One Week In: Resources for Dealing With the Rollercoaster of Change

In the United States of America, we are approaching one week under the new regime since Inauguration Day 2025. I'm actually not going to go all political---this is an education, technology, innovation, and environmental education blog. But, it's been a lot. Rapid fire, whiplash-level, deep impact change has come from our new president and his executive orders, sweeping pardons, walking-back previous policies, and more. 

It's. Been. A. Lot! 

I'm not going to go into detail on them all, but here's a substantial list from Axios if you'd like to check out the list yourself. Many of these have been a significant step away from US climate leadership.

With change, no matter if it's good or bad, positive or negative, or whichever side you are on, change comes with a lot of emotions.

Given that, I felt these resources might be of assistance for anyone on the rollercoaster of change.

🌐 Greater Good Magazine: Where Do We Go From Here? In the wake of the 2024 election, our contributors weigh in on what we can do now to preserve our well-being and our democracy. (Article by multiple authors, Nov. 6, 2024)

🌐 Greater Good Magazine: Seven Skills to Foster Connection in Divided Times (Article by Juliana Tafur and Chriss Cuervo, Oct. 28, 2024)

🌐 Greater Good Magazine article: "Can We Build a World Where We All Belong?" (Article by Sahar Habib Ghazi, Jan. 20, 2025)

🌐 Upcoming free webinar from Greater Good in Education: "Teaching in Troubling Times: A Conversation with Parker J. Palmer" on February 24, 2025, 3:30 pm PST (Register here.)

🌐 Earthjustice's webpage: "Action Tip Guide: Find your way to speak out for change"

Image created at Canva.com

Top 10 TED Talks from 2024

The age-old traditions in the days between Christmas and New Year's include both looking forward and looking backwards. Making New Year's resolutions for the year ahead. Doing a year-in-review for the year that just passed. In thinking along the lines of both of these this week, it's no surprise when I saw this graphic on the TED Facebook page for the most popular TED Talks of 2024. 

Looking at the list of subjects, it's no surprise these are the top TED Talks: the economy & financial future of Generation Z, AI, Israeli-Palestinian relations, climate change, life beyond our planet, US politics & journalism in an election year, and women in the world of work. All of these topics have made headlines this past year, and all most certainly fall into the 3 tenets of TED: "Technology, Entertainment, and Design," 

If you are looking for some ways to direct your 2024 reflection and broaden your horizon, this list may be just the place to start.

Image from https://www.facebook.com/TED/posts/pfbid0P6rGtxFUAC3RJmst2Fi72mRm2reZm1Fb6bNd866A9SDPFvvaoTbCEsMgxkbQKigBl

Happy Halloween!

Linus is not wrong! Even in 1966 when "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" came out on TV, and even in 1959 when Charles Schulz introduced it in the comic strips. Little did they even know the world ahead in 2024 during a pretty wild election year!

This year, may you have a wonderfully joyous and safe Halloween, with more treats than tricks. And, may we all survive the craziness of this year's Election Season--peacefully, respectfully, and honoring the power and privilege of a voting democracy. 

Linus Image & quote from https://dcbarroco.wordpress.com/2012/10/30/linus-van-pelt-on-life/, Happy Halloween image created at Canva.com

Election Connection

T-40-some-odd days from now, here in the US, we have an election ahead. As has been the case over the last decade or so, politics, partisanship, & noise go hand in hand. As with anything these days, social media is a little something that has only made the noise, opinions, & emotions stronger (if not worse). 

But, civics and civil discourse and the importance of voting are all elements that should be taught. If you are looking for some ways to have these conversations in class in a non-candidate, non partisan way, here are some resources that may come in handy for you. No doubt, there is something here for everyone.

Pre-Created Units/Collections Online:

Scholastic.com’s Election 2024

• Topics include:
• How America Votes
• The Road to the White House
• What is the Electoral College
• Race to 270: Interactive game
• This Year’s Other Big Races (beyond presidency)
• Online Quiz: Election Words to Know
• Newsie’s Challenge Videos: Earn dog Newsie a treat with these game show style videos on:
• What It Takes to Be President
• The Job of the US President

Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government

• This online resource has several topics concerning the U.S. Government, including the elections process. Age bands: 4-8, 9-13, 14_
• For all ages, the topics vary in depth, but largely include: 
• Federally Recognized Tribes of US
• Federal versus State Government
• Branches of Government
• How Laws are Made: The Language of the Law
• Election Process: The History and Process of Voting 
• General, not specific to candidates/campaigns or political parties
• Symbols, Songs, & Structure (Buildings & Monuments) of US Government
• Historical Documents that shaped the US
• The Declaration of Independence: 1776
• The Articles of Confederation: 1777 - 1789
• The U.S. Constitution: 1789
• The Bill of Rights: 1789 - 91
• The Emancipation Proclamation: 1863
• The Gettysburg Address: 1863

iCivics Election Headquarters

• This link includes a variety of lessons, online thematic games, videos all about the election process
• Activities Grade leveled: K-5, 6-8, 9-12 – most are grade 6 and up–with exception of videos

