For many years I have felt and experienced every day as Earth Day. from the days of doing Earth Day work parties in Jefferson Park in Seattle, to the various tree plantings and then eventually involvement in City Repair’s Earth Day, and life with various community gardens and activist efforts to save forests and oceans – every day has felt, on some level, as Earth Day. A time to note that we live here on a planet; that we share the space with other beings; and that this day should also be about protecting our home. It also feels like a good time for me to take stock of the various projects I’m working on now and give a little status report. Happy Earth Day 2013, here goes!
The People Problem: Are there too many of us?
I’m working with local film-maker, Jane Turville, to support her latest venture: The People Problem: Are There Too Many of Us?” So far the film is in it’s early stage – Jane has mapped out who will be interviewed and the topics to be covered in what will be an epic 4-hour long documentary on the subject – one I’ve been thinking and writing about for the past 17 years. It makes perfect sense for me to be supporting this effort with my social media and email marketing talents and I look forward to sharing more about this as we move forward. Currently, the film is seeking funding to pay for the film crew to travel around for interviews. If you feel this is a good question to be asking, feel free to donate!
City Repair: The village building convergence 2013 – #vbc13
One of the most interesting things about Portland is all of the effort that’s gone into making this place welcoming to pedestrians. When people think about Portland, they often remark about what a pedestrian and bike-friendly city we are. A big part of why that is has to do with an organization called City Repair which I was attracted to when I moved here 11 years ago. City Repair is a mostly volunteer-driven organization full of amazingly talented people who give their all to build: community; cob benches; intersection repairs; and other infrastructure throughout Portland. If you find something interesting here to look at there’s a good chance that it was either created or inspired by something or someone involved in City Repair.
The biggest event that City Repair has been doing in recent years is called The Village Building Convergence.
Two of the main instigators for City Repair approached me recently and asked for my support in the publicity department and I happily agreed to participate in that way. I’m working on getting the word out about the #vbc13 and helping organize others who are interested in photo-journalism; telling stories about the event; and outreach to local and national and international media. The Village Building Convergence is a week-long event – there is place-building during the day and speakers; great food and discussions in the evenings. With over 30 sites it’s probably one of the biggest community-building events in Portland – touching thousands of lives and teaching people new skills. Here’s a short video which gives a little taste of what a VBC project can look like. But really, the joy of the event is being a part of it – if volunteering for this sounds interesting, please come and get your hands dirty with us! Your social life will improve, your health will improve and the City will look and feel better due to your efforts!
Lastly, - I’m working on encouraging people to vote NO this May on a vote in Portland. We are voting on whether or not to fluoridate Portland’s water. I love the fresh, pure water that we have here in Portland and do not want it fluoridated for about 100 reasons. Here’s a song I sing – River, by Bill Staines – encouraging people to think about all of the rivers – the Willamette, the Columbia and many others that will be affected by this decision.
So, that’s a little update – I hope you’re having a great Earth Day! Thanks for any efforts you make to protect the planet for all species to thrive.
On Facebook:
The People Problem: Are there Too Many of Us?
City Repair’s Village Building Convergence 2013
Clean Water Portland: Vote No on 26-151
I’ve purchased an urban rebounder (one of those mini trampolines) and I’m bouncing on it every day while I watch inspiring TED Talks 
