11 Days of Global Unity Kicks Off September 11

September 10, 2023 / activist360

Sunflower by r44flyer on flickr.

The 11 Days of Global Unity occurs annually from September 11 to 21. It’s a global platform connecting local awareness and action initiatives into a powerful international movement. The event spotlights 11 Campaigns for Change, which are:

Unity
Interdependence
Environment
Economic Justice
Health & Wellness
Children & Youth
Women
Human Rights
Freedom
Disarmament
Peace
Sustainability

These campaigns aim to foster values and actions necessary for global peace and a harmonious world. Participants are encouraged to attend local events, join campaigns, volunteer, or make personal commitments toward these initiatives.

One of their standout campaigns is the Environment initiative on September 13th, focused on combating climate emergencies. Key points of this campaign involve promoting investment in clean energy, conserving ecosystems, ensuring access to clean water, reducing pollution, addressing the climate crisis, and supporting sustainable agriculture.

A Journey from Fear to Hope

Originating from the UN’s International Day of Peace which, in 2001, coincided with the 9/11 tragedy, the date was permanently set to September 21st in 2002. By 2004, “We, The World” organization extended the celebration to span 11 days, marking a journey from the fear of September 11 to the hope of September 21. Notable speakers who have been part of their events include Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Deepak Chopra, among others.

Values and Guiding Principles

Values and guiding principles of the organization include recognizing the interdependence between personal and global spheres, practicing nonviolence, understanding that healing the planet leads to individual healing, and integrating principles like idealism, compassion, and collaboration into daily life.

Rick Ulfik, the founder of “We, The World,” has been a prominent figure in media and has co-produced various TV series and events. His organization’s mission revolves around promoting global change and understanding the interdependence between individuals and the environment. Emphasizing a shift from “I” to “WE”, they aim to foster a culture where collective well-being is prioritized.

The events can be viewed live on Zoom and Facebook.

August 4th marks three years of the Great American Outdoors Act

July 30, 2023 / activist360

Yinan Chen, Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A celebration of conservation, economic growth, and recreational opportunities

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) represents a vital investment in the conservation and maintenance of US public lands and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Establishing the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund (GAOA LRF) provides a permanent source of funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), safeguards natural areas and cultural heritage, and addresses overdue maintenance. Since 2021, GAOA has supported 17,000 jobs annually and generated $1.8 billion for local economies.

August 4 marks three-year anniversary

On August 4, the Department of the Interior will celebrate the three-year anniversary of GAOA’s enactment by waiving entrance fees at all department-managed lands. Secretary Deb Haaland highlighted the importance of GAOA in ensuring public lands are safe and accessible while also boosting the economy and preparing infrastructure to combat climate change.

The Great American Outdoors Act ensures that our public lands are safe and accessible for all visitors and staff by investing billions of dollars in infrastructure projects. I was proud to co-sponsor this historic law, which provides critical investments in our public lands to ensure they are ready to meet the challenges of climate change, while boosting the American economy by creating good-paying jobs.

As our public lands continue to meet increased visitation, GAOA complements President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to strengthen our infrastructure and prepare it to meet future needs.
—Secretary Deb Haaland

GAOA LRF is financing deferred maintenance, improving over 2,200 assets across the nation, and enhancing visitor safety and accessibility. The fund also supports Indigenous communities by enhancing BIE-funded schools and creating better learning environments for Indigenous youth.

In addition, GAOA permanently funds the LWCF at $900 million annually, which has already financed $5.2 billion for over 45,000 projects nationwide since 1965.

Celebrate GAOA’s anniversary at one of our National Parks

The National Park Service offers a plethora of outdoor recreational activities and ways to celebrate GAOA’s three-year anniversary. National Parks offer cycling, camping, and hiking, as well as cultural and natural programs including ranger talks and live performances. Many parks also host events such as music, theater, and craft demonstrations. In addition, some parks provide sports facilities for activities like golf, tennis, and running.

GAOA’s contributions are vital to President Biden’s economic agenda, creating good-paying jobs, boosting infrastructure, and fostering resilience against climate change.

Bill Madden and activist360 Proudly Support Climate Live!

February 28, 2021 / activist360 / Leave a comment

On April 24, 2021, youth from over 40 countries will gather artists, activists, and scientists for Climate Live to raise awareness of the climate crisis we face on our beautiful planet.

The event aims to:

Engage: Enlarge the global movement by engaging with a new audience through music.
Educate: Raise awareness of the challenges faced today by people on the frontline of ecological breakdown and scientists’ predictions for the future.
Empower: Pressure world leaders (political, economic, and cultural) to take action to combat the climate crisis, with a focus on COP26 in Glasgow on November 1-12, 2021.

Climate Live calls for more ambitious action by world leaders to meet the necessary 1.5°C targets.

The event happening on April 24 is the first of two global youth-led events. The second will take place on October 16, 2021.