PBS Election Central

• Collection of grade level lessons: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
• Broken into following topics:
• Civics & Democracy
• Election Basics
• How Voting Works
• Voting Rights
• News & Current Issues
• Media & Elections
• Civic Participation

• Also affiliated with PBS:
• Your Vote Counts: Understanding the Voting Process–downloadable/printable packet for grades 4-6 to go with this 12 minute video
• Graphic on last page of packet is a good infographic on “How to Become the President”
• Also can be found here as a one page document

BrainPop (This is a subscription site.)

• Topics included:
• Presidential Election
• Primaries and Caucuses
• Political Beliefs
• Democracy
• Political Parties
• Women's Suffrage
• Voting Rights
• Presidential Powers
• Branches of Government
• Voting
• Political Party Origins
• Barack Obama
• Parliamentary System

Individual Websites/Activities:

Electoral College: 

• TED-ED video: “Does Your Vote Count? The Electoral College Explained” (2012)
• PBS’s Electoral Decoder – Interactive timeline to see past presidential elections by electoral college votes and you can do different scenarios by clicking on states to get to the necessary 270 votes
• 270 to Win website: Interactive map
• Ducksters’ Electoral College page
• Kids Discover Free Download

Infographic for 3 Branches of Government from Kid.Gov

We Are Teachers: 26 Books about Elections for Future Voters

Image from https://www.rawpixel.com/image/6266241/png-vintage-public-domain

Hope & Happy Thanksgiving

Given a little Halloween frightfest at the hospital this year (aka: scheduled surgery), I've been back to being laid up with more "wintering" and recovery happening at home. 

What does that mean for me? A lot of sleeping, reading, some TV binging, and repeating... once again. 

The timing of it is such that it has hit a lot of holidays: starting with Halloween, then spanning my Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the return being hopefully at the start of the new year. 

I did this purposefully to take advantages of the Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks, because ahhh... the calendar as decided by the teacher's school year!

One of the many books I read during this span of time was Hope: A User's Manual by MaryAnn McKibben Dana. I got it for a friend of mine who is troubled by the global climate crisis and how we always seem to miss our mark. As can happen with climate conversations, the level of doom and gloom can get you down. 

I wanted to give my friend "hope." Given "hope" has been a frequent theme in my own book choices, I felt I could use another dose of it myself, and got myself a copy as well.

The thing I really liked about this book (and something that made it fascinating to be reading it while sequestered at home during election season earlier this month), is that it referenced hope through the lens of so many things. 

Included in this list: elections, insurrections, social justice, systemic racism, climate change, pandemic pandemonium, and more. Many of these things are the exact concepts that (over the last half dozen years) still feel so heavy on me. Hope: A User's Manual met my post-hospitalization-hibernation well. I utilized this time to sleep, recover, and reflect on it all along with many other things. The author admitted early on the mere writing of the book, during the pandemic, was an attempt to "write herself back into a sense of hope" [p. 11]. 

I needed that book too.

MaryAnn McKibben Dana paints hope as different than optimism, toxic positivity, pithy platitudes, gaslighting, perfectionism, or over-romanticized nigglings and notions. 

Instead, hope is a "muscle to be exercised" [p. 22]. 

It is active not passive. 

It sometimes is quiet, and sometimes it gains fire from an anger that burns within. 

It can sometimes stem from joy and laughter and play. 

It can often times be uncomfortable--but we don't grow through comfort. 

It is a story we cultivate. 

It's the micro-movements we make. 

It's the breaths that stablize us. 

It's the beauty in nature that surrounds us. 

It's the small beacon of light on a dark day. 

It's the hard things that don't get fixed quickly or sometimes even in our generation, but that improve over time. 

It's the collective good fight to create a better world. 

It is grace, compassion, self-kindness, and perseverance. 

To me, hope has a lot of the same power as gratitude.

Gratitude is what alters your perspective toward what you have, not what you need. It can inspire you to give to those who need appreciation. It can lead you to give to grow your thankful heart.

May you have a Thanksgiving holiday filled with gratitude, friendship, countless blessings, and hope. 

Photos from https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/g22701713/happy-thanksgiving-quotes/?slide=9; Additionally, from the same website gallery: Slide 5, Slide 2, Slide 12, Slide 16, Slide 21, slide 22, Slide 25, Slide 29, Slide 32; Banner created at www.canva.com

Inagural Impressions

The memories of Wednesday's Inauguration are swirling still in my head in so many ways. So many powerful and patriotic visions: 

The National Mall, adorned with nearly 200,000 flags. These flags represented the missing spectators due to the pandemic due to travel and gathering restrictions. Additionally, double that number and it serves as a poignant visual, mirroring the fact that we crossed 400,000 Covid deaths on Inauguration Eve.

