , someone whose stance on environmental justice can be pushed with enough political pressure .
It ’ s all hands on deck !
We need everyone to fight Trump ’ s lies and ensure we have a climate champion in office who will fight for the health of the planet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ let you and your loved ones be silenced in this election .
Make A Plan…and Then Vote like the Planet depends on it – because it does .

Here’s How YOU Can “Make A Plan to Vote” for the Planet
This is a critical electoral year for setting the stage for the political fight to win on key issues like the Green New Deal, pivotal voting reforms, and removing the influence of the fossil fuel industry from our politics. We need everyone in this fight and that includes you!
With the backdrop of a global pandemic that continues to impact our lives, especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities, we feel the urgency of ensuring people have what they need, including a plan to vote. Making a plan to vote is more than just understanding how you are going to vote, and be safe while doing so, but also how your friends and family will vote. In 2016, more than 10-million climate voters sat out on the election and what we got was a Climate Denier-in-Chief, the continued exploitation of the planet, and our communities, and a whole host of attacks on climate activists who are trying to fight for the health of our fragile blue planet. Trump is trying to bully and cheat his way through an election he knows he’s losing.
We know you’ve probably heard this a million times already, but this is the most important election of our lifetime, the result of which will define the trajectory of our planet.
This election cycle is unlike any we’ve witnessed. This is a critical electoral year for setting the stage for the political fight to win on key issues like the Green New Deal, pivotal voting reforms, and removing the influence of the fossil fuel industry from our politics.We need everyone in this fight and that includes you!
So, What You Can Do?
All things considered, we still have hope. Amidst all of the Trump administration’s incompetence and insistence on lying, we have more support and momentum than ever to remove Trump from office and get back on the right track for a green, peaceful and just future. Trump hopes that by sowing chaos and stoking fear, it will stop us from voting at all. But we’re onto him and we count on us.
Here are 3 quick & easy steps you can take to “make a plan to vote”
1. Check your voter registration status
One of the first steps in your plan to vote must be to register to vote or update your registration status. Registration deadlines and rules vary by state so make you take care of this as soon as possible. Visit non-partisan resources like to easily check your registration status.
2. Make a decision on how you’re voting and make sure you know the laws in your state
After you’ve registered now it’s time to make a decision on how to vote. This election cycle is unlike any other in that we are still in the midst of a deadly global pandemic. Your health and the health of your community is of utmost importance, so it’s necessary to carefully consider how and where you will vote.
3. Vote Early
Early voting is a great way to avoid long lines at the polls on election day and ensure your voice is heard. Early voting starts soon – it may have already started in your state! Head to Greenpeace’s BallotReady site to make your plan for early voting and see what specific rules your state might have. You can also call or text 866-OUR-VOTE for nonpartisan help if you have questions.
4. Vote-by-Mail
Millions of people will be voting by mail as a way to keep safe and still have their voices heard in this election during the pandemic. Vote-by-mail is a safe and secure way to engage in this election while maintaining safety from your home.
Each state is different so make sure you know your state’s deadlines and procedures. Visit https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/voteplan/ for more information on your state’s guidelines
OR In-Person
As we have already seen during the 2020 primaries, in-person requires a lot of preparation in order to be safe. In addition to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) like a mask, gloves, and hand sanitizer, being aware of your polling locations rules and procedures is critical for making sure your vote is counted properly.
If you’re voting in person on November 3rd, be sure to check the hours of your polling location and double-check what you need to vote. Each state, and polling location, have different so make sure you have all items required. Lastly, don’t forget to arrive early, wear a mask, and stay at least six feet away from others
Next, Make a Plan with a Friend or Loved One
Voting is more fun with friends. A part of the political process is researching the issues and having conversations, though sometimes difficult, with friends and family. There is no easy way to talk about climate catastrophe, police brutality, voter suppression, and other key issues in this election but having the conversation is key. Remember national elections are more than just voting for a president make sure you do your research about down-ballot candidates and local initiatives that impact your community and the climate. The next step is making sure your friends/neighbors/loved ones are clear about where they can get accurate information for voting. You and your loved ones can visit https://www.greenpeace.org/usa/voteplan/for more details on how you can make a plan to vote for our communities and our planet.
Join in the National Movement to #SavethePostalService
Greenpeace’s mission is to promote solutions that are essential to a green, just, and peaceful future. We know that when we come out to vote in huge numbers, the planet and our communities win. The 2020 election is critical in setting the stage for the political fight to pass a Green New Deal and in order to win we need to combat voter suppression and increase voter turnout. In this 2020 election, we have the power to swap a destructive force in the White House with a movable one, someone whose stance on environmental justice can be pushed with enough political pressure.
It’s all hands on deck! We need everyone to fight Trump’s lies and ensure we have a climate champion in office who will fight for the health of the planet and our communities.
Don’t let you and your loved ones be silenced in this election. Make A Plan…and Then Vote like the Planet depends on it – because it does.