Taazie's blog

Campus Progress is going to Copenhagen!

Tommaso — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:14:53 EDT

No, the purpose of the trip is not to convince the Olympic committee to reconsider Chicago for the Olympic bid. I am going to Copenhagen in December because the United Nations is convening a conference to decide the fate of our climate and the next steps for the Kyoto Treaty.

Interesting fact #1: The United States is the only developed nation never to have ratified the Kyoto treaty.

Young people from throughout the world will be convening to make the case for climate justice and show the faces of the people who will be affected the most: our generation. I will join these climate activists and provide support to their efforts.

Interesting fact #2: The United States has one of the highest per-capita emissions in the world, especially when you exclude small petroleum exporting countries.

In Copenhagen I will bring the energy, enthusiasm, and ideas of the Campus Progress Network, I will be blogging on Funding Our Future to let you all know about how progress is looking on the ground, and I will be working with fellows from the Center for American Progress to try to influence the direction of the negotiations.

If you have any ideas, thoughts, or questions about the trip, please leave a comment. I will be convening a conference call for Campus Progress Network members as we get closer to my departure, hope to see you all there!

* Not in the Campus Progress Network? Join here!

EPA starts clamping down on carbon criminals

Tommaso — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:43:48 EDT

After years of neglect, suppressed reports, silenced scientists, and lack of resources, the Environmental Protection Agency is back to doing it's job.

Two years ago the Supreme Court ruled that CO2 was a pollutant and gave the EPA a mandate to establish a system to abate carbon emissions through the Clean Air Act. The Bush administration's EPA dragged its feet and it took an overwhelming progressive electoral victory for the agency to finally comply with the ruling.

Administrator Lisa Jackson announced last week that the Obama Administration will start cracking down on the largest CO2 emitters in the nation and demand that new coal power plants use the best available technology to reduce emissions.

"This rule allows us to do what the Clean Air Act does best – reduce emissions for better health, drive technology innovation for a better economy, and protect the environment for a better future – all without placing an undue burden on the businesses that make up the better part of our economy.” Said Administrator Jackson at the Governors' Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles.

This is a tremendous victory and we commend the EPA, Administrator Jackson, and President Obama for taking this important step towards protecting public health and reducing global carbon pollution.

Senator Klobuchar supporting Clean Energy Jobs

Tommaso — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:53:35 EDT

This post was written by Minnesota Student Network member Casey Wojtalewicz about his meeting with Senator Klobuchar during this summer recess.

Yesterday, I and 6 other Minnesotans met at Amy Klobuchar’s Minneapolis office to seek her support for a pledge against any bill revoking the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate CO2 emissions and/or offering more massive subsidies to the coal industry. Across the country, hundreds of other citizens like us have been taking advantage of the Congressional recess to contact their elected officials at home and push them to take strong stances on the side of the environment, health, jobs, and innovation.

Senator Klobuchar herself was unable to meet with us due to other events in the state, however, we had a great session with her Outreach Director and environmental advisor (among other issues), Kelly Scanlan. Kelly heard our stories and concerns, and she agreed with our views on most everything. Senator Klobuchar’s “bottom line” approach to energy is that we need to reduce emissions. Unfortunately, because the Senator was not present, we could not get a pledge that she would go on the record to state her opposition to more coal subsidies and an end to EPA regulation of CO2. We persisted in asking for such a pledge, but Kelly could not speak for the Senator. She also stated that Senator Klobuchar is awaiting a draft of the Senate energy bill before making any public statements. For these issues in particular, Kelly said, Senator Klobuchar will first have to ascertain they are areas of concern in the bill.

Overall, we left the meeting with an understanding that Senator Klobuchar is on our side for these issues. We made it clear to Kelly that we will continue to stand up for these issues, and we expect Senator Klobuchar to do the same. On such an important issue, we cannot stand for soft-spoken leadership or watered down bills. A line has been drawn, and it is time for our elected officials to hold it.

Student Profile: Kaitlyn Cunningham

Tommaso — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:01:44 EDT

“I'm really passionate about this fight for health care reform because I know too many people who go without any kind of insurance coverage... I'm one of them. I think young people often have to make a decision to do what they are passionate about or get adequate coverage.”

- Kaitlyn

University / Year of Graduation / Major or emphasis I graduated this May with a double major in political science and communications from Saint Joseph's College of Maine.

