Action Corps Recruitment & Editors Concert

Happy 2010! Thank you everyone for your support in December during the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit; the global effort displayed was truly inspiring (check out photos of the SF Day of Action here). While the outcome may not have been ideal, it was an important start to bigger change down the road. Stay tuned as there will be many updates and activities ahead as we continue to campaign for comprehensive national legislation and an ambitious, fair and binding global treaty at the Cancun climate summit in December 2010!

In other news...recruiting has commenced for new Action Corps organizers for 2010! This year’s recruitment is about finding and engaging several people who can fill out our local leadership team. A team structure will allow more sustained efforts and bring distinct strengths to the table. Applications accepted through Feb. 15 at www.oxfamactioncorps.org.

As a refresher, the Oxfam Action Corps is:

- a unique program that joins principles of local community organizing to the purpose of eradicating global poverty. Organizing is bringing people together around a shared purpose to make political change. The Action Corps is a learning experience in which volunteers become skilled organizers, communities become powerful advocates for the rights of the poor and vulnerable, and we all change our world for the better.

- a local effort that is an important part of Oxfam’s national campaign strategy, which takes place in over a dozen cities across America. As such, regular communication, coordination, and training and support between volunteer organizers and staff are essential to its success.

AND,

- Oxfam America staff provide a national plan of action for the year including objectives, priority members of Congress, key moments, activities and organizing tools. Within this, Action Corps organizers have flexibility to create plans and actions that are inspiring and effective locally. This year we will continue to campaign on climate change and adaptation financing for poor and vulnerable communities. Possible Senate action, mid-term elections, and lead-up to COP16 in Mexico make for a very interesting year ahead!

Your role as an Oxfam Action Corps organizer would involve:

- being committed to the success of local efforts. In turn, Oxfam America is committed to providing you organizing tools, policy updates, and ongoing guidance and support. It’s a learning experience, so please expect coaching and candid feedback.

- being part of a group of 5 or more organizers forming a local leadership team. While sharing overall responsibility, you each also take on a specific role suited to your skills and availability. Roles include tracking policy developments in detail and leading lobby delegations; leading outreach at public events like concerts and conferences; reaching out to community organizations; gathering volunteers for regular planning sessions; updating your blog and email announcements; etc.

What’s in it for you?

–Making a difference through advocating for millions of people in poverty
–Developing leadership, organizing, and communication skills and experience
–Being closer to Oxfam’s work and staff
–Issue expertise on poverty and climate change
–Better understanding of policy-making at the national and international level
–A greater community of like-minded individuals
–Personal fulfillment/satisfaction
–Helping build a unique program and learning experience!

Those interested in being organizers for the full year should apply at www.oxfamactioncorps.org by February 15th. If accepted, there is a chance you may be selected for Oxfam's annual training and lobby visits in Washington D.C! Those interested in occasional volunteering should also sign up.

That's the end of the wrap for our recruitment. Please also note we have an Editors concert on Monday, February 8th at the Warfield, SF that we need 4 volunteers for (one person should have prior tabling experience), so please email us back ASAP at oxfam.sf@gmail.com if you're interested. Should be a rockin' show!

And, lastly, stay tuned for details about March Action Week, where we'll be celebrating International Women's Day and our Sisters on the Planet, with your help!

Post-Copenhagen- the Pros and Cons

With all the reports, controversy, and rumors that have been swirling over the past two weeks, it's been a challenge keeping up with and making sense of what really went down in Copenhagen. Various parties involved hold very contrasting views over how negotiations turned out. China, UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon and even the vulnerable country of Bangladesh took a positive outlook, while Sweden, Bolivia, Brazil and others felt the resolution was unacceptable and demanded much stronger regulations and emissions cuts than what the U.S.-brokered "Copenhagen Accord", reached Saturday, calls for. Nonetheless, here is an attempt to break down the accord, in terms of both potential pros and cons:

PROS: During negotiations major countries, including China, the U.S., India and Europe, agreed that the risks of climate change could not be left unchecked. Included in the final Copenhagen Accord was a goal to restrict global temperature rise to no more than 2 degrees Celsius. Another section of the accord covers the commitment to support climate change adaptation projects in developing countries through a collective international fund of $100 billion per year until 2020.

