See Jane Do...

Jane Mail

Dear Elisa and Leta,

Thank you so much for writing in to DC Ecowomen.  What a wonderful opportunity for the women on our list.

1.  How do you put your passion into positive action to restore our planet?

Working at Endangered Species Coalition allows me to protect wildlife and wild lands.  As a coalition organization with more than 400 groups, I celebrate the successes and mourn the setbacks of not only the work of our staff, but also the many colleagues that we work closely with.  Every day, I learn something new about what is happening with wolves, lynx, red knots, black abalone, salmon and more.  And, while the news out of Washington, DC, in the past eight years, has not been good for endangered species, it hasn't been all bad for species, especially with some encouraging signs at the state and local level.  

Washington state was able to welcome in the first confirmed wolf pack in the state since the 1930s--complete with a litter of 6 pups!  Oregon will have one of its own running NOAA--the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, University of Oregon professor, Jane Lubchenco--an outspoken scientist who has been a strong supporter of conservation.  In Maine, adult Atlantic salmon returned to the Penobscot River in numbers that haven't been seen in years.  In Montana, a lawsuit settlement provides hope for the Kootenai River white sturgeon--a species that has been around since the dinosaur age and can live to be 100 years old, growing to nine feet and 300 pounds.  (Imagine brushing up against one of these big fellas when you're going for a swim.)  A part of my work is helping to translate events such as these into policy positions in Washington, DC.

But, in addition to my interest in conservation, I have also been an advocate for women's rights.  And, for that reason, I co-founded EcoWomen with a couple of friends.  It allowed me to join two of my passions--environmental and women's issues.  We created a special place where women could get to know each other, build supportive networks, and be inspired by all that has been done by women to protect our planet.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think that our community would grow to more than 1,000 women.  And, while I had been thinking of how this would be a great benefit for "other" women, I never stopped to take the time and consider how it might benefit me.  What a pleasant surprise it was for me to realize that my own circle of incredibly, capable, talented, and beautiful women friends has just exponentially increased.

2. What can everyday women do to participate in your mission?

There are always opportunities for everyday women to help us with our mission.  I would stress finding opportunities that fit in with your lifestyle and your own needs for personal enrichment.  A couch potato can become an incredible e-activist.  By signing on to our activist list, she'll be notified about opportunities to email and call her Member of Congress about the need for protecting endangered species.  And, by telling all of her friends and family about our work, she can help us expand our influence.  An outdoorsy woman can volunteer at a local nature center or wildlife refuge.  A super-mom can get her children's school participating in our annual Endangered Species Day.  See our website at www. stopextinction.org for the 10 Easy Steps at Home to Protect Endangered Species.

For women interested in networking with other conservation-oriented women, join our growing EcoWomen community at www.ecowomen.org.  Our DC chapter has been running for almost 5 years.  And, in 2009, we plan to add a chapter or two around the country.

3.  Why should everyday women be concerned and involved?

It is hard to take the time out of our busy lives to think far beyond our friends, our family, our work and our home.  However, helping to protect wildlife and wild lands has direct benefits to each of us--providing us with the air we breathe and the water we drink.  How is it possible that we have thought it was okay to put these things into jeopardy?

As a mom of a 20-month old, it is always striking to me that most of the baby and children's products sold--books, linens, tableware, clothes, flashcards, and toys--have animal images splashed all over them--giraffes, elephants, tigers, bears, birds, and fish.  While we surround our children with images of beautiful and majestic animals, we are simultaneously driving many of these species to extinction.  Obviously, these other creatures strike a strong a chord with us.  And, if we don't work to protect them now, there are no second chances with endangered species.

4. What does this inauguration mean to you?  Are you celebrating with other women? 

Clearly this inauguration represents great hope for any of us concerned about wildlife.  The department heads who have been chose so far by President-elect Obama have stressed the need to follow the law and to follow science.  It seems so simple, but for those of us working on conservation (or women's issues or health care or foreign policy, for that matter), it is an incredibly refreshing change.  We've all been holding our breath for 8 years, and now finally we can breathe again.  Given the excitement about the incoming President, the inauguration is being celebrated all week long.  People will have the opportunity to do a sort of bar-hoping celebration, going from one event to the next over the week.  So, I'll be going to a couple of different events to mark the occasion, raising a toast with men, women and children to a time that we hope will be guided by lawfulness, science and reason. 

5. Do you blog?

My organization has The Stop Extinction Blog at: http://stopextinctionblog.blogspot.com/ where our staff (including me), board and occasionally member groups post entries.  I can't wait to write about more positive happenings in 2009!

--

Leda Huta

Executive Director

Endangered Species Coalition

PO Box 65195; Washington, DC 20035

www.stopextinction.org

See Jane Do Goes to Washington DC: Two Million People, Two Tickets

 

What happens when two million people, (at least one million of them women) gather together in one city to celebrate one of the most historical and celebrated days in American history?  See Jane Do had to find out.  We took to the road and headed to D.C. to capture the stories of everyday extraordinary women who participated in the inaugural events and celebrations.  We wanted to know what women are going to do to renew America and make a difference.

Two weeks before the inauguration I was granted tickets to Obama's Inauguration from Senator Feinstein.  It was an opportunity the See Jane Do team couldn't pass up.  I flew to New York City to visit my friend Michelle Botticelli where I experienced seven days "kid free". 