Groups/Publications/Organizations Involved with (in school and after) In school I was involved with Campus Progress and the College Democrats, Catholics United and the college campus ministry. My involvement there was with a lot of social justice work, opposing the School of the Americas and other work including a spring break workfest program. The summer before my senior year in college I even ran for State Representative in my hometown.

How did you become politicized? I started working in politics because I hated the Iraq War. I thought it was an unjust war that it never should have been waged.

What got you to where you are today? Hard work and a lot friends. When people respect the work that I've done, they will often ask me ways that they can help. By staying as organized as possible I have really been able to lean on my friends and support network. The alliance that we have has helped me move forward and inspired me. I love that in Maine, we have record numbers of young people stepping up for the progressive movement. Though I'm not one of them, we have a bunch of young people serving our state in the Maine Legislature too. I feel supported and that helps me work harder towards making a difference.

How did you get involved with Campus Progress? I got involved with Campus Progress in 2007. CP helped me get down to Washington, D.C. for a week where I learned how to lobby Congress for an end to our involvement in Iraq. After that training I really began to feel like one voice could make a difference. Quite honestly, CP was what helped me take an active role in progressive politics.

Tell us a little bit about your fight for Health Care Reform... For the last three months, I worked as a community organizer with the SEIU campaign called Change that Works in Maine. Change that Works allowed me to be a voice for health care reform in my community. I took part in the largest health care rally ever in Maine and helped to bus activists from other parts of Maine to the rally. I'm really passionate about this fight for health care reform because I know too many people who go without any kind of insurance coverage... I'm one of them. I think young people often have to make a decision to do what they are passionate about or get adequate coverage. This limits the innovation of our country and places a heavy burden on our economy. Something has to change; the insurance industry must change and I believe that a public option is the change we need.

What kind of opportunities and/or hurdles have you faced in your activism for reform and other issues? Well, in Maine our Senators and Congressional delegation have refused to hold town hall meetings. That makes it tough to get real conversation with them on health care policy to happen. Basically, it just means we have to follow them around and hold signs. That's just not real conversation! In Maine people have such respect for our political leaders that they will rarely question what they do. Constituents would rather question me for trying to make a difference than the leaders who are sitting still. Sometimes it's like facing a brick wall but I do think it's getting easier. Finally, next week Susan Collins is going to be participating in a health care "forum". The thing is, it's being sponsored by a fiscally conservative group, the Concord Coalition. She will be given an opportunity to answer questions from the crowd and I just don't believe she will be open to discussing reality since it's going to be sponsored by the Concord Coalition. The press probably won't even mention the sponsoring organizations and constituents will decide yet again, not to question her on her policy.

What are your next steps? What's next for you in terms of activism or personal goals? Right now, I've decided to change things up a bit professionally. I am working for the Parks & Recreation Department in my hometown to launch an after-school program for 4th & 5th graders and promote teen programming. Once the after-school program has been launched in early September I am really interested in moving down to Washington, D.C.. I hope that I will be able to work for an organization that plans events and promotes the work of young progressive activists on a national scale.

Any words of advice for young progressives? Just keep working. Now that we've elected a Democratic majority, it's our time to work harder. Dream about the country you'd like to see and move towards it a little bit more everyday. Oh and keep in touch. Campus Progress does a great job assuring that community leaders are in contact with each other. I'd like to hear from you though so send me an e-mail! Let me know what you're up to and if there's anything I can do to help you and your group, I'd like to know that too!

Let's Raise a Million leads the way to Green Jobs

Tommaso — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:29:25 EDT

Let's Raise a Million, one of our star Action Grantees, just had a fantastic summer distributing over over 5,000 lightbulbs and 3500 water conservation kits to Atlantan neighborhoods.

The Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, Let’s Raise A Million (LRAM), Sustainable Atlanta and the Department of Watershed partnered up to start the Atlanta Mentorship Program for Sustainability (AMPS) . The program not only provided free energy saving light bulbs and low-flow water kits to modest mean residents throughout the city (particularly in communities like Ashby Park, Magnolia Park, Chappell Forest, Overlook Atlanta and Mozley Park), but also trained 20 Mayor’s Youth Program participants to install them. It is estimated that the initiatives of LRAM and AMPS have saved the city of Atlanta over $4 million in energy and water consumption.

The participating students were trained and supervised by college students from LRAM, a student-led urban ecological project, and recipient of Campus Progress "Action Grant". This initiative was housed by the Atlanta Workforce Development Agency (AWDA) and was responsible for training the 20 youths to install the energy-saving devices. In an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, AMPS and AWDA's mission is to develop and cultivate an adequate pool of qualified employees for a growing business market. This means focusing on training in energy conservation device installation and maintenance.