CONS: The non-legally binding Copenhagen Accord, however, was not adopted by the UN -- only "taken note of" -- and it was not supported by all countries represented at negotiations. The accord was labeled by the Sudanese Chairman of the G77, the largest developing country bloc represented at the COP15, as comparable to a "suicide pact" -- which he would not be entering into. Also, the accord's emissions targets do not fall in line with what science says is necessary to actually meet the goal of keeping global temperature rise under 2 degrees Celsius.

While this may be oversimplifying things, all in all it seems that though hopes for a global treaty were high prior to last week's summit (a potential climax of decades of debate), realistic expectations were probably quite a bit lower. Perhaps a more realistic goal for the close of Copenhagen was the laying of groundwork necessary to continue talks of a binding treaty into 2010. This goal may indeed have been realized, as historically speaking no preceding summit has reached such a consensus on the urgency of climate change. As stated by UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer, "We now have a package to work with and begin immediate action.” Only time will tell.

For more on the summit outcome via a first-hand account from the Mother Nature Network's blogger Karl Burkart, click here.

Update for Saturday's Climate Justice Stunt

The time has come to make our big push on global leaders in Copenhagen, and demand that they deliver a fair, ambitious and binding climate agreement next week at the close of the summit!

As a reminder, we will be gathering Saturday in downtown San Francisco from 12-4pm, to ask passersby to sign giant holiday cards, wishing our global leaders a happy holiday and asking them for a REAL DEAL, which we will then be photographing and sending to representatives in order to add San Francisco to the list of cities taking action around this important issue.

TWO THINGS TO NOTE:

1) Due to the unfortunate forecast, we have been forced to find a back-up location for where we can do this stunt. IN THE EVENT OF RAIN, we will be convening under the overhang outside the Virgin Records store (2 Stockton, cross streets Ellis/Market). If for some reason it DOES NOT RAIN, we will be gathering at the ORIGINAL LOCATION (corner of Stockton/Geary, Union Square steps). Please check the sky before attempting to find us! We will be in one of these two places, only 2 blocks apart.

2) For those interested in actively VOLUNTEERING with us tomorrow (a.k.a. holding signs/cards, handing out candy/buttons, gathering signatures), please come in your fanciest holiday attire. This includes: reindeer ears, elf hats/shoes/stockings, Santa hats, Hanukka pins, ugly holiday sweaters, or anything else you have to express your holiday spirit of choice and draw attention. We will have a few Oxfam t-shirts on hand, face paint and extra flare if you have none or forget yours. And remember to dress warmly!

By participating in the event tomorrow you will be joining a global action of thousands (maybe even millions) of concerned citizens, so we hope to see you Saturday!

The World Wants a Real Deal!

Just as the climate negotiations start to heat up, the world needs to rise up and tell our leaders that the World Wants a Real Deal.

On the 12th day of the 12th month people will come together in various cities around the world to demand a Real Deal – the most important global signing event for the future of the world. This massive action will send a simple, clear message to their leaders: It is time to sign a fair, ambitious and binding climate treaty.

The timing of the action is planned to take place exactly at the midpoint of the Copenhagen climate talks. At this crucial moment, amidst the culmination of years of preparation, organizing, and negotiation around the globe, the World Wants a Real Deal will send a resounding message to the world leaders and negotiators in Copenhagen that the public is ready to sign a Fair, Ambitious and Binding treaty. Hundreds of events will be taking place worldwide!

Want to get involved in San Francisco? Here are two opportunities!

Sign a Real Deal! - Planning Meeting:
When: 6:30pm, Monday, December 7, 2009
Where: Milano's Pizzeria, 1330 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122
(between Irving St & Judah St., accessible off the N-Judah Muni, and the 43, 44, and 6 buses)
Why: To plan the details and assign responsibilities (and costumes!) to those who would like to contribute to the climate stunt in SF on Dec. 12. We will also be practicing our "elevator pitches" to make sure everyone is comfortable talking with people about climate change.