The Capitol Building draped in flags and regalia, like a superhero standing strong. A compelling icon of resilience after the insurrection on January 6th. It may have been damaged, but but certainly not destroyed nor daunted nor diminished. Instead: durable, determined, stalwart, steadfast, and a symbol of our strength as a nation.

The symbolic purple our first female Vice President Kamala Harris (and others) wore that day. Vice President Harris words it as a nod to Shirley Chisholm (one of her personal political inspirations) and the first black woman elected to Congress. Additionally, reports are that some wore purple as the color of suffragettes (along with white and gold). Electing our first female to this powerful office is certainly a suffragette moment. Additionally, what do you get when you blending of red of Republicans and the blue of Democrats? A passionate purple, creating a visual representation of bipartisanship and unity.

The pearls Kamala wore. This has become a style statement of hers, tying back to her Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority days and the symbolism of pearls to them. Many people, myself included, also wore pearls that day as well as Election Day. Mine came as a birthday gift this past fall from my husband as a nod to Ruth Bader Ginsberg (for both her infamous collars and her passing on Sept. 18th, 2020). Other people also wore pearls on both Election & Inauguration Day to commemorate the the 100th anniversary of women having the right to vote along with a female on the Vice Presidential ticket. I've been calling mine my "pandemic pearls" and wearing them throughout the entire Election-to-Inauguration season.

The heartfelt words of unity, hope, healing, and empathy in President Joe Biden's inaugural address. He knows he has a big task ahead of him as president to a very philosophically divided country. I don't envy his job, but I am thankful that he is taking it on, and doing so with such compassion.

The amazing grace and confidence of 22-year old poet laureate Amanda Gorman as she gave her inaugural poem. Words worth hearing again. PBS NewsHour has put together lessons plans for middle and upper school graders centered around Amanda's Poem "The Hill We Climb." 

With the start of this new administration, I certainly honor President Biden and the enormous task he has ahead. It's my hope that these visions that are swirling in my mind are ones that can help us all as a country heal. We need to remember we are the 'United' States of America. May we all listen and learn from each other so we all can all lend a hand and lead! And may we take these words that Amanda shared to heart:

We've learned that quiet isn't always peace

And the norms and notions

of what just is

Isn’t always just-ice

And yet the dawn is ours

before we knew it

Somehow we do it

Somehow we've weathered and witnessed

a nation that isn’t broken

but simply unfinished

...

And yes we are far from polished

far from pristine

but that doesn’t mean we are

striving to form a union that is perfect

We are striving to forge a union with purpose

To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and

conditions of man

And so we lift our gazes not to what stands between us

but what stands before us

We close the divide because we know, to put our future first,

we must first put our differences aside

We lay down our arms

so we can reach out our arms

to one another

We seek harm to none and harmony for all

...

When day comes we step out of the shade,

aflame and unafraid

The new dawn blooms as we free it

For there is always light,

if only we’re brave enough to see it

If only we’re brave enough to be it

Images from: 

Capitol Building picture by Chang W. Lee/The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/20/opinion/letters/president-biden-inauguration.html

Field of Flags from https://www.mprnews.org/story/2021/01/20/npr-nearly-200-000-flags-on-national-mall-represent-those-who-cannot-attend-inaugura

Elizabeth Warren, Kamala Harris, Michelle Obama, & Hillary Clinton in purple from https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/why-wearing-purple-inauguration-day-184300508.html

RBG in lace & beaded collar from South Africa https://www.thezoereport.com/p/how-ruth-bader-ginsburg-used-jewelry-to-showcase-her-style-express-her-opinions-before-34433034

Joe Biden at Inauguration https://kstp.com/news/from-george-washington-to-joe-biden-the-common-message-in-inaugural-addresses-january-20-2021/5984717/

Video from https://youtu.be/LZ055ilIiN4

Amanda Gorman's text from the transcript of her Inaugural poem here: https://thehill.com/homenews/news/535052-read-transcript-of-amanda-gormans-inaugural-poem

Inauguration Day 2021

January 20th every 4 years we have the American tradition of transferring (or continuing) power based on public elections every four years. The reason: we are a Constitutional Federal Republic, with state and national governments where we elect representatives to exercise the power of the people and our laws are based on the US Constitution. The 20th Amendment (adopted January 23, 1933) moved the Inauguration date from March 4th to January 20th every 4 years. 

Dating back to 1801 and our second president John Adams, we have had a peaceful transition of power at the heart of our government, national election, and inauguration. The reason it fell on our second president is that our first president, George Washington served his two terms and then opted out of presidential limelight. John Adams, former friend and now political rival to 3rd president Thomas Jefferson, was not a fan of his predecessor at this point; however, he set the stage for a peaceful transfer of power in our country. Based on his example, it is now a lasting piece of our democratic history for this political "passing of the torch" to be peaceful for the sake of our country.

