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On Nov. 3, thousands of people across the country
will dip an index finger in green ink, congregate in such historic places
as the Lincoln Memorial or along Paul Revere’s route, and remind
political leaders that their stand on global warming will affect the
outcome of next fall’s election.
Springfield environmentalists and social activists
will play their part in the national Step It Up campaign by hosting two
events this weekend, both geared toward addressing global climate change.
On Saturday, Nov. 3, a vigil and rally will start at noon in front of the
Federal Building, at Sixth and Monroe. Diane Lopez Hughes, one of the event’s main
organizers, says that the crowd will urge Springfield’s political and
business leaders to realize that global warming is a problem that affects
the heart of the city. “We all share the same air,” Hughes says.
“It also makes good business sense in terms of
growth for the community,” she adds, “because people desire to
live in cities where the quality of living is healthy and
progressive.”
These leaders, along with the general public, are
also invited to what’s being called the “Cool Town
Meeting,” 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at First Presbyterian Church,
321 S. Seventh St. Featured speakers are Jim Bonacum, a biology professor
at the University of Illinois at Springfield, and Chris Young, outdoors
editor and photographer for the State-Journal
Register. The goal, Hughes says, is to get leaders to listen to
the concerns of Springfield residents. “Businesses and other leaders in our community
really move to act when they know citizens in the community are behind
them,” Hughes says. “That’s what we want to try to get
accomplished with this town meeting.”
Co-sponsors are the Sangamon Valley Group of the
Sierra Club, Community Energy Systems, Cool Cities Springfield, First
Presbyterian Church, Illinois Stewardship Alliance, Jubilee Farm, the
Justice and Peace Office of the Franciscan Sisters, the Mary Wood Branch of
the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Pax Christi
Springfield, the St. Joseph Parish Environmental Justice Committee,
Sustainable Springfield Inc., and UIS Students Allied for a Greener Earth.
Contact Amanda Robert at arobert@illinoistimes.com
This article appears in Oct 25-31, 2007.
