Green Corps applications (for college graduates)!

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Green Corps 2009-2010 Field School for Environmental Organizing. Early Application Deadline: Friday, October 10, 2008.

Green Corps is looking for college graduates who are ready to take on the biggest environmental challenges of our day.

In Green Corps’ year-long paid program, you’ll get intensive training in the skills you’ll need to make a difference in the world. You’ll get hands-on experience fighting to solve urgent environmental problems — global warming, deforestation, water pollution and many others — with groups such as Sierra Club and Greenpeace. And, when you graduate from Green Corps, we’ll help you find a career with one of the nation’s leading environmental and social change groups.

In the next few months, we‘ll invite 35 college graduates to join Green Corps in 2009-2010. We’re looking for people who are serious about saving the planet, people who have taken initiative on their campus or community, and people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work for change over the long haul. Green Corps’ year-long program begins in August 2009 with Introductory Classroom Training in Boston, and continues with field placements in multiple locations across the U.S. Candidates must be willing to relocate.

For more information, visit www.greencorps.org or contact Ben Walsh, Recruitment Director, at jobs@greencorps.org.

EDF Film Contest

The Environmental Defense Action Fund (EDAF) is sponsoring a film contest about how a carbon cap will solve America's oil addiction in a clear, brief, convincing and memorable way. I know you're all probably crazy busy with a million projects, but i thought it might be something you'd want to know about (and did I mention the $10,000 prize?) The details are listed below. Hope you find this useful!

Erin
erinosul@aol.com



EDAF launched a video/graphic competition, with a $10,000 prize!!!

We are asking people to help us convey how a carbon cap will solve America's oil addiction in a clear, brief, convincing and memorable way.

We are hoping that you can spread this to your friends, networks, blogs, etc...

Below, please find an email to send around in addition to the press release, should you want to use that instead... To view the competition page, please go to: www.edf.org/competition.

Thanks so much, and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

Best,
Emily

Emily Diamond-Falk
Environmental Defense Fund
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 600
Washington, DC 20009-5739
Phone: 202-572-3365
Fax: (202)234-6049
Cell: 202-841-8605

Deadline approaching! Grants for green projects on campus

Have a great idea for a project to make AU sustainable? Want to take things into your own hands? Want to add something great to your resume while you do it?

National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology program awards fellowship grants to undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to reducing their campus carbon footprint. Projects that will be considered will include: greenhouse gas inventories, climate action plans, energy conservation and efficiency, habitat restoration, convening climate action gatherings, and more.

Grant awards:
Up to $2000 for Undergraduate Students
Up to $5000 for Graduate Students

Fall deadlines:
October 1, 2008
November 14, 2008

Visit www.nwf.org/fellows for details about the Campus Ecology Fellowship program and contact Eco-Sense or Althea at althea.mickiewicz@student.american.edu with ideas.

World Watch Magazine - Population Forum

To launch their fall issue on population issues, World Watch magazine is putting on a great environmental justice program about population that you can attend or watch online on Tuesday, September 30, from 3-5:00. You can also submit questions to the panel. Visit [http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.event_summary&event_id=470936] to get details, find out how to watch online, or RSVP to attend.

"Until recently, demographic issues such as population growth, age structures, and youth bulges did not generate much interest among environmental audiences. World Watch magazine’s September/October 2008 issue, Population Forum, is one sign that this is changing. Contributions highlight how population issues affect environmental degradation and climate change, as well as poverty, security, and the well-being of women and children." -WWM

Eco-Sense Goes to the Movies! - FLOW

Join Eco-Sense for the opening of FLOW, Irena Salina's critically acclaimed, award winning documentary about the world water crisis. Learn about politics, privatization, pollution, and how you can get involved in the preservation of this human right!

You can meet us on Friday at the E Street Cinema for a 7:40 PM show or travel with Eco-Sense and get discounted tickets. We'll be meeting at 6:20 at the south side shuttle stop.