While this year (more than ever before) has been fraught with drama and controversy in this department after a volatile, partisan election season and sadly the insurrection in January 6th. Not everyone comes to today as happy campers, however in the events from two weeks ago, we are more wide-eyed and aware of what can happen when people get out of control. 

Ready or not, Inauguration Day is here. It is on Inaguration Day today that we watch President-Elect Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. become President Biden; and, we make history as we have confirm our first African American, Asian American, female Vice President Kamala Harris. Together they pledge to be a Presidential team that unifies rather than divides. 

Watching it via multiple channels on the TV, live stream, and Internet will be easy here this Inauguration Day, where crowds in DC will be kept down due to both health concerns of the pandemic and the invasion of the Capitol on January 6th.

In the meantime, here are some fast facts on the Inauguration that you might not have known.

Inauguration image created at Canva.com, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden image from https://www.sacurrent.com/the-daily/archives/2020/11/07/well-known-san-antonians-react-to-joe-biden-and-kamala-harris-winning-the-white-house, videos from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VO2YCcyMOfI and https://youtu.be/0pokIWTuQi4

Ringing In, Bringing In 2021

2020.

For many, this year has become synonymous with a 4-letter word. 

This week between Christmas and New Years is always the week where we hash over all of the wins and losses, the highs and lows of the year.

We started the year with Australian wildfires of enormous environmental impact. Also in January, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from the royal family and Kobe Bryant died in a tragic car accident. For many of us, that seems like it was eons ago.

Covid has been a defining factor of the year, as the United States saw its growth in February, its ultimate cause for national shutdown in March, and its horrific impact over the summer and growth again this fall. Meanwhile, in the middle of a very contention election season (which led to a controversial new presidency), we also had major racial injustice and strife following the death of George Floyd. On top of all of that, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg passed away mid-September causing a quick replacement of that seat right before the election with Amy Coney Barrett. All the while, more wildfires raged in western United States as did more cases of Covid, which we as a country just could not kick.

When you look at all of this and think of it in terms of a movie plot, it'd all be way too much for one film. It wouldn't be believable. It wouldn't feel realistic. And yet, it has all been our reality.

For many, they were ready to wash their hands of 2020 months ago. 

The start of a new year always holds so much hope and promise. Many of us are a little gun-shy this year, saying silent prayers of "Please dear Lord, don't let it get worse. There are no more shoes to drop! We can't take any more."

In thinking over the passage of the year, I scrolled back to my New Year's 2019 GTG post. I hoped for a year of innovation and excitement. Innovation certainly was necessary as we all moved in and out of remote or hybrid learning; as we quarantined during pandemic and had to creatively stay in touch with loved ones; and as scientists developed Covid vaccines and medical personnel started to administer them.. I've said before, innovation will be the answer to all of our environmental issues. Health and education too, so we've seen. And far more excitement than we ever wanted. Yes, be careful what you ask for.

So 2021, we greet you. You are here. May you be kind to as and help us turn that corner on Covid. We are all collectively crossing our fingers, and hoping for the best. 

Images created by me on Canva.com

Show Up. Vote.

I've been watching a lot of The West Wing lately. For whatever reason at the time, I never did watch it first go around (now 2 decades later). It certainly seems better than watching the news most days. I've always remembered the abrasive cacophony of political clamor in the weeks prior to election, but the last few presidential elections have seen noisier (and more divisive) than ever before. The one silver lining is that at least it seems to have raised everyone's interest in civic involvement.

Given that, this seemed like the best post I could post one week prior to Election Day. If you haven't taken part in early voting or mail-in voting (we did the latter, dropping our ballots off at the Board of Elections) or making a game plan to go in person, do so. Vote. Take advantage of making your voice heard. Take part in your civic duty. Make a plan. Vote.

Don't take it from me, take it from the folks at The West Wing. Both here below and in their HBO Max "A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote." This remake (done in play-style with a lion share of the same actors, here 17 years later) of Season 3: Episode 15 "Hartsfield Landing" was part of a special to bring more voters to the booths. Special cameos include former First Lady Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton,  & Lin-Manuel Miranda. It did not disappoint!

Video from https://youtu.be/ICCLdjQch9s; Quote from https://ew.com/tv/tv-reunions/west-wing-cast-reunion/ and created in Canva.com

Nonpartisan Election Resources

It's definitely an election year--there's evidence of it everywhere. Not to mention, this year seems heated like never before.

Regardless of your political stance, it is always good to know what is going on when it comes to candidates, platforms, and civic engagement. Especially when it's just under 3 weeks away.

Here are some nonpartisan teaching resources for this year's election to help students get a greater understanding on the importance of voting and some of the terminology that bounces around this time of the year. 

