Calendar

Apr
19
Sun
2020
EARTH WEEK Pittsburgh – Virtual Teach-in & Youth Climate Strike @ Online and Instagram
Apr 19 @ 1:00 pm – Apr 23 @ 12:00 pm

Pittsburgh Earth Day 2020
Tune in tomorrow, Sunday, April 19 at 1:00 P.M. for the Pittsburgh Earth Week Teach-In! Watch live http://earthweekpgh.org #VoteEarthPG#VoteClimatePGH
WWW.EARTHWEEKPGH.ORG
Pittsburgh Earth Day 2020's photo.

APR22

24-Hour Youth Climate Strike on Instagram

Public:

Hosted by Pittsburgh Earth Day 2020

Join Fridays for Future for a 24-Hour Climate Strike on Instagram.
Details on Facebook https://bit.ly/3bFTkR1
Apr 22 at 12 PM – Apr 23 at 12 PM

Mission

Pittsburgh is marking the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day by reigniting our dedication to our planet, to each other and to our collective future here on Earth. We call on everyone to unite, stand and act for a healthier, safer, more just and sustainable world.

CONTACT INFO
pghearthday2020@gmail.com
http://www.earthweekpgh.org
MORE INFO
About
Pittsburgh will mark the 50th Anniversary of Earth Week by reigniting our dedication to the planet, to each other and to our collective future. We call on everyone to be part of a healthier, safer, more just and sustainable world.
Founding Date
April 22, 2020

 