Social activism art show

Katzen Art Center is currently showcasing a free exhibit called Close Encounters: Facing the Future. It features some great artwork highlighting social issues, including climate change! Click the title of this post for more information. The show runs through October 26.

DCYEA Semester Kick Off!

The DC Youth Environmental Alliance will be kicking off its second year of activism at AU this weekend! Join us Saturday (9/20) in MGC 247 from 2:00 to 5:00 (or whenever you can be there) to network with students and young people from across DC, discuss DCYEA’s new political initiative, community service opportunities, Power Vote, the DC Green Festival, and more. Plus, show your support for the host group, Eco-Sense!

Climate Change and Corporate Responsibility!

This Wednesday, September 17, at 7 PM in the SIS Lounge, HP and the World Wildlife Fund will give a short presentation and lead a discussion about climate change, sustainability, and corporate responsibility as part of their nation-wide Climate Change Roadshow. This event should be fascinating for everyone interested in global warming and the environmental impact of development (and who isn't?), so bring your friends and come on out!

Eco-Certifier Workshop

Welcome back to Eco-Sense, everyone!

Eco-Sense provides AU staff with trainings in sustainable purchasing and office behavior as part of their Office Eco-Certification Program. In place of a general meeting this week, Eco-Sense will host a workshop for students interested in helping train campus staff to operate a green office.

Join us Thursday, September 18 at 8:30 PM in MGC 247 for a mock training that will prepare you to join Eco-Sense in meeting the huge demand for trainings in offices across campus this semester. Whether you want to give trainings with Eco-Sense in the future, or just to learn about how to reduce your carbon footprint in an office or your dorm room, this training is perfect for all levels of involvement!

GREEN ON THE SCREEN!

The Greening of Cuba. 1996. 38 min. Following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, financial and food aid to Cuba dried up which necessitated a dramatic reduction in the average citizen’s daily caloric intake. This video profiles farmers and scientists working to reinvent a sustainable agriculture, based on ecological principles and local knowledge rather than imported agricultural inputs. In their quest for self-sufficiency, Cubans combine time-tested traditional methods with cutting-edge biotechnology.

Green on the Screen videos will be shown every Thursday @ 12:30pm throughout the Spring Semester in the Media Services Classroom on the lower level of the AU Library. The screenings are open to all and attendees are welcome to bring lunch.

ECO-WEEK!

Mon 8-9:30pm "How to Live Sustainably in College" in the GARC (Letts Hall)
Tues. 8am-11am Campus Beautification Registration on the quad
7-8pm Corporate Responsibility Panel in Ward 1
Wed. 5:30-9:30 Environmental Films in the Weschler Theatre
8pm "Purchasing Campaign Successes" and update from Bill Mayer (the head librarian) and Chris Lewis (member of the Library Green Team) in the Weschler Theatre
Thurs. afternoon Quad events, ie rock wall climbing! (weather permitting)
7-8pm EJ Panel on Mountaintop Removal in the Battelle Atrium
9-11pm Open Mics Open Minds in the Battelle Atrium

Sat. 9:30 am Pontoon Ride and Picnic

FOSSIL FOOL'S DAY TOMORROW APRIL, 1ST!

Proclaiming April 1st "Fossil Fools Day," climate change activists are planning creative actions around the world to oppose to dirty energy and show support for climate justice, strong legislation and corporate responsibility.

Here in DC, Congressman Markey has subpoenaed the CEOs of the 5 biggest oil companies to answer to Americans in a congressional hearing on why gas prices continue to rise when the corporations are turning record breaking profits. Join us in telling the oil companies that we won't be fooled! They are deceivers, a green economy will be better for all Americans.

When: TOMORRROW, 10:00 am. (Folks interest in strategic positioning at the hearing should plan to be in line outside Cannon 210 at 9:30 am)

Where: Sidewalk outside Longworth on Independence Ave between 1st st SE and New Jersey Ave SE

What: There are many ways to get involved. Come to what you can.