Climate Bill on Its Way to the Senate!

Tommaso — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:42:11 EDT

As you might know from reading Funding our Future, Campus Progress is extremely critical of the American Clean Energy and Security Act that passed in the House a couple of weeks ago, but we still supported its passing and encouraged you to take action. We realize that might be somewhat confusing, so here are some of the reasons for our tepid support:

Take Action! Time to end the Climate Crisis!

Tommaso — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:52:00 EDT

On Friday, the House is voting on the American Clean Energy and Security Act (the Waxman-Markey bill, HR 2454), the first climate bill to have any chance of getting congressional approval.

Our generation - and our world - needs America to take action on the climate crisis, but the current bill falls short of the reforms we need. We must make it stronger, and now is our chance.

Take action at campusprogress.org/climatebill.

Learn more about the issue at Funding our Future.

Climate Bill Passed in Energy and Commerce Committee

Tommaso — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:17:49 EDT

For the first time EVER, a climate bill made it out of a congressional committee yesterday and is heading to a full House vote. Unfortunately the American Clean Energy and Security Act was badly weakened in the process, to the point that some of the most principled environmental organizations are opposing it. At Campus Progress we are still hopeful that it will be strengthened on its way to the President's desk, but it won't happen without your continued engagement.

It is still early to declare victory, but take some time to celebrate for this historic occasion. This could not have happened without all of you who took action in your communities. From PowerVote to PowerShift, from organizing town halls during the recess to clocking in thousands of phone calls from constituents, we managed to turn two 'Expected No' votes into yesses. Now let's keep this up and make sure that the final bill will be a much stronger, bolder and more just one.

Check out the Funding our Future blog for news about the bill's progress, resources and action opportunities and tell everyone you know that our climate legislation will be hijacked by King Coal if we don't step up to protect it.

CP Student in the News: Chris Bentley

Tommaso — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:08:02 EDT

Chris Bentley, a Campus Progress student rep from Weber State University in Utah, was featured on the most viewed local news program in the state for his amazing Earth Week events. Check it out here!

Maryland students pressure banks to clean up their act!

Tommaso — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:02:47 EST

Our guest blogger is Rachel Fauber, Campus Progress Action Grantee and Campaign Director of Towson Energy Activists.

The Towson Energy Activists(TEA) are very proud to have just become part of the Campus Progress community and already have begun working for progressive changes when it comes to the environment. On November 14th, TEA paired with local Baltimore Rising Tide for a coal financers day of action in the financial district of the city. Students, young people and community activists, held huge banners, flyered, chanted and engaged in a mass action of shutting down Bank of America and Citibank accounts (video).

Action Grantee Update - Recycling on the Stage of Democracy

Tommaso — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:23:27 EDT

{Posted by Jeff Gustafson, Campus Progress Action Grantee and SustainUS delegate to Pland}

Of the many symbols of American culture, perhaps none is as iconic or sacred as the National Mall. The Mall is hallowed ground, the monumental core of the capital city. Stretching from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall is truly the "people's park." This is where millions of Americans have come to rally, protest, and recreate; where powerful words were uttered that changed the nation's course forever; where the past and future collide and the "stage of our democracy" is set. Today, over 25-million people visit the National Mall every year - more than any other National Park.

Walking from museum to museum or monument to monument, it's easy to overlook one the most ubiquitous elements of the National Mall experience: trashcans.

Want Progress? Be Progressive!

Tommaso — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:39:15 EDT

Want strengthen the progressive movement on your campus, bring engaging speakers and films to jumpstart dialogue, and engage in activism on local and national issues?

Then join the Campus Progress Student Network for 2008-2009! We’re currently still accepting applications to join the team of Student Representatives from the across the country who work with the staff of Campus Progress to advance progressive causes at the local level and make their voices heard on the issues they care most about.

*** New deadline! Applications are now due by Wednesday September 3rd, so click here to learn more and to apply. ***

Young America's Foundation 0 - 1 Students Against War

Tommaso — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:35:41 EDT

Their patriotism is whole hearted:

Since the earliest days of this administration, Young America’s Foundation has been reaching out to encourage strict enforcement of the Solomon amendment, in order to improve opportunities for students to serve their country and to force an accounting of institutions hostile to our military.