When the first Earth Week took place on April 16-22, 1970, it was a moment that captured the hearts of many Americans who were moved to dedicate themselves to the fight for clean water, land and air. Fifty years later, people and the planet face a far greater threat in the form of climate change.
The climate emergency requires urgent and immediate action.
The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day must reignite that dedication to our planet, each other and to our collective future on Earth. It must extend the fire and passion for change of that first Earth Day to marginalized communities in SWPA and beyond who are most deeply harmed by environmental assaults and climate change. We are calling on everyone to unite – on this day and every day – to stand and act for a healthy, safe, just and sustainable world that protects and supports us all.
We the people Unite Under these Values:
We declare a climate emergency and call on our leaders to address that emergency NOW. Fossil fuel-based energy and petrochemical production will push our planet toward climate collapse.
We honor Mother Earth, the supporter of all life, who provides us with sustenance, clean air and clean water. We honor our Ancestors who blessed us with reverence for life. We embrace the Rights of Nature and recognize that we are a part of its interconnected Web of Life.
We value our responsibility to care for our planet and all people now and for the future.
We seek Environmental Justice for all. Environmental work must not perpetuate economic, social, gender and racial inequalities or health and environmental burdens. We respect historic communities and land rights. We support Indigenous self-determination, anti-racism and oppose disinvestment in marginalized communities. We especially value the voices and wisdom of communities of color including African American and Native communities and support their demands for environmental and social justice.
We unite with frontline communities to break down barriers that prevent all people from creating and benefiting from a just transition for those workers displaced as a result of the disinvestment in and closing of fossil fuel companies. We turn to the people in communities most harmed by environmental injustice for their leadership, their voices and their wisdom.
We call for a new kind of reinvestment in community systems that promote ongoing community education and investment. This reinvestment must emphasize renewable energy; maintain poison-free, fertile soil for safe, local food production; and recycle, reuse and re-purpose non-fossil based materials in circular manufacturing.
We value our inherent and legal rights to clean air and water as guaranteed by federal and state laws. We support the creation of laws that reject putting corporate profits above the health of people and non-human relatives, that ensure workers’ safety and that protect the health of our ecosystems and environment.
We hold that fracking, pipelines, plastics, synthetic chemicals and nuclear waste are poisoning our bodies and the whole planet. We oppose spending taxpayer money for these industries.
We value economic systems and community development projects that will be people-focused, community-driven and inclusive of the next Seven Generations*.
We are pro-union and pro-living wage. We value reliance on local resources and clean jobs that do no harm.
We hold all government officials accountable as stewards for healthy people and a healthy society. We believe that our environment and our climate must be protected, and that our land and natural resources cannot be exploited for corporate gain or greed – especially at the risk of public safety and health.
*Seventh Generation Principle is a key element in The Great Law of Peace of the Hodinoshoni (Iroquois) Confederacy. It is an intentional statement of purpose, accountability and to acknowledge that the actions and decisions we make today should result in a peaceful and sustainable world seven generations into the future.
Pittsburgh Earth Day Demands of Pennsylvania’s Governor and Elected Leaders
Declare a state-wide Climate Emergency NOW. Ask all levels of government to adopt a Climate Action Plan as part of State/County/Municipal Codes.
Stop use of public tax dollars to support fracked gas, oil, coal and nuclear industries on the state and federal level. Invest in renewable industries and in jobs that do not harm workers, communities and people.
Support 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Divest all State Pension funding from fossil fuel investments.
We must honor our constitutional right to clean air and water (Pennsylvania Constitution Article 1 Section 27). Restore strong regulatory protections for air, water and land to protect all citizens from pollution.
Children in Western Pennsylvania are being poisoned by lead in our water and industrial pollutants in our air. We must upgrade infrastructure, aging industrial plants and the region’s wastewater treatment facilities to reduce additional greenhouse gases and pollution, including raising our water-testing standards.
Along with stronger regulations, we must ensure that polluting industries pay fines for pollution that reflect the harm done to people.
Reallocate funding for communities harmed by gas, oil and coal industries. Support community green union and non-union jobs and clean economic development initiatives, ensuring social support and job training for former fossil fuel workers.
Promote local and sustainable agriculture that does not depend on using poisons and chemical fertilizers. Support safe agricultural practices on local, state and federal levels. Protect sources of drinking water and agriculture from contamination by fracking.
Ban single-use plastics immediately and establish viable substitutes and markets for the re-use of recycled materials to reduce the market for fracked-gas plastics.
Adopt State Building Codes that require all new construction to reduce additional greenhouse gases by incorporating passive solar design and renewable energy systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Increase access, equity and sustainability in the transportation sector. Improve public and alternative transportation infrastructure to increase fuel efficiency, reduce pollution/carbon emissions and ensure safe and convenient routes for cyclists and pedestrians. Ensure affordable public transit fares and accessible public transit routes for all communities.
The Pittsburgh Earth Day 2020 coalition invites groups in SWPA and beyond to join us in planning in our Earth Week events. We welcome all participating organizations to provide feedback on these statements which may be amended to reflect those concerns.

 

Apr
22
Wed
2020
PLANET HEART & WE THE WORLD present the 13th ANNUAL WORLD PEACE EARTH DAY CELEBRATION 2020 – 50TH ANNIVERSARY @ LIVE Online on Facebook
Apr 22 @ 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Awakening Humanity’s Consciousness as One,
“Celebrating Our Planet,

Healing our Heart

 

The13th Annual

WORLD PEACE EARTH DAY CELEBRATION 2020

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Planet Heart Logo © Elana Stanger,
​a.k.a. St. Angel www.diversityarts.com

Come join us on EARTH DAY

Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at
6 – 9:30 PM EST

Globally Online

for A Very Special Evening

with our Conscious Community as we

Gather in Unity Honoring Mother Earth
​and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day!


Listen to Inspirational Talks with Spiritual,  Indigenous, Peace and Environmental Leaders, and Experience Live Music Performances! 

There will be Celebrations & Prayers for World Peace, Planet Earth & All Inhabitants.
All Are Welcome!


Due to the coronavirus we will be

hosting our event online this year!!


“Every day is Earth Day where Peace Within Brings Peace on Earth ” – ReAwakennd


PLANET HEART
   
Produced by Andrew Kaen in Association 
with We, The World (fiscal sponsor),

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Watch LIVE or the Recording HERE:
https://www.facebook.com/thewecampaign/
https://www.facebook.com/compassiongames/
Like these pages to get notified for the Event and please share!