9:30- Get in line outside Cannon 210 if you want to get a seat for the 12:00 hearing

10:00 am and until after the hearing, probably about 3:00- Meet us at Longworth and then we will walk to Cannon. You can be part of two groups:

1) hold signs outside and pass out flyers, wear a campus climate challenge, powershift, or other related shirt if you have one.

2) Be a part of our "Billionaires for Big Oil" parody. We will be flyering people outside as well as those waiting in the halls for the hearing. We will wear tuxedos, suits, and ball gowns and act like we are Billionaires who think that Big Oil simply doesn't get enough money. Please give them some more subsidies! Some of them only have 1 yacht and they can barely afford their kid's Ivy League tuition! Contact me if you want to do this part and have questions.

Playing with Poison!

2001. 46 min. Elizabeth Guillette has studied the differences in the children of the Yaqui Valley of Mexico since 1993. The children of the valley towns are far behind those in the foothills in physical coordination, energy, and learning capabilities. The difference she observed was that pesticides have been used in the valley since the 1950s whereas in the foothills, where there is little agricultural industry, there is practically no pesticide use. The program follows Guillette as she meets with scientists for corroboration and possible solutions.

Green on the Screen videos will be shown every Thursday @ 12:30pm throughout the Spring Semester in the Media Services Classroom on the lower level of the AU Library. The screenings are open to all and attendees are welcome to bring lunch.

GREEN ON THE SCREEN!

Global Warming: The signs and the science. 2005. 60 min. This documentary profiles people who are living with the grave consequences of a changing climate, as well as the individuals, communities and scientists inventing new approaches to safeguard our children’s future. Filmed across the U.S., Asia and South America, this program brings the reality of climate change to life and offers viewers a variety of ways to make a difference in their own communities.

Green on the Screen videos will be shown every Thursday @ 12:30pm throughout the Spring Semester in the Media Services Classroom on the lower level of the AU Library. The screenings are open to all and attendees are welcome to bring lunch

11th Hour on Friday!

Find out more information for this FREE SCREENING of 11th Hour on Friday March 21st
Find out more info here: http://events.georgetown.edu/events/index.cfm?Action=View&CalendarID=580&EventID=58070

Green on the Screen!

Thirst. 2004. 62 min. The survival of communities is threatened when big business buys the water supply. Communities suddenly lose control of their most precious resource. ’Thirst,’ a character-driven documentary with no narration, reveals how water is the catalyst for explosive community resistance to globalization. A piercing look at the conflict between public stewardship and private profit.


Green on the Screen videos will be shown every Thursday @ 12:30pm throughout the Spring Semester in the Media Services Classroom on the lower level of the AU Library. The screenings are open to all and attendees are welcome to bring lunch.

GREEN ON THE SCREEN!

The power of water. 1993. 54 min. Presentation of man’s relationship to fresh water and an examination of the controversy over whose needs determine water use in the United States with examples of wetland, river, and non-renewable water-supplies given to show how water becomes power.

Thursday 12:30pm in the Media Services Classroom (lower level of Bender Library)...bring your lunch!

Lobby to Stop Mountain Top Removal

Can you save a date to help save our mountains from mountaintop removal coal mining?

April 5th- April 9th, 2008 is our 3rd Annual Mountaintop Removal Week in Washington (http://www.ilovemountains.org/action/wiw2008) -- the chance for people like you from all across the country to meet your representatives and ask them to stop the destructive practice of mountaintop removal coal mining.

Last year's week in Washington was a tremendous success -- not to mention a lot of fun. More than 100 people from 19 states came to Washington, holding more than 100 meetings with Congressional offices and 20 face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress.

The result? People like you helped us gain 16 new co-sponsors for the Clean Water Protection Act (CWPA, http://ilovemountains.org/resources#mtrcwpa) --which would sharply curtail mountaintop removal coal mining -- in just three days in Washington.

And because the Week in Washington helped build Congressional momentum foraction on mountaintop removal coal mining, the CWPA now has a historic 126co-sponsors (http://ilovemountains.org/action/write_your_rep/).