• Richard Byrne's Free Tech for Teachers: Common Craft Explains Disinformation

• Screenager's "How To Think Like a Fact Checker" which links to Stanford's Civic Online Reasoning Curriculum.

• Free Tech for Teachers: Every US Preseidential Election through 2012 Explained with a link to Keith Hughes YouTube Channel with 5-20 minute videos doing just this for every election.

• Free Tech for Teachers: A Handful of Videos to Help Students Understand the Electoral College

• PBS Learning Media's Electoral Decoder: An interactive electoral map where you can not only see the electoral breakdown of past elections, but you can use it to predict future outcomes for 2020.

• Enchanted Learning's Election Vocabulary Word List

• Crash Course's Election Basics: Crash Course Government and Politics #36 

• Crash Course's Gerrymandering: Crash Course Government and Politics #37

• My Green Team Gazette Nonpartisan Election Classroom Resources from the 2016 election.

Image created using Canva.com

Happy Halloween 2018

In thinking about what to post here for Halloween this year, I ran across this picture, and it seemed to speak to me the loudest. 

Midterm elections are around the corner, less than a week away. Have a safe and joyous Hallowed Eve tonight with your friends, family, neighbors, or young'uns.... And next week, go out, be an active & concerned citizen, show up, vote for what's important to you.

With Veteran's Day right around the corner after Election Day, it may be a good way to thank that Veteran who fought on your behalf, for your freedom, for your rights. Fought against the racial hierarchy of Nazism, fought for equality, fought to protect and defend our constitution, and fought to protect us from tyranny.

Voter turnout for presidential elections are notoriously low... even worse for midterm elections. For the presidential election in 2016 I did a tech “voter turnout” activity with the 3rd Grade. I was shocked by the numbers who turn out across both parties every 4 years for our presidential elections: range 49% — 62% (from the last 100 years). 

My hope: we have motivated people who show up. 

If you are on the fence. Vote. 

If you are satisfied. Vote.

If you are dissatisfied. Vote. 

If you care for the environment. Vote

If you are concerned. Vote. 

Enjoy your Halloween tonight... but next week: Vote!

https://www.resetsanfrancisco.org/arts-and-culture/halloween-2016/

Thinkport: Online #Edtech Resources

I don't just like Thinkport because of its affiliation with Maryland Public Television. Yes, I live in Maryland, but that tie-in isn't enough to make it a fabulous resource. Thinkport can certainly stand alone, and holds a lot of learning opportunities for teachers of all grade levels.

My first experience with Thinkport was doing their online interactive "Pathways to Freedom: Maryland & the Underground Railroad." It was an amazing resource to use while teaching slavery and the Civil War. I used it both when I taught 3rd grade and a few years later at another school when I taught 5th graders and it fit once again in the curriculum.

But this is just a fraction of what is available over at Thinkport. If you have never investigated this resource, put it on your list for the year ahead. Learning resources abound! Be sure to browse by the grade level bands. Within each category you will find an assortment of activities under these topics:
literacy, math, science, social studies, and STEM. You might also find some additional topics such as social & emotional skills, digital tools, digital literacy, or resources for teachers, depending on the age level.

• Early Childhood
• Elementary School
• Middle School
• High School
• Out-of-School Time

Additionally, Thinkport has some Special Collections including Primary Sources Inquiry Kits for Middle and Upper School for US History and World History. There are also some other great primary resources to other websites along Thinkport's right hand sidebar.

I always love it when we can hit up on a plethora of resources. May these serve you well this school year ahead!

Logo and image from https://www.thinkport.org/

Spending the Day Outdoors at the 'Annapolis Rising' Benefit

This past Saturday, it was a great day to be outside & in Annapolis, Maryland.

"Annapolis Rising" was an all day benefit for the Capital Gazette victims and honoring the First Responders of the June 28th shooting, which hit the community hard. In between different bands, a multitude of people (most journalists) spoke on the 1st Amendment and the tragedy at the Capital Gazette.

The overriding theme du jour in everyone's was that journalists go into their careers to help inform citizens and maintain the transparency needed to maintain democracy. It's the 1st Amendment for an important reason... and sadly they are now on the front lines, often facing hurt and danger due to swirling hatred against the free press.

Impassioned speakers we saw and heard while we were there included Marty Baron (Washington Post Executive Editor), Elisabeth Bumiller (DC Bureau Chief of NY Times), Lucy Dalglish (Dean of the University of Maryland's Merrill School of Journalism), Tom LoBianco (Assoc Press, CNN), Carl Snowden (Annapolis Civil Rights activist & politician), and Annapolis' Mayor Gavin Buckley.