  Contact us:  EarthDay@WeTheWorld.Org       

 212-222-5432

Even if you cannot attend, and you would like to support us, please make a tax deductible donation. Click Button Below. Thank you.

Meet your Presenters:

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​MC HOST 

Mitchell Rabin,  International speaker/Workshop Leader,

Holistic Coach and Host/Producer of A Better World Radio & TV


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Rick Ulfik
​Founder of We, The World, the WE Campaign, and Co-Creator of 11 Days of Global Unity 


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Angelica Cubides
Ordained Minister, Indigenous Elder

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Jonathan Granoff is President of Global Security Institute and an Attorney, Author and Advocate ​for the Abolition of Nuclear Weapons, 2014 nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize

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Transpersonal Coach/Healer
Soul Plan Activator, Author and Artist

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​Guy R. McPherson is an American scientist, Professor Emeritus of Natural Resources and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Arizona

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Elly Lessin
Long-time Environmental Advocate

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Jackson Madnick Founder and President of Pearl’s Premium Lawn Seed

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Host of Heart of Mind Radio, ​facilitator of Meditation and Relaxation Techniques;  a Master Teacher of Qigong Form; an Energy-Vibrational Healer

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Heidi Little
International Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter, Vocalist, Self-Love and Empowerment Educator, Co-Founder/Director of International Children’s Month, Founder of The Center For Advancement in Social Emotional Learning, Co-Writer of ONE, The Message From Mother Earth

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Michael Fitzpatrick​
World-Renowned Cello Soloist 

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Two Feathers 
Indigenous Teacher and Educator

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William “Bill” Garrett
Founder/Chairman, Harlem Climate Caucus​

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Evan Pritchard
​Indigenous Speaker, Author, Musician

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Lisa Roma
Singer-Songwriter, Vocalist, Songpoet, Musician and Composer, Writer, Publisher,  and Visionary


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​Composer, Arranger, Producer and an accomplished Multi-Instrumentalist ​


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David Young
Musician, Author, Speaker, Artist

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 Andrew Kaen (ReAwakennd)
Executive Producer and Founder/Organizer
Planet Heart’s Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration
Vibrational Sound Healer/Channel/Poet/
​Singer-Soulwriter/Ambassador For Peace
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Portions of the Proceeds support 

We, The World and

Planet Heart

to produce these events.

“We hear Mother Earth’s call to simultaneously become more heart centered and action oriented.  Feeling Mother Earth’s sacredness in our hearts can be profound motivation to act on Her behalf.  Many actions are needed now, from calling legislators to attending rallies … art making, creative planning, spreading the word, writing letters to the editor … advocating for clean water, renewable energy … as well as social, racial, and economic justice issues that are inseparable from co-creating a sustainable, thriving world that works for all.  We believe these actions are most effective, and most beautiful, when they are inspired by and carried out with love and respect for this beautiful planet, all who reside here, and whatever divine energies are loving us and encouraging us through this Great Turning.  This feeling of connection, love, and inspiration is what we seek to create through Planet Heart’s Annual World Peace Earth Day.  Please join us, be inspired, keep your heart open, and channel that love into action. ”
Ellen Osuna, Environmental and Peace Activist 
 

 

 

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Apr
23
Thu
2020
Strike, Divest, and Vote for our future…with EARTH DAY LIVE @ Online and Social Media
Apr 23 – Apr 25 all-day


Earth Day Live will feature a three-day livestream where millions of people can join activists, celebrities, musicians, and more in an epic moment of community and hope for the future.


STRIKE, DIVEST, AND VOTE

FOR OUR FUTURE!

From April 22 – the 50th anniversary of Earth Day –  to April 24…

The fights against the coronavirus and the climate crisis go hand-in-hand, and as we work to flatten the curve of this pandemic, we must strive toward the longer term goal of building a society rooted in sustainability and justice.


