There are some incredible movements and leaders in defending the rights of our people, earth, air and water. The Local Good has invited community activism and advocacy groups to celebrate at the April 3rd Green Drinks. In recognizing this #yegaction work, Green Drinks aims to highlight local, grassroots movements and to continue their important work.
Don’t miss it – get your tickets here!
photo by Rachel Foley Photography
This is where you, our friendly progressive Edmontonian, come in. You have support this work in principle, but have wondered, “but how can I support these groups directly?” This mixer will provide you with the personal connections and specific task you’ve been seeking. Each of the following groups will be coming with a specific action. These groups are seeking your help, time and support in continuing their important work.
One evening. Seven groups. Exponential actions.
Or, you can simply shake hands with someone whose tireless work you admire, and say ‘thanks’.
Who will be there? Well . . .
Meet Rebecca from Edmonton & Area Land Trust
Did you know that 16 per cent of Edmonton’s Natural Areas have disappeared between 1995 and 2005?
The Edmonton & Area Land Trust is a non-profit, regional land trust, which started only in 2007 and has done fantastic work. EALT works to protect land permanently, in three ways: land acquisition through purchase or donation, conservation easements and education and stewardship.
EALT accepts donations of property and funds, purchases land, and helps landowners establish permanent legal restrictions to protect natural habitats. EALT works in partnership with governments and other non-profit organizations to achieve their goals. They also work with other partners, such as communities, schools, and individual landowners to enhance habitat protection on private land – making everyone part of the solution!
Learn more: http://ealt.ca/
Meet Bill from Public Interest Alberta
Public Interest Alberta is a non-profit, non-partisan, province-wide organization focused on education and advocacy on public interest issues. PIA exists to foster an understanding of the importance of public spaces, services and institutions in Albertans’ lives, and to build a network of people and organizations committed to advancing the public interest.
PIA believes the primary responsibility of our provincial government is to advance the collective interests of the citizens of Alberta. This entails a commitment to equity, accessibility and democracy in our society and institutions. Since 2004, PIA and its network of member organizations and individuals undertakes a wide range of activities to promote the public interest.
On April 3rd, PIA will be focusing on Our Water is Not for Sale – an even larger network of groups working to protect our water commons.
Learn more: http://pialberta.org/ and http://ourwaterisnotforsale.com
Meet Mike from Greenpeace Canada
Greenpeace is calling on oil companies and the Canadian government to stop the tar sands and end the industrialization of a vast area of Indigenous territories, forests and wetlands in northern Alberta. The tar sands, via the complex and energy-intensive processes cause widespread environmental damage. These processes pollute the Athabasca River, lace the air with toxins and convert farmland into wasteland. Large areas of the Boreal forest are clearcut to make way for development in the tar sands, the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada. Greenpeace is also concerned with the social and health costs of the tar sands. First Nations communities in the tar sands report unusually high levels of rare cancers and autoimmune diseases. Their traditional way of life is threatened.
At Green Drinks, you can learn more about these issues and how you can get involved in an important solidarity event this summer.
Learn more: http://www.greenpeace.org/canada/tarsands/
Meet Duncan from Edmonton Bicycle Commuters Society
Whether you ride a few times a week, 265 bike-friendly days a year, or year-round, the Edmonton Bicycle Commuters’ Society (EBC) gives you the tools you need to enjoy cycling. Established as a non-profit society in 1980, EBC operates two volunteer-run community bike workshops, provides training for children and adults, hosts events during Bike Month and all year-round, and represents Edmonton cyclists at City Hall. EBC has a long history of advocating to make it easier and safer to get around by bicycle in Edmonton. Their efforts have resulted in real improvements for those that wish to cycle in Edmonton, as well as all road users. Find out about an exciting new community + cycling project this Wednesday!
Learn more: http://edmontonbikes.ca/
Meet Carla from Greater Edmonton Alliance
The Greater Edmonton Alliance (GEA) is an inclusive non-profit, non-partisan, multi-issue organization, whose members are civil society institutions such as: faith institutions, business associations, unions and community groups.
Their mission is to seek out and develop leaders, to
- build power by developing public, accountable relationships with and between individuals, institutions, networks and decision makers, to l
- isten across its membership to identify issues of common concern, to
- research common issues to discover opportunities for action and to
- take disciplined, organized action to build resilient institutions and communities and a more just and equitable Greater Edmonton region. Their current issues range from senior care, to local food systems and more – come on out on Wednesday to hear about the latest local action issue!
Learn more: http://greateredmontonalliance.com/
Meet Kayla from Growing Food Security in Alberta
Simple yet powerful, the mission of Growing Food Security in Alberta (GFSA) is for “all children and families in Alberta have healthy food, as close to home as possible.”
GFSA strives to enhance the health of children and their families in Alberta through its provincial food security network actions. The network has been built on a broad base of intersectoral partnerships and public participation and promotes and supports policies and initiatives that reduce the prevalence of food insecurity in children and their families. The GFSA Network is seeking ways to address the disparities that are the root cause of food insecurity in Alberta.
Learn more: http://www.foodsecurityalberta.org/
Meet Chelsea from Sierra Club of Canada, Prairie Chapter
Sierra Club Canada empowers people to protect, restore and enjoy a healthy and safe planet! Sierra Club of Canada, Prairie Chapter is one of five chapters stretching across Canada. Their major national campaigns fall under the program areas of Health and Environment, Protecting Biodiversity, Atmosphere and Energy, and Transition to a Sustainable Economy. Sierra Club Canada has earned an excellent reputation within its constituency and the broader public for its thoroughly researched positions and for refusing to compromise on its ideals. Sierra Club Canada believes in the power of connection, of people everywhere working together to create a better world for all.
Learn More: http://www.prairie.sierraclub.ca
Hope to see you Wednesday, April 3rd at The Common!