The Solomon amendment is the reason why schools and universities throughout the nation are forced to violate their non-discrimination policies at job fairs by allowing branches of the military to participate. Blockading military tables at job fairs has nothing to do with blocking opportunities for students to serve. It is about ending discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policies, it is about changing a system that deceives young people into going to war, and it is about protesting an unfair and illegal war.

Join Campus Progress and you'll be famous!

Tommaso — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:01:36 EDT

Ok, that might be a bit of a stretch, but some of this year's Campus Progress National Conference Award Winners did get some good press.

For example, you might have read about Justin Elliott, who won the CampusProgress.org Contributor of the Year award for his inquisitive interview with the Executive Director of a Pro-Israel lobby group.

Or about Chrissy Elles, the superstar organizer of the UCSB Climate Change Alternative Spring Break who won the Best Organizing of an Event award.

Nick Owens and Vanessa Rozier stood out by emerging in an India Post article that praised their 'Black is Beautiful' event as a model for building a progressive movement.

Our Best Publication awardee, Cipher made it on an Oklahoman news site thanks to it's editor Matt Elmore who is originally from Norman.

Last but absolutely not least, our very own Campus Progress Student Representative of the Year, Adrian Shanker became (almost) a celebrity in New York websites for his great work year-round organizing events, building movements and speaking on panels.

Once again, congratulations to all of this year's award winners. Keep it up and let's turn this world into one we are proud to be living in.

Lobby Day with Campus Progress Action

Tommaso — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:09:13 EDT

On Wednesday, July 9, 2008 join the Campus Progress Advocacy Team, progressive partner organizations like the Energy Action Coalition and U.S. PIRG, and fellow young people from around the country for a lobby day on Capitol Hill that you won't forget. Choose from one of two issues to lobby about:

1. Tell Congress how they can make a difference in the economic lives of young people - college affordability, health care, jobs, etc.

2. Press Congress to work for an end to global warming and toward a clean energy future!

Never lobbied before? Don't worry. We'll provide the skills, materials, and schedule the appointments. Just e-mail us your name and the address where you are registered to vote and come ready to make your voice heard on the issues that matter to you!

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The Center for American Progress
1333 H Street NW, 10th floor
Washington D.C.

This event is free and open to all young people interested in turning their progressive values into action.

Taking back our future

Tommaso — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 18:26:19 EDT

For too many years previous generations have allowed our pollution economy to continue to exacerbate social, economic and environmental inequalities in the world. It is time for our generation to take a stance and protect our future from droughts, floods, stronger storms, spread of tropical diseases, and, yes, the death of the polar bear.

The Energy Action Coalition, of which Campus Progress is a partner, launched PowerVote, a campaign to build a 1,000,000 youth movement to stop the most pressing issue of our generation

Check out this cool youtube video and witness the passion and enthusiasms of students involved in this movement.

Italian Pride Part II: Nuclear Renaissance

Tommaso — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:34:33 EDT

The world's largest electricity importer, a nation famous for its sun-drenched olive trees and sailing tradition, decided to turn to Nuclear to supply its increasingly expensive grid.

{Grist.org}

Price of Gas and the NetRoots

Tommaso — Thu, 22 May 2008 09:30:34 EDT

Good readings on the current oil crisis:

When Big Corporations Do Good Things

Tommaso — Fri, 16 May 2008 10:58:49 EDT

One of the least reported but most important stories of this congress is their failure to renew the Renewable Energy Tax incentives necessary for industries such as wind, solar and geothermal to compete with the heavily subsidized death fuels (nuclear, oil, coal and natural gas). With the threato of a Bush veto and the inability to get enough votes to avoid a filibuster, the slim Democrat majority found itself in a stand-still.

Behind the heavy Republican opposition stand many of the big energy firms, from Big Oil, to large Utilities, desperately swimming against the current in order to maintain their profits in a rapidly warming world.

There is one corporation that is fighting back, and it shows a great example of how Market Capitalism can be regulated to make sure that Big Companies do Good Things.

Burning the Future on Film

Tommaso — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:23:12 EDT

If you've been paying any attention to the Presidential primaries, you must have seen the cheerful and hope-ful ads of Americans from Balanced Energy Choices (ABEC) and the new-name-same-story American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity. In these ads you see decent, diverse, hard-working blue collar Americans talking about the solution to all our problems:

CLEAN COAL

Unfortunately, what these people aren't telling you is that burning coal = Burning The Future.