FIND A LOCAL LIVESTREAM

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https://www.earthdaylive2020.org/

The Earth Day Live stream will be viewable on this website and will be the full user experience. In addition, it will be simulcast across major streaming platforms such as Facebook Live, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter and Twitch to engage with broader audiences. Partner organizations and an extensive network of major websites will be embedding the live stream as well.


PARTICIPANTS

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Featuring Al Gore • Amanda Palmer • Amber Valletta • Angela Rye • Angelique Kidjo • Bill McKibben • Chef Alexandra Shrader • Chef Dominique Crenn • Daniel Fernandez • David Wallace Wells • DJ Spooky • Dr Michael Greger • Dr. Sweta Chakraborty • Ed Begley Jr. • Emily Wells • Ilyasah Shabazz • Jack Johnson • Jameela Jamil • Jason Mraz • Joaquin Phoenix • John Kerry • Kathryn Budig • Lil Dicky • Lisa Edelstein • Local Natives • Louie Schwartzberg • Luke Baines • Madame Gandhi • Margaret Klein Salamon • Mark Ruffalo • Mary Heglar • Matt McGorry • Megan Boone • Michael Franti • Moby • Monica Dogra • Mustafa Santiago Ali • Nahko the Bear • Ndaba Mandela • Patricia Arquette • Patrisse Cullors • Questlove • Rep. Lauren Underwood • Rep. Ted Lieu • Reverend Dr. William Barber II • Robby Romero • Rosanna Arquette • Secretary John Kerry • Sharon Carpenter • Shepard Fairey • Soul Clap • Stacey Abrams • Talib Kweli • The Both -w- Aimee Mann and Ted Leo • Tim Heidecker • Tony Revolori

And many more to be announced soon!

STRIKE – Earth Day and Youth Climate Strikes – April 22

On the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we will demonstrate our collective power and unity through community building and storytelling. This first day will focus on amplifying the voice of indigenous leaders and youth climate activists who are leading the movement to halt the climate crisis


DIVEST – Divestment and Climate Financing – April 23

Led by Stop the Money Pipeline Coalition, during this day of action we are calling for a global reset. We want to reprogram the economy so that it works for people and the planet, not polluters and politicians.


VOTE – Voter Registration and Political Engagement – April 24

We need leaders who will address this existential threat. It’s critical for all of us to show up at the polls this year and vote for our future. So the final day will focus on the importance of voting through a nationwide youth voter registration day.


The US Climate Strike Coalition and Stop The Money Pipeline Coalition, who together are made up of over 500 organizations, have come together to organize Earth Day Live.

The US Climate Strike Coalition is a coalition of over 400 organizations that formed ahead of the September 20, 2019 climate strikes. Led by the leading youth-led climate organizations in the US, the coalition works intergenerationally and collaboratively to coordinate the Climate Strikes in the US.

Stop the Money Pipeline is a coalition of over 100 climate, environmental and Indigneous rights groups that is demanding that the financial sector stops funding the fossil fuel industry and deforestation, and starts respecting Indigenous sovereignty and human rights.

Apr
26
Sun
2020
Intergenerational Climate Collaborative Project Hosted by: Sue Blythe and Chitra Golestani @ Online - Zoom
Apr 26 @ 1:00 pm

May
19
Tue
2020
RSVP for the WEBINAR for THE INTERSECTION of the CLIMATE CRISIS and SOCIAL JUSTICE hosted by THE POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN @ Online
May 19 @ 3:00 pm
Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival's photo.

MAY 19, 2020  3:00 pm EST

The Intersection of the Climate Crisis and Social Justice

Join the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and The Climate Reality Project for our upcoming webinar highlighting the intersection of climate and environmental justice, the history of the #PoorPeoplesCampaign, and the upcoming digital mass march and assembly.

The webinar will feature Campaign Co-Chairs Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Dr. Liz Theoharis, as well as Dr. Robert Bullard, Climate Reality board member, Texas Southern University distinguished professor of environmental policy, and to many, the “father of environmental justice.”

The only way to solve the climate crisis is by working together. And to build a winning coalition, we need to understand how this crisis intersects with social inequities like racial discrimination, poverty, and environmental injustice.