This year's week in Washington is more important than ever. With the coal industry set to spend more than $35 million this year(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/17/AR2008011702837.html)to greenwash the public and Congress, your representatives need to hear from you that the time for action on mountaintop removal coal mining is now.

To learn more about this year's Week in Washington, or to indicate if you're interested in attending, click here: http://www.ilovemountains.org/action/wiw2008

attend a GREEN JOBS conference!

www.greenjobsconference.org

On March 13-14, a conference unlike any other will take place in Pittsburgh, PA. The event will launch a nationwide dialogue about moving our country rapidly toward leadership in promoting the benefits of a new green economy. Good Jobs, Green Jobs: A National Green Jobs Conference will bring together advocates representing local, state and federal policy makers; labor; business; the environment and public health; economic and workforce development specialists; investors; scientists and technology experts and YOUTH!

Highlighted speakers include:
Edward G. Rendell, Governor of Pennsylvania
Margie Alt, Environment America
Phil Angelides, Apollo Alliance
Joy Clarke-Holmes, Johnson Controls
Leo Gerard, United Steelworkers
Gerry Hudson, Service Employees International Union
Van Jones, Green for All
Katrina Landis, BP Alternative Energy
Ed Mazria, Architecture 2030
John Podesta, Center for American Progress
Carl Pope, Sierra Club
Lois Quam, Piper Jaffray
Lou Schorsch, Arcelor-Mittal
Rich Trumka, AFL-CIO
Dr. Beverly Wright, Deep South Center for Environmental Justice

The Sierra Student Coalition will be organizing youth social events in the evening as well as a youth "meet-up" during the conference.

The Sierra Student Coalition has scholarships available for this conference. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please fill out the attached form and email it to maura@ssc.org. Scholarships are need-based and will be given on a rolling basis.

If you will need housing in Pittsburgh for the conference, please indicate that on your scholarship application or let me or Maura know. The SSC is trying to secure free housing for everyone who needs it, but we need a head count by next week.

GREEN ON THE SCREEN!

Goodwood. 1998. 45 min. Examines whether we can halt deforestation while still sustaining communities that depend on the forest for their livelihood. Film looks at four forestry-based places where communities are discovering - sometimes with help from surprising places - that it can be done.

Green on the Screen videos will be shown every Thursday @ 12:30pm throughout the Spring Semester in the Media Services Classroom on the lower level of the AU Library.

No War, No Warming

No War, No Warming (www.nowarnowarming.org) is planning
round two of what must be a sustained, growing, developing campaign to end the Iraq war and save our deeply wounded ecosystem. Working with a broader range of organizations, we'll be taking action again on March 19th, again in Washington, D.C., as well as in other parts of the country. This time the major D.C. actions will be at locations like the American Petroelum Institute and the Department of Energy.

Sign up for more information on their website and organize a group of AU students/community members to participate!

soo....what do YOU think?

have you gone to see a Green on the Screen this semester? have you been to an eco-friend (or anti-environmental) event recently? do you read enviro-blogs daily? whatever the case may be, i'm sure you have some thoughts and opinions on the matter. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contribute to this blog! email me at marie.stratton@gmail.com and i'll happily post your musings, questions, or even quotes/ figures from an article you found interesting.
let's get some discussion going on here people!

GREEN on the SCREEN!

Baked Alaska. 2003. 26 min. A documentary about how rising temperatures and the battle over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) are impacting life in Alaska. "Temperatures in Alaska are rising ten times faster than in the rest of the world. President Bush is ignoring the warning signs. He pulled out of Kyoto and now wants to open a wildlife refuge for oil drilling. Native Alaskans are divided: The Inupiat Eskimos want the jobs and the money, but the Gwitchin Indians fear it will destroy their reindeer. Alaska is rich from oil. But each barrel sent south comes back as damage to the delicate balance of Arctic life."

Green on the Screen videos will be shown every Thursday @ 12:30pm throughout the Spring Semester in the Media Services Classroom on the lower level of the AU Library. The screenings are open to all and attendees are welcome to bring lunch. Most of the videos scheduled run 60 minutes or less.

