Give Local is an annual two-week giving campaign, hosted by theCommunity Foundation of South Puget Sound, designed to encourage philanthropy in our local communities.
Join us for this annual campaign to help us meet our goal of $7,500 that will provide support for the Carbon Free Thurston Campaign’s work to drive the implementation of our Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan and for our new Thurston Climate Equity Plan creating a platform for advocacy for underserved members of our community.
Thanks to generous sponsors, all credit card and platform fees are covered, so 100% of your donation goes towards Thurston Climate Action Team. We’re also excited to announce that the Dawkins Charitable Trust is providing a $100,000 Bonus Fund, which is a proportional gift used to stretch your dollars further!
We’ll be in touch with more details soon! In the meantime, tell your friends and family about the campaign by sharing it on social media or forwarding this newsletter!
Join TCAT’s Tree Action Group to plant trees in SE Yelm. Bring a water bottle and work gloves, and dress appropriately for the weather. Tools will be provided. Register here for location and directions.
Join the Protectors of the Salish Sea in support of a climate emergency declaration. Traditional style Powwow. Music, vendors, food trucks, raffle items. Held at the covered area at the top of the Olympia state Capitol steps. Facebook Event
This interview on “Glen’s Parallax Perspectives” TV series explores Solutionary Rail, an exciting solution for several of our nation’s problems. Also on YouTube.
This interview on “Glen’s Parallax Perspectives” TV series explores Solutionary Rail, an exciting solution for several of our nation’s problems. Also on YouTube.
Dr. Megan Friesen of St. Martin’s University will share research investigating the complexities and evolution of seabirds’ sensory systems and how an understanding of their sensory perception can be used for conservation.
This interview on “Glen’s Parallax Perspectives” TV series explores Solutionary Rail, an exciting solution for several of our nation’s problems. Also on YouTube.
Playback Theatre improvisation, in collaboration with the Olympia Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby, a grassroots advocacy organization focused on policies to address climate change.
We’ll listen to the national video-conference speaker and discuss actions our local chapter can take to support the new bipartisan Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act.
Trees are an important, concrete part of the solution. Not only are they beautiful and prevent flooding through water retention, provide bird and wildlife habitat, remove air pollution, reduce heat as climate temperatures rise, and have proven health and mental health benefits, but they also sequester greenhouse gases. The bigger the tree the better, and deciduous are best. But we only get big trees if little ones are planted.
For all of these reasons TCAT’s Tree Action Group is partnering with the Nisqually River Project to do tree planting on Saturday, November 2nd. (This by the way is a very kid friendly event). We will meet at the Yelm location at 9am. For directions (and because we cannot accommodate more than 30 volunteers at a time) you will need to register: https://tcattreeplanting.brownpapertickets.com/ If you have problems with signing up, please contact lynn@thurstonclimateaction.org.
About 5 years ago the Plant for the Planet kids calculated how many trees people in each part of the world would need to plant to get us back down to 350 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide (considered a safe level). At that point it was doable, and it was 150 trees for every resident of WA. We are now so far past 350 ppm that it is not possible to do with trees alone (EV’s, regenerative agriculture, solar arrays, here we come.) But trees are an important part of how we get there. In fact see this article that states "New research estimates that a worldwide planting programme could remove two-thirds of all the emissions that have been pumped into the atmosphere by human activities, a figure the scientists describe as “mind-blowing”.
Questions: contact Lynn Fitz-Hugh, TCAT's Community Engagement Director, at lynn@thurstonclimateaction.org
Watch this inspiringshort film about the role of trees in combatting climate change, narrated by Greta Thunberg and political journalist, author and activist George Monbiot.
This season, Native Plant Salvage will be working in restoration partnership with Capitol Land Trust again, this time focussing on Harmony Farm and Brown Preserves. Volunteers will plant native shrubs and trees to help protect freshwater wetlands, marine shoreline, salmon-bearing streams, and lowland forest habitat for both wildlife and people to enjoy.
Through field projects and educational activities Native Plant Salvage works to restore vegetation, re-create habitat, and preserve existing flora.