Sign a Real Deal! - Climate Stunt:
When: 12pm - 5pm, Saturday, December 12, 2009
Where: Union Square steps on the corner of Stockton and Geary, Downtown San Francisco
Why: To raise awareness about the urgency of creating a comprehensive international climate treaty at Copenhagen, by collecting signatures on giant holiday cards from Oxfam to the global leaders participating in the conference. In the spirit of the holidays, we will be dressing as elves, reindeer, Santa and anything else people can think of!

If you can't directly participate, or attend the planning, we would still love to have you come to the stunt on the 12th to add your signature to enormous holiday cards we will be asking passersby to sign to global leaders.

RSVP to Oxfam.sf@gmail.com or to the Facebook invitation HERE

Coldplay Concert Success!

Many thanks to the amazing volunteers who gave their time Monday night and joined the movement to end hunger, poverty and injustice with thousands of other Coldplay fans around the world! The outreach effort was a huge success, as we surpassed our goal and collected almost 900 petition signatures and E-Action Alert sign ups! All this while having fun and hearing great music!!!

What you should consider doing...

*Click HERE to follow Oxfam America's Soha Yassine as she goes on tour with Coldplay.

*Interested in volunteering at a concert? Email oxfam.sf@gmail.com and let us know!

*Want to make sure you don't miss any urgent climate change campaign actions? Join the Climate Change Action Team!

Take Action for Climate Justice!

As the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) heads to the floor of the US House of Representatives, it's vital to preserve and enhance the climate adaptation funding, which will invest in life-saving projects to help vulnerable communities cope with climate change, found in the current version of the bill. Take a moment to add your voice to those calling for climate justice by completing this quick-and-easy form.

A May 21 Oxfam America press release included an assessment of international adaptation funding as passed by the Energy and Commerce Committee:

International Adaptation — The bill establishes an important program for international climate adaptation in the most vulnerable developing countries, but the bill allocates only 1% of the value from the bill (about $750 million a year) for the program. This is an important start but far short of the significant need in developing countries already facing serious climate-related impacts and the amount that will be necessary to achieve a global agreement.

As noted here, current adaptation funding in ACES is only a small step in the right direction. Ask Congress to take advantage of this opportunity to stop harming the environment and start helping those already suffering from climate change through greater investment in adaptation. Stay tuned for developments!

Congressional resolution recognizes the plight of women in the face of climate change

Oxfam America praised a resolution introduced in the US House of Representatives recognizing the disparate impact of climate change on women and the efforts of women globally to address climate change.

Introduced last week by Congresswomen Barbara Lee (D-CA), Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), House Concurrent Resolution 98 affirms the commitment of Congress to support women globally to prepare for, build resilience for, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

"The efforts of Congresswomen Lee, McCollum, and Eshoo will help raise awareness about the impacts of global warming on women. The resolution is timely, especially as Congress undertakes legislative action on global warming," said Vicky Rateau, manager of Oxfam America's climate change campaign.

When natural disasters strike, they hit poor communities first and worst, according to Oxfam. Since women make up an estimated 70 percent of those living below the poverty line, they are most likely to bear the heaviest burdens. At the same time, women are often left out of the conversation about adapting to climate change, even though they are sometimes in the best position to provide solutions.

The resolution affirms the commitment of Congress to empower women to have a voice in the planning and implementation of strategies to address climate change so that their roles and resources are taken into account. The resolution also encourages President Obama to consider the impacts of climate change on women while developing policies and programs to address climate change.

Co-sponsors of the resolution include Rep. Baldwin, Rep. Butterfield, Rep. Capps, Rep. Christensen, Rep. Clarke, Rep. Edwards, Rep. Hastings, Rep. Kucinich, Rep Lewis, Rep. Payne, and Rep. Speier.

"As we work to address the devastating impacts of climate change on a global and national level, we must ensure that our policies help women prepare for, build their resilience, and adapt to the adverse impact that climate change has across the globe," said Rateau.

We are thrilled to announce that Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (14th District) has accepted Oxfam's invitation to become a Sisters on the Planet Ambassador! She joins many other prominent women leaders across the US who have accepted leadership roles in highlighting the effects of climate change on women. Other S.O.P. Ambassadors include Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius; award-winning journalist Elizabeth Becker; Reverend Sally Bingham; and League of Women Voters president Mary Wilson.

We are also thrilled to announce our upcoming FREE San Francisco Screening of Sisters on the Planet!