Register here: bit.ly/ClimateRealityPPC-webinar

Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
May
21
Thu
2020
Wes Studi – The Legendary Actor – His Plea for the Indian Country Amid the COVID Pandemic – Action Plans for the Nation @ You! Your community!
May 21 @ 12:00 am

From Indigenous New England

https://indigenous.boston  

 

StrongWalker | May 21, 2020 at 11:15 am | Categories: National News | URL: https://wp.me/pawHOv-4ty

Oscar winner Wes Studi launched a new PSA raising awareness about the seriousness of COVID-19 in Indian Country. (courtesy photo)

ADDISON, Texas — From small-town Oklahoma native to internationally acclaimed actor and musician, Wes Studi forever changed a stereotype with his unforgettable performances in Dances with Wolves, The Last of the Mohicans, Heat and Avatar.

Now, he’s working on another mission.

Yesterday, the Cherokee citizen and legendary film star released a public service announcement (PSA) to raise awareness of the serious effects of COVID-19 in Indian Country and request widespread support for Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA) to ensure Native Americans are not left behind during the pandemic.

What sparked the PSA is a series of vital health issues happening in the wake of COVID-19, even with many stay-at-home orders in place. The risk of contracting the virus is higher among Native Americans due to overcrowded housing and high rates of diabetes, kidney disease and asthma. And despite more than 7,100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within the Navajo Nation and other tribal communities, federal aid has been slow to arrive.

In his new PSA, the Oscar winner reminds the public of the need for immediate attention and charitable donations to PWNA, which has secured tribal clearances and follows CDC and tribal guidelines to continue delivering critical items, such as food, water, sanitizer and personal protective equipment (PPE).

For more information on the PSA, and to learn how to donate, visit NativePartnership.org/COVIDrelief. Organizers are asking people to share this on social media using the hashtags #NativeHope and #COVID19. You can also call 1(800) 416-8102 to learn more.

“Every day, remote reservation communities face shortages of food, water and healthcare, and COVID-19 has magnified that reality,” said Joshua Arce, PWNA president and CEO. “Donations are critical now as we bring relief to under-resourced communities.”

Studi notes PWNA is a nonprofit he trusts. In 2019, they collaborated in a five-part Realities Video Series with Wes Studi that aimed to give an accurate portrayal of reservation life and dispels long-held myths that continue to impact Native communities.

The post Legendary Actor Wes Studi Urges the Public to Assist Indian Country Amid Pandemic appeared first on Native News Online.


“This is a major issue right now…also Protect The Sacred has a Facebook page…this was started by youth and has Mark Ruffalo helping them and a couple other actors…and Navajo youth who have stepped up to help their Elders”
from Grandmother Michelle Reid

Weekly Climate Emergency Organizing presented by The Climate Mobilization @ online
May 21 @ 8:00 pm – May 28 @ 8:00 pm

Select a date and time

THU, MAY 21
8:00 PM
THU, MAY 28
8:00 PM

This weekly call is for those of us who are terrified of the climate emergency and determined to be part of a movement to claw back our future from the jaws of extinction.

You will learn about The Climate Mobilization’s strategy for transforming our economy in the next ten years, and how you can take action locally and be part of this plan.

You will make contact with an excellent team of organizers who will offer support and coaching in your journey to push back and win a just and inclusive future.

  • In 2020, the climate emergency threatens to take our future away from us.
  • YOU
  • The solution is to organize.
  • YOU
  • This session is designed to show you how.

The session is open to anyone, whether you are part of an organization or not, whether you have experience of organizing or not. We support over 100 different campaigns!

To Join the Call:

You will learn:

  • What YOU can do to respond to the Climate Emergency
  • How to get plugged in to a team or a Climate Emergency campaign in YOUR community
  • How we’re planning to make the Climate Emergency the key issue of the 2020 election

 

May
31
Sun
2020
Help Support COVID Relief to Indigenous Communities…HELP BIONEERS IN THEIR GLOBAL EFFORT!
May 31 @ 12:00 am – Dec 31 @ 12:00 pm

Help Support COVID Relief to Indigenous Communities

HELP BIONEERS IN THEIR GLOBAL EFFORT!