I was there with my two kids, who are now old enough to get the meaning of the speeches, but also young enough that hanging out listening to speeches isn't necessarily their thing. That's when we were given a gift that made the whole experience so much more palatable to my kids. Right near the playground were several checkerboard tables, which were perfectly placed to hear the bands and the speakers. The best table (aka, the one closest to the stage) was open, so we sat down. We were delighted to have the table, but one thing was missing==the checkers!

This, however, was a very easy problem to solve. Maybe it's the fact that I'm a teacher and pretty much live in teacher-mode... or maybe it's due to the fact that I'm re-reading Richard Louv's "Last Child In the Woods"... or maybe it just simply because I write an environmental education blog. Whatever the reason, nature and garden space surrounded us in this urban environment, so we just had to be a little creative. Mulch and dropped cherry-berries (I have no idea what kind they were, dropped from the trees) served as our checkers. A few passer-bys marveled at our innovation. We played multiple games against each other, landing ourselves in the perfect location to enjoy the day, the music, and the speeches. It was a great way to soak up our civics lessons.

(I think it also served as inspiration to others. When we finally decided to change up our vantage point and leave the table, we left the board set up, ready to play. Later we saw people following in our footsteps, playing their own game of Mulch & Cherry Checkers. Felt kind of good to be trendsetters!)

Our checker table also served as an excellent place to watch the making of a mural. The canvas: 3 adjoined sailboat sails--perfectly symbolic for Annapolis and its sailing culture. They were being spray painted with the skyline of Annapolis & the message "Press On," painted by two artists from atop a cherry picker machine lift. Fitting for the day indeed!

The freedom to be in at a public street benefit, to feel safe there, to enjoy the beautiful day, to listen to wise journalists concerned about their lost colleagues [taken violently at their place of work] during an era of the frequent anti-news rhetoric... it all really caused me to take pause. I'm grateful for our American freedoms. I was struck how easily we can take them and democracy as a whole for granted. I was thrilled to be able to pick up the paperwork with my daughter at the table set up to register voters. We will be filling that out this week and mailing it in. I don't want to delve down the deep and dangerous road of politics, so I will end with this:

"When the public's right to know is threatened, and when the rights of free speech and free press are at risk, all of the other liberties we hold dear are endangered." —Former US Senator, Christopher Dodd

Images of the day: from either my camera or my friend Heather's! Collage compiled in the Li-Pix Pro app.

Al Gore's At It Again: The Inconvenient Sequel

On July 28th in selected theaters and August 4th for a wider selection of theaters, amidst a tumultuous and political 2017, the sequel to Al Gore's 2007 movie "An Inconvenient Truth" came out in movie theaters. It's been 10 years since the first movie came out, and we're still here, in need of this movie.

Here's the trailer for "An Inconvenient Sequel:"



I saw this movie last week. My first thought on the subject was that it was actually exciting to see an environmental movie out at the big, "real" theaters (not just a Netflix near you). Additionally, I was very happy to see that it was out for longer than a one-week release. I will say, there weren't many in my theater (as its been out a few weeks and it probably speaks to a very specific crowd), but the theater wasn't empty. It made me smile to sit there solo, but amidst a tribe of like-minded individuals.

Of course, it left behind a myriad of other thoughts:

• I felt like this movie came at the right time. All Americans--all global citizens--should see this movie. It will say, it is striking given that some of the environmental policies are changing under the current administration and their admonishment of science and climate facts... especially striking after seeing the movie and the extent of which everyone should listening!

• A poignant point: "To fix the environmental crisis, we need to fix the democratic crisis." I think we've seen a number of times in the last 4+ decades that the political stance of the presidential administration is what drives the money, the connections, the decision making. We saw it when President Reagan took off the White House Solar panels that President Carter put on. We saw it when President Bush canceled the DSCOVR (see below). We see it on our nightly news now, with Donald Trump & Scott Pruitt attacking the EPA.

• I will admit: I  felt a mix of  both being down, yet also hopeful. I was saddened by the numerous roadblocks along the way (in both the Bush and now Trump administrations). I was struck by the story of NASA's DSCOVR [which stands for "Deep Space Climate Observatory"]. It was ready to get off the ground in 2000, around the Bush-Gore election. Due to dangling chads and a Supreme Court decision, George W. Bush took office, and DSCOVR was dismantled of all climate instruments--renamed, reprogrammed, and left only equipped with solar storm equipment to send into space. Watching the details and history on that was disheartening. But in the category of time, persistence, and "all good things come to those who wait," DSCOVR, under President Obama's administration, was finally fully equipped and successfully launched on February 11, 2015.

• Once again... The people of the world who always have the biggest negative effects (given any issue) are the poorest. Climate change related issues are no different. From that stand point, climate change then becomes a social justice issue. Case and point: Syria had faced a huge drought from 2006--2009, right before their political issues. The drought, no doubt, did not help anyone's demeanor prior to the civil unrest! Just one example (of many out there) that there is a link between peace and climate change.