When: Sunday, March 1st, 1:00-3:00pm
Where: Grace Cathedral- Gresham Hall
What: FREE Screening and Informative Afternoon
Why: See previous post below=)

RSVP to oxfam.sf@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!

Women as Agents of Change

When natural disasters strike, they hit poor communities first and worst. And since women make up an estimated 70 percent of those living below the poverty line, they are most likely to bear the heaviest burdens. At the same time, women are often left out of the conversation about adapting to climate change, even though they are sometimes in the best position to provide solutions.

In most poor communities, women play dual roles. As providers, they usually work in agriculture or other informal sectors, and they collect food, water, and fuel. As caretakers, they look after the children, sick, and elderly; the home; and the family’s assets. As a result, women often have invaluable knowledge about adapting to erratic environmental changes. When women are included equally with men in disaster preparedness training, their survival rates improve.

However, socially constructed roles and responsibilities usually put women at a disadvantage in preparing for climate change. Women have less access to resources, are frequently unable to swim or leave the house unattended, and are less likely to migrate to look for shelter and work when a disaster hits. Statistically, women (and children) are more likely to die than
men during disasters.

When women participate in decision-making at national and community levels, they can help devise effective climate change solutions that build stronger communities.

Click here to download a PDF Climate Change and Women Fact Sheet!

Obama's Commitment; New SOP Version; Senator Boxer to Take Quick Action

Obama's video speech at the Governors' Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles indicated that climate change is a high priority for the incoming Administration. Below are some of his remarks, and you can watch the video to experience the full speech.

"Few challenges facing America - and the world - are more urgent than combating climate change. The science is beyond dispute and the facts are clear. Sea levels are rising. Coastlines are shrinking. We've seen record drought, spreading famine, and storms that are growing stronger with each passing hurricane season. Climate change and our dependence on foreign oil, if left unaddressed, will continue to weaken our economy and threaten our national security."

"My presidency will mark a new chapter in America's leadership on climate change that will strengthen our security and create millions of new jobs in the process."

Following the president-elect's video speech, Oxfam America's VP for Policy and Communications, Jim Lyons, spoke at the Summit and showed an excellent new narrated version of Sisters on the Planet. Click here to watch the video.

A few days later, Sen. Barbara Boxer announced her action plan.

"President-elect Obama's clear, unequivocal commitment to stepping up to the challenge of global warming was music to my ears. I believe strongly that when we address the threat of unchecked global warming by investing in clean energy technologies and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we also have a recipe for economic recovery. The time to start is now, and my colleagues and I are here to step up to President-elect Obama's call to action to address global warming and create millions of green jobs in America. Today I am announcing the first steps that I will be taking in connection with President-elect Obama's historic challenge to address global warming.

First, I will be introducing two pieces of legislation in January. The first bill will establish a grant program to reduce global warming emissions under the Clean Air Act with up to $15 billion a year available to spur innovations in clean energy, including advanced biofuels. This will be an economic stimulus and follows President-elect Obama's recommendation. Clean energy means green jobs. A new report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors estimates that by 2038, another 4.2 million green jobs could be added to the economy - thanks to the alternative energy and renewable energy industries, and the benefits of energy efficiency. That could account for 10 percent of job growth over the next 30 years. The second piece of legislation will direct the Environmental Protection Agency to set up a cap and trade system for greenhouse gases that meets the goals laid out by the President elect. This bill will reflect the strong partnership we will have with the new Administration, and will focus on achieving the emissions reductions needed while restoring the economy. It will be a streamlined bill, which will amend the Clean Air Act.

Next, I am announcing our first hearing in the 111th Congress. The hearing will take place as soon as possible after we convene in January, and will be entitled "How Fighting Global Warming is Good for the Economy and Will Create Jobs."

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will be represented next month at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland. I am sending my top Committee staff, who will act as my representatives in meetings with international leaders as they prepare for a new global agreement to address greenhouse gas emissions, which will be completed in 2009 in Denmark. In addition, Senator Klobuchar will be attending and plans to report back to President-elect Obama and to our Committee. Other Senators from the Committee may join her. President-elect Obama told the world on Tuesday that our country will be an ally in the fight against global warming. I am here to say that our Committee stands ready to be a tireless ally in that effort."