At Bioneers, we have worked swiftly behind the scenes to help Indigenous communities hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and have already distributed rapid-relief support to those in the front lines, who are risking their lives to help Indigenous communities survive the latest pandemic.

Alexis Bunten, Bioneers Indigeneity Program Director, wrote this piece to share what her and her colleagues have learned about the disproportionate effects of COVID-19 on Indigenous communities, from historical perspectives to the current reality, and to offer several ways that you can donate to these efforts.

Read more here.

The Navajo Nation COVID-19 Fund
May 31 @ 12:00 am – Dec 31 @ 12:00 pm

The Navajo Nation COVID-19 Fund has been established to help the Navajo Nation respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the Navajo Nation’s only official COVID-19 fundraising and donation effort.

The Navajo Nation is accepting monetary and non-monetary donations to address immediate medical and community needs.

The Navajo Nation’s Health Command Center is coordinating donations to the Nation through the Nation’s Department of Justice and Office of the Controller. Non-monetary donations are also accepted.

For more information see www.navajo.fund or call (928)871-6206 or send an email to  general@nndoj.org.

For official information on COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation, please see: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19
The Official Navajo Nation government website is: https://www.navajo-nsn.gov

Aug
1
Sat
2020
The Ribbon 2020 – Tangible Hope for No Nuclear War – 75th Anniversary of the Nuclear Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki @ Global
Aug 1 all-day

The Ribbon 2020 – Tangible Hope for No Nuclear War

The Ribbon was founded by Justine Merritt who had visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in 1982. She was greatly affected by the tragedy caused by the Atomic Bomb. After arriving home, it came to her to create a Ribbon, and decided to have a Ribbon event on the 40th memorial anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

It was in the middle of the Cold War between The United States and The Soviet Union, and using nuclear weapons could happen again at a moments notice.

On August 4, 1985, in Washington, D.C., fifteen miles of Ribbons encircled the Pentagon and other important monuments: With the message of “What I cannot bear to think of as lost forever in a nuclear war”. The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima was also encircled.

The Ribbon International is now a Non Governmental Organization in Association with the United Nations. Since 1985, many Ribbons have been created around the world. People carry Ribbons and pray for Peace at many occasions such as; community memorial gatherings and marches related to nuclear, peace and environmental issues. Ribbons have been exhibited in various places as well.

Nowadays the world is closer to the tragedy of nuclear war or a nuclear accident more than ever before.

On August 1st 2020, the 75th Anniversary of the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, The Ribbon International is planning to have a Ribbon event in New York City and in other cities around the world. Please join us, and pray for a world without nuclear weapons and never another nuclear tragedy. (If you cannot join, please pray with us wherever you are.)

______________________________________________________________________

How to make Ribbon
(Please also see our website: www.theribboninternational.org)

  • Cut a panel of sturdy cloth, double thickness, of any color.
  • Finished size: one meter by a half meter (or one yard by a half yard)
  • Sew 20cm (9 inch) pieces of ribbon to each corner so the panels may be easily tied together.
  • On this panel, sew, paint, write, embroider, weave, knit, tie-dye or use any other kind of ornaments to express what you most love about the world and want to protect from what is endangered on this earth.
  • If you wish, write your name and/or any message on the back of the panel.

______________________________________________________________________

BECOME A LOCAL CONTACT FOR THE RIBBON IN YOUR COMMUNITY – organizations, schools, places of worship, individuals, artists, teachers and many others have adopted the Ribbon project for such celebrated days as Earth Day, World Peace Week and United Nations/Global Citizenship Day to promote local awareness and action. Create Ribbons to display at local events, advertise in newspapers, organization newsletters, on radio and TV.