• Solar, wind, and other renewable energies are doable, profitable, and bottom-line far more healthy than the fossil fuels we are using now.100% renewable energy cities are cropping up: Even Georgetown, Texas, a highly conservative community, was featured in the movie for their near 100% renewable energy goal. As Republican Mayor Dale Ross (who was proud to be the first in Texas to achieve this goal) said: "It's just common sense that cleaner air is healthier, and we're leaving the planet better." For a list of other cities striving for (& achieving)100%, go to Go 100% Renewable Energy's website.

I could go on and on.

I do think my biggest "ah ha" moment was the fact that I saw this film just days after the controversial racial rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which led to the unnecessary death Heather Heyer. Near the end of the movie, Al Gore spoke of his concern (and sometimes dismay) over his mult-decade quest, and how it was disheartening at times. That was exactly how I had been feeling after Charlottesville. It broke my heart that there was still so much racism in our country, and it was so blatant. Yet, I also saw hope in the way people on both sides of the political spectrum were standing up against white supremacy. 

This especially hit me at the end of the movie as Al Gore went on to compare the climate fight to that of the Civil Rights movement and every other major moral movement to keep progressing human rights forward. All movements at times feel that heavy resistance and push back, battling the moral difference between right and wrong. Change and progress are not easy. Yet, it's also not dependent on a president. If ours refuses to lead environmentally, the it is up to the American people to lead. So whether it's in the form of a movie like this, or marches like the Climate or Earth Day or other marches we've seen in 2017 (or even a little blog like mine), we will lead.

And hopefully we will keep making breakthroughs which lead to greater and more sustainable change!

For more information about "The Inconvenient Sequel," check out the links below:

Links from the movie website to encourage you to "Use Your Choice; Use Your Voice; and Use Your Vote:"

• Take the Education Challenge
• For Educators: Watch Kit & Lesson Plans
• Sign up for upcoming lesson plans
• #BeInconvenient:  10 Days of Action

Links from the Climate Reality Project related to the movie:

• An Inconvenient Truth Then & Now: What's Changed for Our Climate Since 2006?
• 4 Ways "An Inconvenient Truth" Changed Lives
• 4 Ways the Climate Crisis Is Impacting Colorado

To look into getting training and work with Al Gore, to become a Climate Reality Leader, click here. Application deadline is September 12, 2017 for the October 17-19, 2017 training in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The image below shows how many climate leaders have been trained in the Climate Reality Leadership Corp since 2006.

Video from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huX1bmfdkyA; Video Image created at Buncee.com https://app.edu.buncee.com/buncee/8d85e52b79f54deab7d09a261da5dccb; 
"Inconvenient Sequel" Movie Poster from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6322922/; Climate Reality Leadership Corp pic from https://www.climaterealityproject.org/leadership-corps; movie image from https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/7/28/16035852/an-inconvenient-sequel-review-post-truth and https://communityimpact.com/austin/city-county/2016/08/15/al-gore-visits-georgetown-praises-citys-renewable-energy-plans/; Gandhi quote from https://blog.charityrepublic.com/2015/09/be-the-change-you-wish-to-see-in-the-world/

Inspiration in the Aftermath of The US/Paris Climate "Discord"

The world is a little noisier this week, after the environmental blow from Trump this week, pulling the US out of the Paris Climate Accord--leaving a stark party of 3, standing alone.

Of course, as Trump may or may not know, it's not as easy as pulling a plug and walking away.  Due to a clause in the Paris Agreement, to withdraw, you need to give written notification to the UN depository, but it can't happen until 3 after the date the agreement was enforced:
Nov. 4, 2016 + 3 years = Nov. 4, 2019.
At that point, it takes another year before a country can officially leave. That date will be  Nov. 4, 2020, which just so happens to be one day following the US Presidential Elections of 2020. This allows for a bit of a sigh of relief, as this will now be a campaigning point for whoever runs for our next president. Time will tell if that will involve Trump or not.

Of course it begs the question: When did our planet (or science for that matter) become a political issue?

Clearly this week (and when the 31% EPA budget cuts were proposed).

But an interesting thing has happened amidst the sideswiping news. America has rallied. The world has rallied. Almost like "Wonder Twin Powers, Activate" (from way back when, when I was a kid), An inadvertent uprising has occurred since Trump's announcement & withdrawal, and a boomerang of events has happened:

• Many buildings were lit up in green lights Thursday following the withdrawal. This visual solidarity in buildings like New York's City Hall & State Fair, Boston's City Hall, and DC's Wilson Building (as well as others internationally) show that there is support and understanding that Trump's decision isn't every American's decision.

• Mayors representing 187 cities as well as 4 state governors (California, Washington, New York, & Massachusetts) and nearly 100 companies have jumped in saying, "It doesn't matter--we're still in and committed to upholding the Paris Agreement." This activism on many levels shouts what is important to many.

