Make a Difference with Sisters on the Planet

Sisters on the Planet lands in Minnesota, featured in upcoming Oxfam Action Corps - MN meeting
Women living in vulnerable communities are most likely to be affected by climate change - livelihoods and lives are already being devastated. This scenario is a reality for the four courageous women profiled in Sisters on the Planet, an eye-opening video produced by Oxfam to educate and motivate others to take action against climate change and mitigate its impact in the developing world. Anyone who watches the film won't forget it.

That's where you come in. By hosting or organizing a screening of Sisters on the Planet, you can promote awareness and action. A gathering of friends, social club, student organization, faith group or a house party are all good audiences for the film. It's empowering, easy, and free. We'll give you the supplies you'll need, including a DVD, discussion guide, and literature. You can host the screening yourself or invite a veteran Oxfam Action Corps volunteer to your screening.

Get a taste for the video at the Sisters on the Planet website. For more information or to request a DVD, please contact us at minnesota@oxfamactioncorps.org or stop by our next monthly meeting...

Monthly Meeting to Feature Sisters on the Planet
Our monthly meetings, held at 7pm on the third Saturday of every month at the terrific Common Roots Cafe (2558 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis) are open to all. The next meeting is November 17. The highlight will be a brief screening and training on Sisters on the Planet. Come watch the film, learn how to host your own screening, and take a DVD and materials home with you!

Two ways to take action, right now!
1. Ask President-Elect Obama to take a leadership role on climate change and poverty. Oxfam's website makes it quick and easy.

2. Register to join a live web conference to be held on Thursday, November 20 at 12:00pm. Hear and interact with senior Oxfam staff members discussing the organization's response to the global food crisis. It's a great opportunity!

Selected Climate Justice News
CNN, Paying for climate justice
IRIN, Heavy rains to affect hundreds of thousands
Phil Bloomer in New Statesman, A planet in peril
Washington Times, U.S. military worries about climate change

Vote!

On Tuesday, the United States will be "electing a new world leader." Much is at stake, so please vote! Oxfam America's website currently features a podcast on why the world - especially those living in poverty - is following the U.S. election and a youth voter registration guide [click here to download the pdf].

It's easy to vote in Minnesota. Polling places open at 7am and generally close at 8pm - but check the details on your polling place as closing times vary. Haven't registered to vote at your current address? No problem. You can register at your polling place -- just be sure to bring the necessary documents as described on the Secretary of State's website. You can also use the website to learn where and when you can vote.

See you at the polls!

Will Steger comes to UMD

Meet Will Steger and other climate movement leaders this Wednesday at UMD!
This free event will feature famed polar explorer Will Steger, who will highlight the youth climate movement and bring evidence and eyewitness accounts of climate change from polar expeditions. This Duluth venue will be Will's last stop on his Midwest 'Longest Summer Tour'. Also featured will be Duluth City Council President Roger Reinert, student leaders, UMD's new Sustainability Coordinator Mindy Granley, and Commissioner Moore of the MN Pollution Control Agency.

Who: Will Steger, a polar explorer for more than 45 years who is best known for crossing Antarctica and reaching the North Pole via dogsled, and is the recipient of lifetime achievement awards from National Geographic and The Explorer’s Club.

Why: The Longest Summer Tour highlights and elevates the great resources and efforts underway throughout the upper Midwest to slow climate change and transition to a new clean energy economy. The Tour offers a cross-generational perspective of the strategies and policies already in place at regional, state, and local levels to to support this transition to a more sustainable future.

When: Wednesday, October 22 4:30pm-6:30pm

Where: University of Minnesota at Duluth: Room Chem. 200

Contact: Leah Nelson, University of Minnesota - Duluth, Office of Civic Engagement at 218.726.8482