THE NEW RIBBON: TANGIBLE HOPE
THE UNITED NATIONS HAS DESIGNATED SEPTEMBER 21 THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Honor this day of global cease fire
CREATE RIBBON EXHIBITS FOR PEACE

To help support the Ribbon project and keep it growing around the world please send tax exempt donations made out to – Peace Action Education Fund, 40 Witherspoon St., Princeton, NJ 08542, USA and direct it for The Ribbon International.

We invite you to join the Ribbon project, there is no fee. Just create and display a Ribbon, you have then symbolically joined with others world wide in creating and thinking in terms of care and protection of the earth and its inhabitants.

______________________________________________________________________

Pieces to Peace,

There will be no check-in table in Arlington in August
with an aging, greying teacher with a red Bic pen
waiting to grade assignments for more than ten miles of Ribbon.
All the pieces belong there:
all the symbols of a nation’s yearning for peace.

Who would want to judge the pieces?
Choose one as better than another?
Work of Art?
Work of heart?

Who would want to judge the pieces?
Lay aside a child’s rain-touched, felt tipped rainbow
for an artist’s gessoed work?

Who would want to say the eighth-grader’s acrylic basketball court
held more promise that the quilter’s careful stitches
holding her aching heart together after the evening’s late news?

Each one makes The Ribbon:
the pizza, poison ivy, pomegranate seeds
the ladybugs, mid-Hudson bridge,
poetry,
and creed;
each segment makes The Ribbon.

It is in the addition we find the sum:
for it is one yard
plus one yard
plus each yard of cloth
that we honor the diversity,
that we celebrate the unity.

Each piece makes The Ribbon;
each piece brings the piece.

Amen

JOURNEY. Justine Merritt
CA: Hope Publishing House
1993. (p.111) -Arlington, VA 1985

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Some Events in the Life of the Ribbon

1982: Justine Merritt is inspired to tie a Ribbon around the Pentagon in Washington, DC, USA from the theme; “What I cannot bear to think of as lost forever in a nuclear war”, and writes about it to friends on her holiday card list.

1985: August 4th: Over ten miles of Ribbons encircle the Pentagon and other Washington, DC buildings. The Atom Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, Japan is also

Washington, DC – several people holding multiple ribbon panels by the Capital’s reflecting pool.

1986: In New Zealand, Ribbons connect US and USSR embassies. In South Africa, Black and White mothers unite using Ribbons to tell their government they don’t want their children killing each other. In Japan, Ribbons are used to protest the razing of Ikego Forest. 10,000 Ribbons link B’hai temple to the ocean in Austrailia and USSR World Leader Mikhail Gorbachev is presented a Ribbon by Justine Merritt.

1987: In Okinaw, Japan, Ribbons help surround the largest military base in the Pacific and are displayed in Zushi for the environment at Ikego Forest. In Holland, panels connect the US and USSR embassies. Tamel, Sinhalese and Christian segments are exhibited together in Sri Lanka.

1988-1989: In the Middle East, the Interns for Peace calendar shows Ribbons made by Arab and Jewish children.

Two colorful ribbon panels.

1990: In London, Ribbons are exhibited in the Houses of Parliament. In Geneva, Ribbons are displayed in the Palais des Nations during the NTP Conference.

1991: In New York, Ribbons are exhibited at the United Nations during the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Conference. Included are panels created by Iraqi and American children. New York State Museum in Albany has an International Ribbon exhibit.

The ribbon in a New York City parade.
Alternate picture of the New York City parade.

1992: Ribbons are displayed in Brazil and around the planet during the UN “Earth Summit.”

1993: Ribbons are displayed at the Human Rights Conference in Vienna, inspire an environmental Ribbon contest in Singapore and is cosponsor of the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago.

1994: The Canadian Ecumenical Council Calendar features Ribbon segments as part of UN related art. Gas City and Marion Indiana create and exhibit Ribbons in preparation for the UN 50th anniversary.

1995: Ribbon displays celebrate the UN 50th anniversary Year. With the help of divers, Ribbons are carried under water and connect Egypt, Israel and Jordon. Segments are contributed by Switzerland, Germany, Italy and China.

