SUNRISE MOVEMENT, CLIMATE ACTIVISTS MARCH 266 MILES FOR CIVILIAN CLIMATE CORPS

CRBA Alliances Chair Kevin Morrison is working with young activists marching the 266 miles from Paradise to San Francisco to draw attention to a Civilian Climate Corps (CCC). Kevin says, “Part of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan, this 21st century CCC is an ambitious and equity-focused program that would employ thousands of people to combat the climate crisis. It would be the first piece of implementing a Green New Deal.” 

“I’m tired of inaction while watching my city burn,” said Madeline Ruddell, 16, of Sonoma. “Living in California is terrifying. In the past 4 years alone, I’ve had to pack more than ten evacuation bags.”

March co-organizer, Nikayla Jefferson, cites a better future as her inspiration, saying, “Imagine a world where millions of people, recent high school graduates and middle-aged alike, could work on projects protecting communities from sea-level rise, taking care of the elderly, distributing fresh produce in food deserts, restoring wetlands, and rebuilding after climate disasters, while getting paid a living wage, having access to healthcare, and getting apprenticed to continue their career. That’s the world we are marching for.”

The weeks-long march kicked off on May 28th in Paradise and will end on June 14 in San Francisco.  Sunrise Movement activists are being joined by hundreds of supporters along the way — including many from Climate Reality Bay Area. The CA march will stop in a number of cities and towns in northern CA to hold protests, rallies, and visioning sessions with members of those communities. Throughout the march, they will be joined by political leaders, environmental justice groups, and others in support. 

“Harriet and I are in full support of this alliance,” said Teron McGrew, CRBA co-chair along with Harriet Harvey-Horn. “The Sunrise Movement’s focus on federal policy is aligned with Our Climate Moment. An equity-focused CCC would be a terrific step forward.”

For CRBA members, there are easy opportunities to contribute.  You can write to your federal representatives, urging them to support a robust and equitable Civilian Climate Corps. You can make small-dollar donations to the Sunrise Movement to help with trip expenses. And you can join organized events in towns along the way, including one in San Rafael on June 13 and another in San Francisco on June 14.”

Kevin is helping to coordinate the San Rafael event, as well as donations. If you’d like to help, contact him at 310-801-8697 or kevin@kevinjmorrison.com.