Welcome to our July 2023 Newsletter! On behalf of all of us at 350CO – Happy July!
In this issue, Coloradans rocked the Day of Action to Phase Out Fracking with 12 awesome events across the state, gathering pledges to put the phase-out on the statewide ballot. It’s part of a nationwide movement to bid farewell to fossil fuels! More to come on this effort, so stay tuned. Plus, dive into the world of art and activism with the incredible Buffy Sainte-Marie, a musician tackling important issues through her powerful songs. Discover accessible tips for enjoying nature in your own backyard.
A big shoutout to Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Miullo, our Climate Hero of the Month! This wonderful community member is on a mission to make a difference. Don’t forget to check out the awesome climate action resources, like the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative happening now and a free Climate Wellness and Resiliency workshop series.
From all of us on the 350CO Team, we wish you a wonderful start to the month. Let’s keep fighting for a greener future together!
Quote of the Month
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela
Action of The Month: Safe and Healthy Colorado is gathering pledges to sign the petition to place the Fracking Phase Out ballot initiative on the 2024 Colorado statewide ballot! Pledge to sign, and we will contact you when the petition is ready for your signature.
Day of Action to Phase Out Fracking Wrap-Up: 12 Events Across Colorado
We did it! Coloradans had fun taking action together on June 9, 10, and 11th calling for a Phase Out of Fracking by 2030. From Durango to Greeley, Glenwood Springs to Aurora, we gathered in our communities to demonstrate our support for a phase out and just transition for the communities and workers most impacted! Together we are gathering thousands of Pledges to Sign to put the phase out on the Colorado 2024 statewide ballot. And it was all part of the over 65 events nationwide calling for the #EndOfTheEra of Fossil Fuels! The 350 Network Council’s largest mobilization EVER!
Art and Activism: Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy Sainte-Marie fearlessly tackles pressing issues like civil rights, Indigenous rights, and the Vietnam War through her powerful songs. 350 CO volunteer Susan Heske continues her Art in Activism series with an artist who has been a lifelong inspiration. “My political awakening began with Buffy,” Susan says. Delve into the remarkable life and career of this iconic artist, explore her extensive discography, and don’t miss the chance to watch the inspiring documentary about her.
How I Connect With Nature As A Disabled Person
Monterey Buchanan writes about accessible ways to make time to connect with nature. “For those of us living in the city and with disabilities, going up to the mountains for the weekend can be challenging, especially if we rely on public transit and other methods of transportation. Here’s how I connect with nature in my own backyard.”
A huge thanks to our July Climate Hero of the Month – Nathaniel ‘Nat’ Miullo!
“I was EPA’s representative during the 2013 multi-county flood recovery effort in Colorado, and served on Governor Hickenlooper’s Disaster Resiliency Task Force. I was deployed to Hurricane Maria recovery with FEMA in Puerto Rico and more. These last assignments are what drew me more into connecting with those most affected by climate changes ravaging of our sweet tiny planet,” says Nat.
You would think after a long and robust career that most folks would be ready to take a break and let others do the work – but not Nat. He eventually found 350 Colorado in October 2017 and got further involved in July 2022 by signing & sharing petitions and exploring communities where his skills and experiences could really flourish.
Meet Nat!
Resources & Links
Here are some links to this month’s helpful climate action resources. Use them, bookmark them, share them, and let us know if you have links that should be included in a future issue.
▶ Zero Fare for Better Air. From July to August, RTD is implementing the Zero Fare for Better Air initiative, which entails providing free fares throughout its entire system. This initiative is a collaborative effort, supported by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180 and in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office, with the aim of curbing ground-level ozone levels by promoting the use of public transportation. Check out this site for more information!
▶ 2023 Climate Wellness & Resiliency Workshops. Feeling overwhelmed by the stacking issues of the climate crisis? Finding it difficult to take and sustain action in your community? Join us starting September 7th! Every week for four weeks, these workshops will offer a combination of teachings, personal explorations, and group activities. The activities all come from ‘The Work That Reconnects’ by Joanna Macy (author of ‘Active Hope’). Articles/video/podcast resources for the group will be sent out to engage with ahead of time.
Upcoming Events & Actions
- Sat. July 8th, 9 am – 6 pm – Nuclear-Free Pueblo Day of Action: Canavssing, Rally, and Social Hour (Pueblo) – RSVP
- Sun. July 9th, 2 pm – 7 pm – 2nd Annual Arts EcoFest with Black Parents United Foundation (Aurora) – No RSVP, located at Aurora City Park
- July 13th-16th, Boulder Environmental / Nature / Outdoors Film Festival at Dairy Arts Center (Boulder) – Get passes or check out the schedule
- Wed. July 19th, 6 pm – 8 pm – 350 Denver Annual Potluck & Picnic at Jefferson Park (Denver) – Get info
- Fri. July 21st, 6:30 pm – “Fracking the System: Colorado’s Oil and Gas Wars” Fundraiser Screening at The Nomad Playhouse (Boulder) – Get tickets
- Sat. July 22nd, 10 am – 2 pm – EcoFiesta 2023 with Cultivando (Commerce City) – RSVP
- Sun. August 6th, 8 am – 2 pm – ¡Viva! Streets Denver (Denver) – More info
Please view our full calendar to join local team meetings, committee conference calls & more!
350 Colorado depends on financial support from our members like you to continue our work to solve the climate crisis. Please consider making a donation today here! Thank you!