Family with Ribbons

1996: International Mothers of Liberia use Ribbons to help protest the stealing of children for the army. Towns in the Ukraine create panels calling for a world without wars or violence. Ribbons are given to all the UN Missions. Mayors for Peace through Inter-city Solidarity learn of the Ribbon.

1997: Estonia uses Ribbons to celebrate peace. Ribbons are taken to Haiti to promote a culture of peace. In Magdeburg, Germany, the Mayor inspires the city’s population to create and display panels for Human Rights Day and other occasions. The Bonadssamlingen Museum in Stenstorp, Sweden exhibits Ribbons.

1997 Stenstorp - several panels

1998: Ribbons are displayed at the UNESCO Culture and Developement conference in Stockholm, Sweden. *1998 is the UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL YEAR of the OCEANS. Show on your Ribbon the beauty of our never ending oceans.

1999: Ribbon panels are displayed for Human Rights Day in Copenhagen, made in China, are exhibitied at the Hague Appeal for Peace (HAP99) in the Netherlands and created for the International Year of Older Persons.

2000 – 2006: Ribbons are given to all U.S. Congressmen for the UN Culture of Peace Year. Lake Havasu City, AZ, USA creates and display Ribbons for UN Day. Africans and Cubans receive Ribbons for peace. A Ribbon is given to Pope John Paul II in Rome in honor of the Decade for a COP and Non Violence for the Children of the World. 9/11 annually Ribbons are carried from the UN to the World Trade Center, NY with an Interfaith litany read.

2001 – 2010: The United Nations International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-violence for the Children of the World. Show on your panel a “Culture of Peace.” Church Women United (CWU) initiates the Ribbon as part of their celebrated days of prayers for peace such as World Community Day.

Pope John Paul II greeting ribbon participants.

Founder Justine Merritt and Michele Peppers present Ribbon panel to Pope John Paul II, in honor of the United Nations resolution for the Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non Violence for the Childrend for the World (2001-2010), October 17, 2001

Nov
1
Sun
2020
2020 TCS NYC Marathon Application: Human Rights Campaign Foundation-DUE MARCH 13 @ NYC
Nov 1 all-day

Join HRC’s TCS New York City Marathon Team

Run On The Right Side Of History!

Athletes for equality

It’s time to take our fight for LGBTQ equality to the pavement and we need

2020 TCS NYC Marathon Application: Human Rights Campaign Foundation

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRCF) is proud to announce that we have joined the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon’s Charity Partner program and have been awarded 10 bibs! We are thrilled about the opportunity to have 10 runners represent the HRCF in one of the world’s most notable races. If you want to join our fight for equality while pushing yourself like you’ve never thought possible, please apply to be on our team! We are now accepting applications for runners who want to participate in the NYC Marathon on

Sunday, November 1, 2020!

Benefits include: guaranteed marathon entry, experienced coaching, a training plan (for all levels that can be redesigned to meet your needs), your own personal fundraising page, and Athletes for Equality running gear.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation improves the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people by working to increase understanding and encourage the adoption of LGBTQ-inclusive policies and practices. We build support for LGBTQ people among families and friends, co-workers and employers, pastors and parishioners, doctors and teachers, neighbors, and the general public. HRC works to enhance the lived experiences of LGBTQ people and their families by changing hearts and minds across America and around the globe. For more information on our specific programs, visit www.hrc.org.

Completing an application does not guarantee a spot. The application will be live until Friday, March 13, 2020.

Our 10 runners are required to raise a minimum of $3,500 for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation–but should actively and enthusiastically work towards a goal of $5,000 or more!

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Apply here by March 13th at 5 p.m. EST. Check out the Athletes for Equality page for more details!

Whether you are a seasoned runner or have never done a marathon before, we’re thrilled to have you run alongside HRC as we work together to fulfill our mission to bring full equality to each and every LGBTQ person.

See Shelly & Ronan’s Personal Journey

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