Upcoming Events for Founder's Day!

Come eat birthday cake with Eco-Sense in the Tavern on Tuesday at 8pm. There will also be prizes, games, a magician (yess!), and the oh-so-scary mascot Clawed the Eagle.

On Wednesday at 2:15pm, stop by McDowell Formal lounge for an open forum on AU's Sustainability with both Eco-Sense and Facilities Management. You can ask anything you want to know about what the university and it's students are doing to practice sustainability and make the campus carbon neutral!

Green on the Screen!

Crapshoot. 2003. 52 min. A hazardous mix of waste is flushed into the sewer every day. Where does it all go? What does it do to us? Filmed in several countries, this documentary questions whether the sewer is actually compounding our waste problems. Scientists warn of links between sewage practices and potential health risks, while activists, engineers and concerned citizens challenge our fundamental attitudes to waste. Does our need to dispose of waste take precedence over public safety? What are the alternatives?

Green on the Screen videos will be shown every Thursday @ 12:30pm throughout the Spring Semester in the Media Services Classroom on the lower level of the AU Library. The screenings are open to all and attendees are welcome to bring lunch. Most of the videos scheduled run 60 minutes or less.

RECRUIT RECRUIT RECRUIT

While we love everyone in Eco-Sense, it wouldn't hurt to have a few (or twenty) more!
Now's your chance to build on the momentum of Focus the Nation by engaging all those folks who participated to get involved with your group and campaign. Join in with other students to learn some best practices around recruitment; get people involved early in the semester so that they'll stay involved all semester!

What: Recruitment Phone Training.
Who: You and other leaders from your group and around the country!

When: Tuesday, Feb. 5th @ 9pm Eastern
--OR--
Wed., Feb 6th @ 9pm Eastern

Where: SSC Conference Line (details available when you register)
How: REGISTER NOW: http://www.ssc.org/trainings/phonetrainings.php

URGENT: Green Jobs Have a Chance TOMORROW!

Senator Sanders is offering an amendment to the Economic Stimulus package offering full funding of the Green Jobs Act. This will be discussed TOMORROW! Please see the brief message below and then CONTACT YOUR SENATORS TOMORROW 1/31:

1. Call your Senator's DC office. Contact info available here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

2. Ask to speak with the Staff person working on the Economic Stimulus Package

3. Ask for your senator to support the Sanders Amendment to fully fund the green job workforce training program.

GREEN FOR ALL!

More Eco-Sense on the News!!

YOUTH WANT CLEAN ENERGY!

Obama loves Eco-Sense!!!

Great Job everyone!

Are you tired of seeing climate change ignored by the media?

ME TOO! There are critical debates coming up in Florida and California and we need to make sure
global warming is a big topic of discussion.

Can you email Wolf Blitzer and Tim Russert directly and tell them to make
global warming a priority at the debates? Click below to send an email to
the debate moderators:

http://action.lcv.org/campaign/moveon_whataretheywaitingfor

Help Elect an Environmentalist!

DONNA EDWARDS FACT OF THE DAY:
Did you know that Donna Edwards isn't just a champion on environmental issues (which she is!) but on other progressive issues as well? For example, she co-founded and served as the first executive director of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, AND received national recognition as she led the successful fight to pass the Violence Against Women Act of 1994!

She's the kind of leader we need in Congress, and that's why EVERYONE should come out and help her get elected on Feb. 12!

Here's how you can help: volunteer to canvass on any or all of the following dates. Get out and talk to the good citizens of Maryland's 4th about the change we all need to see here in DC.

SATURDAY, JAN. 26 (tomorrow!) -- meet at 10:30 am at 6839 Eastern Ave., Takoma Park - a short walk from the Metro. We're still looking for volunteers for tomorrow so PLEASE let me know if you can make it. It'll be fun!

SATURDAY, FEB. 2 - Same deal - meet in the morning in Takoma Park. This will be our biggest pre-GOTV volunteer canvass! We need you!