• Michael Bloomberg has pledged $15 million to the United Nations to make up for the United States' absence in the Accord.

• French President Emmanuel Marcon has issued a video invitation to American citizens, scientists, entrepreneurs, and activists voicing his understanding that the decision might not be all of ours--and the doors to France are welcome to anyone who wants to work with France to fight climate change.

• June 1st, Leonardo DiCaprio (an avid environmentalist) listed on his Facebook Page the importance of going forward as grassroots activists, mentioning these 5 organizations as excellent starting points:

1. Indivisible Guide: https://www.indivisibleguide.com/act-locally
2. NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council): https://www.nrdc.org
3. Resistance Manual: https://www.resistancemanual.org/Climate_/_Environment
4. Stand Up America: https://www.standupamerica.com/act
5. Take action on https://www.beforetheflood.com/act

All of this, and more, are definite calls to action. These are the elements that give hope to the difficult environmental situation many of us feel we are facing this week. Hope is certainly the opposite of fear and desperation. This fighting spirit is the foundation of many American tenets and much global inspiration. Perhaps, it is in the face of adversity that people truly become united, discovering what's important to them, what's worth fighting for, and what counters complacency.

Here's some inspiration from Larry Page, Co-Founder of Google, to get you out there, fighting for what you believe in. May it be "uncomfortably exciting" going forth while you "grab a dream" for a cleaner, healthier planet!


Video from Goalcast: https://www.facebook.com/goalcast/videos/1420272168049969/
Image from https://medium.com/@ClimateMayors/climate-mayors-commit-to-adopt-honor-and-uphold-paris-climate-agreement-goals-ba566e260097;
Eiffel Tower pic from https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/12/what-does-the-paris-agreement-say/419577/
map from https://thetruth24.net/2017/06/02/buildings-light-up-in-green-in-support-of-paris-climate-accord/
Environmental wordle http://www.insidesources.com/saving-the-planet-how-climate-breakthroughs-are-made/
Wonder Twins pic from http://sprinklepuffball.blogspot.com/2009/04/cartoons.html

The Noise of the New Normal

It's been a noisy week:

An inauguration (with debatable numbers of attendance and a newly invented term: "alternative facts." Thank you Kellyann Conway!")

A Women's March in DC and 600 or so other ones, big and small. I was there in DC. There was a lot of noise & positive energy! I think my favorite speech over all I'd seen (which was all online & nothing at the march as I was midst the throngs of people in the mall) was Kerry Washington in LA. Everyone should listen to it: men, women, republican, democratic.

The news was no quieter as Trump began changing up the White House website, writing proclamations and doctrines, declaring days of patriotic devotion, and starting to put things in motion.

But the roar continued on, leading to the noise of the National Parks, scientists, and my comedic favorite: the @AltNatParkSer Twitter and Facebook account, where facts are posted and can be found by rogue National Park Service employees after hours. (I shake my head--since when is science debatable or censored?!)

We've had a Trump and Pence supported March for Life (as opposed to last Saturday's Women's March--at least by tale of Trump's Twitter feed). State department top employees were unilaterally fired, losing a base of collective knowledge. And, Friday, on Holocaust Remembrance Day, Trump issued a refugee ban to some countries but not others (where he interestingly has holdings), and Christians will be the first to be allowed in.


Due to the growing rumble & grumble, some future proposed marches which seem to be growing in number by day:

• Tax Day March: April 15 to pressure Trump to share his taxes returns (ah, the falsity of the never ending audit)
• Scientist March: Earth Day, April 22
• People's Climate March: April 29
• Immigrant March: May 6
• March for Public Education: July 15

As if that's not enough noise....the biggest noise too comes from social media. A lot of "us, "them," & "gee, can't we all just be friends."

It's a highly turbulent time. Certainly the most in my children's life time, and perhaps one of the most in mine.

The silver lining is that perhaps it will galvanize people, calling us all out of our li'l cocoons and into an activist world. Perhaps this is our time to "break out and butterfly." Come out of the comfort, metamorphosize, and emerge stronger, more capable, greater than ever before. Maybe through the anger and the action, and in fighting for our beliefs that might be marginalized by this administration, we will indeed make America great again. Not in Trump's ways (which feel akin to the isolationism of "The Dark Side"), but through unity, compassion, understanding empathy, love, and light.

This week in my house, I found my daughter chanting in her own call and response (like most people hum a jolly li'l tune) the words from last Saturday:

"This is what Democracy looks like."

It's contagious and it's true.

This IS what democracy looks like. Sometimes messy and twisty-turned, difficult even dangerous, like a cacophony of noise....but worth working for.

Sounds a little bit like "love."


Video from https://www.facebook.com/thekerrywashington/videos/1377891075574482/; Other images from my camera from The Women's March