Protectors Powwow and Coastal Jam In Support of a Climate Emergency Declaration
Saturday Nov 2, 4pm-9pm
Covered area at top of Olympia State Capitol Steps
416 Sid Synder Ave SW, Olympia
Traditional style Powwow, with music, vendors, food trucks, raffle items, and wonderful community. Dress warmly and bring blankets and hot drinks to share if you'd like!
Future generations are depending on the decisions we make today — now is the time to declare a Climate Emergency! For more information about our work and the increasing call for Climate Emergency Declarations around the world, please check us out in these recent articles in CrossCut and Earther/Gizmodo, or like us on Facebook or Instagram.
How to Make Your Voice Heard in Olympia during the 2020 Legislative Session
Saturday, November 9, 9 AM- 3:30 PM
South Puget Sound Community College, Lacey Campus 4220 6th Avenue SE, Lacey Register Here
This workshop is open to League members and people from the greater community. It can help all of us polish advocacy skills and learn how to effectively work with local elected officials and state legislators.
Senator Jeannie Darneille, Washington Legislative District 27, Tacoma, is the featured speaker. She will address "The Nuts and Bolts of Achieving Action through Legislation" at 2:15 pm.
Some of the legislation sponsored by Senator Darneille illustrates her understanding and commitment to social justice and to the vulnerable—women, children, youth, homeless—who often are underserved in our communities.
“The Importance of Understanding Your Power for Action" byformer Senator Karen Fraser will follow Senator Darneille's talk.
The workshop also includes a series of 3 issue breakout sessions between 12:15 pm and 2:00 pm led by LWVWA Lobby Team Issue Chairs: Kim Abbey – Healthcare; Catherine Ahl – Education; Amy Davis – Social Justice; Phyllis Farrell – Climate Change; Marty Gibbins – Water; Alison McCaffree – Census and Redistricting; Kathy Sakahara – Elections; and Cynthia Stewart – Housing, Homelessness & Transportation.
Local Thurston League members will lead breakout discussions about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Coffee with the League program.
The $30 registration fee includes lunch and all materials; on-site/day-of-event registration fee will increase to $40. There is a reduced rate of $10 for those under 24. A limited number of scholarships are available if the registration fee would be a barrier to your participation. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov 5. Apply here.
For more information contact Sue Bredensteiner, suebred@comcast.net.
Vegan Strategies For Surviving and Thriving During the Holiday Season
Thursday, November 14, 2019
5:30 - 7:00 PM: Potluck
7:00 - 8:00 PM: Presentation and Discussion
Panorama's Chalet Retirement Residence Main Building
1650 Circle Lane SE, Lacey
You do not need to bring a potluck dish if you are only attending the presentation at 7:00.
It can often be challenging to maintain a “vegan state of mind” during the holidays, with friends and family who do NOT eat plant based. We will discuss recipes that are FESTIVE and EASY to prepare, and taste great. We will also share strategies to help you maintain your composure when faced with people who may challenge or criticize your choice to be vegan. You do not need to bring food if you are only attending the presentation.
IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THE POTLUCK, feel free to bring whatever is comfortable or easy for you, as long as it does not contain meat, eggs, dairy, or honey. Some of us will bring prepared Holiday dishes, but some easy options are: chips and salsa, hummus and raw vegetables, baguette and vegan cheeze spread (Miyoko’s is delicious! and you can get it at Fred Meyer), packaged salad greens with White Balsamic Citrus vinaigrette (ALSO at Fred Meyer).
Please BRING:
A Vegan DIsh / Food
Utensils and a Plate (we will have some available also)
NEWS: Time to Vote | Plant Trees to Combat Climate Change | Salmon & Climate Change
It's Time to Vote!
Thurston County 2019 general election ballots have been mailed. And for those wishing to review where candidates stand, you can access the League of Women Voters of Thurston County Candidate Forum taped at Thurston Community Media on September 28 HERE, as well as on the League website at http://www.lwvthurston.org/forums. And the national LWV www.Vote411.org website also is active with candidate information.
Use Natural Climate Solutions To Protect Nature #NatureNow, a short film on climate action
This is an inspiring short film about the role of trees in combatting climate change and how you can help.