SATURDAY, FEB. 9 - GOTV WEEKEND! This is a BIIIG day! We need canvass supervisors, payroll folks, and general canvassers from 11 to 4. NOTE: I had talked with some of you about the next day, Sunday, but it looks like we really need people for Saturday more. If you can only do Sunday, that's fine, but if you can do Saturday, that's better!

TUESDAY, FEB. 12 - ELECTION DAY! Woo-hoo! We need canvass supervisors, payroll folks, and general canvassers from 9:30 to 2:30 - although I'm sure we could use you any time if that doesn't work.

Here are some of her youtube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7kmPixj6kQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A005bNee-PQ

If you are interested, please e-mail Eliza Simon at eliza.simon@sierraclub.org
*Post something on Eco-Sense's discussion board if you are lookin' for some eco-sensual company!

Open Mic / Open Minds

when: Thursday, January 31st, 9:30pm
Where: Davenport Lounge
Join us for an open discussion and some casual acoustic performances after the long day of panel discussions, part of Eco-Sense and Student Government's Focus the Nation!

Contact Mackenzie at mackenzie_odonnell@hotmail.com to show off your musical talents!!!

First meeting of the SPRING SEMESTER!

Eco-Sense will be having its first meeting of the semester tomorrow night (Wednesday the 22nd) in the Battelle Atrium at 8. I hope you can all make it and bring any friends that are interested. We love new people getting involved! We had a fun, productive fall and are looking forward to upcoming events this semester.

When: TONIGHT Wed at 8pm
Where: Batelle Atrium

We’ll be talking about the Focus the Nation events that are rapidly approaching and we’ll be voting on global warming solutions. Focus the Nation is a national teach-in on climate change (check out AU's full schedule here) taking place January 30th to February 1st. Eco-Sense will be tabling all that week and we will also be having a webcast, a day of panels, and a faith roundtable. There will be sign-ups for helping at the meeting and creative poster-making, woo woo!

At the meeting we’ll also be talking about the environmental positions of the presidential candidates so that we can be informed when we vote in our primaries.

Also, don't forget to check out the video Eco-Sense made last semester for the National Wildlife Federation's Chill Out grant competition: http://youtube.com/watch?v=piPJY2ud2nc
If you and your friends watch it and rate it, you’ll be helping Eco-Sense to win some caaash money!

Green on the Screen is BACK!

When: Thursday January 24th 12:30-1:30pm
Where: Library Media Services Classroom (lower level of Bender Library)
What: A weekly series of documentaries intended to raise awareness of a range of environmental issues. The screenings are FREE and open to everyone. Attendees are welcome to bring a lunch, or a date ; )

Thomas Berry: The Great Story. 2002. 49 min.
Monk, cultural historian, author, teacher, and mystic Thomas Berry discusses spirituality, humanity and our connection with the natural world. Views expressed in these videos do not necessarily reflect those of the Green Team members but are provided to raise awareness surrounding issues with environmental impact.

Tell Detroit to Mass Produce Plug-In Hybrids!

Did you hear about the action at the North American Auto Show in Detroit last weekend? We're ready to continue that momentum and let automakers know that their greenwashed commitment to produce concept models and test runs of plug-in hybrids just isn't good enough. Toyota just announced that they're going to produce a test fleet of 400 plug-in hybrids by 2010. TEST FLEET? 2010? We need plug-in hybrids that get at least 100 mpg mass produced way sooner than that if we're going to curb climate change!

Come join Co-op America and concerned students and consumers around the DC area to let auto makers know that they need to start mass producing plug-in hybrids -- for the climate, for their bottom lines and for American consumers!

When: Wed and Thursday Jan 23rd and 24th 4:45-6PM
Where: Meet outside the Mt Vernon Square / Convention Center Metro Stop
What: Flyering and spreading awareness about the viability of mass producing plug-in hybrids to participants of the DC Auto Show

For more information or to RSVP please contact Yochi Zakai at 202-872-5302 or yochi@coopamerica.org

*Wear your green hard hat from Power Shift if you have one!*