#NatureNow, a new short film narrated by Greta Thunberg and political journalist, author and activist George Monbiot, serves as a call to action to protect, restore and fund #NaturalClimateSolutions. Credits: Tom Mustill/ www.grippingfilms.com.
For those of you who like to experience the environment directly, salmon spawning season is for you. Here are some details about some salmon events and a brief article on how climate change affects salmon. From our local South Puget Sound Salmon Enhancement Group
Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail Opens
Weekends in November 2 - December 1, 2019, Veterans Day, and the day after Thanksgiving |10 AM - 4 PM | Directions to the trail
Witness the migration of chum salmon into Kennedy Creek and experience the wonder of these amazing creatures as they enter the final stage of their lives, spawning. Volunteer Docents are at the Trail to answer questions and explain the relationship between these iconic species and our beautiful forests.
The Salmon Celebration is not only a great way to celebrate the return of the salmon, but it is also the 5th Annual Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail Fundraiser. Come enjoy the celebration with seafood from Taylor Shellfish, chili, and hot chocolate. Donations are accepted, but not required.
Salmon are being affected by climate change in numerous ways. Weather patterns altered by global climate change are causing dryer springs and falls and wetter summers and winters. The lower snowpack decreases water in rivers during critical spawning seasons for pink, coho and summer chinook. Higher than normal spring rain storms scour eggs from rivers before they emerge from the gravel. Higher water temperatures, lower spawning flows, and, most importantly, increased magnitude of winter peak flows are all likely to increase salmon mortality in the rivers and watersheds throughout the region. Climate changes affects meaningful effects on salmon population dynamics: peak flow during the egg incubation period (October 15–February 15), stream temperature during the prespawning period (August 15–September 15), and minimum flow during the spawning period (September 15–November 15).
SAVE THE DATE: Facing Climate & Nuclear Catastrophes
Fellowship of Reconciliation (F.O.R.) Fall Retreat
Facing Climate and Nuclear Catastrophes:
Acting To Protect Life On Earth
Saturday, November 16, 2019 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
St John's Episcopal Church, 114 20th Ave SE, Olympia
In last week's newsletter (available here) we highlighted the keynote speaker, Dahr Jamail. This week we are highlighting Peter Lumsdaine.
Peter Lumsdaine currently serves on Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (WPSR)’s task force on Nuclear Weapons Abolition, as well as on a national PSR committee. He is part of the national Veterans for Peace nuclear disarmament campaign (Golden Rule sailboat) speakers bureau, focused on educating people about the escalating ecological/human societal impacts of rapidly accelerating electronic technologies (computer industry, robotics, Artificial Intelligence) and alerting people to set protective boundaries around these Earth-threatening technologies while there is still time.
Thurston Climate Action Team is one of the co-sponsors of this event. Please help publicize the conference by putting up flyers and inviting those who might like to come. Please download the flyer here.
Register nowDon't miss this opportunity! Come; listen, learn, and be part of the action!
TCAT is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization advancing projects that increase collaboration between local environmental groups, governments and our community to lower our greenhouse gas emissions and protect our livable planet.
Celebrating Washington State Employees Who Donate Throughout the Year
Washington State Employees Combined Fundis partnering with Thurston Climate Action Team!Choose the amount you'll give every paycheck to Click the image below to get started! (Please be patient when the donor form loads. It can take up to 30 seconds.)
[...] "For more than 30 years, Washington State has proven to be one of the most giving states in the nation. Each year, over 15,000 active and retired public employees pledge more than $5 million to over 1,700 local, national and global charities. That number is good enough to place Washington State third in the nation amongst state employee giving programs, an incredible feat given the fact that our great state is 13th in overall population." [...]
Thurston Climate Action Teamis a locally-focused non-profit dedicated to creating a healthy and sustainable future for Thurston County, WA by encouraging action, coordinating action, and taking action on climate change.
This is fall planting season, another way to make a difference in a very hands-on way!
Thursday, November 14, 2019
This is an inspiring short film about the role of trees in combatting climate change and how you can help.
For those of you who like to experience the environment directly, salmon spawning season is for you. Here are some details about some salmon events and a brief article on how climate change affects salmon. From our local 