Jesse and Leta connected with us on Sunday and the next day we high-tailed it in our compact  rental car (train tickets were almost $500 rt) to D.C. 

See Jane Do Goes to Washington DC: Rednecks and Multi-Racial Bookclub

Once we entered the city limits we immediately went to the Senate Building to pick up our tickets from Senator Feinstein's office.  This was the first of many lines (or mobs) we stood in.  Senator Feinstein received 35,000 requests for Inauguration tickets and only granted a couple of hundred so I felt pretty lucky to receive two purple tickets. 

Our next stop was Dupont Circle where several peaceful events were taking place including a Sage-In with Kate Clinton.  From several blocks away we could smell the pungent sage smoke filtering through the streets.  We met two women from a multi-racial book club who drove down from North Carolina to participate in the Inaugural events.  They spent their day of service cleaning a slave cemetery. 

 

Farther down the street in a local bar we met the Rednecks for Obama.  At 74 years old they have been campaigning for President Obama and were highly popular with the press.  Their hope and vision for the upcoming year is that we unify and work together, to bring jobs back to the United States.  Listen to both of these interviews on KVMR this Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 PM.

See Jane Do Goes to Washington DC: Women Leading the Way

Since our mission was to interview everyday extraordinary women our first stop in D.C. was the Woman's National Democratic Club.  We were invited to participate in their inaugural events.  The association is housed in a beautiful historic mansion.  The president and vice president couldn't have been more gracious.  They told us our home is your home while you are in D.C. They were the first democratic club for women founded shortly after women were granted the right to vote.  In fact, they state "from the right to vote...the power to lead" on their website. 

The women we met at the pre-inaugural cocktail party are definitely leading the way towards renewing America and supporting women's rights.  We interviewed a journalist for the U.N., an author from Pakistan, FDR's great   granddaughter,  teachers and many other incredible women.  The evening was the perfect kick-off to an incredible two days.

See Jane Do Goes to Washington DC: It's a New Day!

 

We awoke the next morning (with fifteen other people in a two bedroom apartment) ready to start a new chapter of American history. Reyhan's (reporter for the SF Chronicle) parents were gracious hosts.  It was a beautiful, sunny, but cold morning in D.C..  Had Michelle and I not purchased hand and toe warmers in NYC we might have succumbed a toe or finger to the cold.  Rather than take the metro we hailed a cab to the Capitol.  Traffic was light and security was high.

Once we found the infamous purple gate we split from Jesse and Leta who went to scout another spot to view the swearing in ceremony.  Imagine thousands of people trying to squeeze through one gate. We stood in a mob of people of at least one and a half hours and finally made our way through security.  We were in!  We heard later that many purple ticket holders did not get in and Senator Feinstein is conducting an investigation and now distributing special souvenirs to ticket holders who did not get in.

We could view the Capitol building and the obstructed jumbo screens.  But as Amy Goodman said at the Peace Ball this event was not about watching the swearing in ceremony on a TV screen but to come together with millions of people from all over the world to show our support and hopefulness for the future.  I'm not a fan of crowds but there was a sense of utopia that day in Washington DC.  People were kind towards one another.  If someone bumped into you they apologized.  If they needed to get through the crowd they said excuse me. 

We quietly anticipated the introduction of the 44th President of the United States. The cannons exploded and President Obama welcomed the world to new beginnings.  Of course many in the crowd booed Bush and Rick Warren, but the focus was really around unity and doing our part for the planet together as a nation.  Leaving the Mall Air force One flew over our head.  Bush was leaving Washington.  Everyone sang the song, na na na na na hey hey hey...good-bye.  Here's to new beginnings!

Thousands of uplifted Americans crowded the streets of D.C. Music filled the streets and Obama souvenirs were everywhere...Obama cologne, Obama hand puppets, Obama puzzels.  Basically, Obama everything.  One of my favorite moments was watching a middle-aged white man in a suit dancing to the drums with an African American women.  That captured the essence of D.C. on Jan. 20th. 

 " "

See Jane Do Goes to Washington DC: I Saw Barack Obama!

We headed down the street to see if we might catch the Presidential Parade.  The parade was completely fenced off with minimal entrance gates.  As a result, the lines were extremely long.  Leta and Jesse waited over two hours to get into the parade.  Their view was obstructed but they captured the most moving moment of the day.  Two 16 year olds who were overcome with emotion when President Obama and Michelle Obama walked by.  One of the girls stood on a trash can to get a full view.  "I saw Barack Obama, yes I did...he was so handsome and beautiful...I don't know what to say", she said shaking with excitement.

 

Michelle and I just happened to find a gate that had just opened and we were inside the parade within minutes!  We were led across the street and directed to bleacher seats.  Bleacher seats that are typically only available to ticket holders. 

Snipers stood atop every roof top and secret service were everywhere.  Two freezing hours later the press truck turned the corner.   A man behind me yelled "He's walking, he's walking.  Oh my god, he's walking"!  President Barack Obama walked right in front of us...no more than 50 feet away.  Vice President Joe Biden followed in his footsteps.  Unfortunately most of us left the parade and many missed the rest of the events.  At that point the sun was going down and after eight hours standing outside we sought warmth indoors and reconnected with Jesse and Leta.  " "

Elated from the days events so far we spoke with Laura Brown from The Union.  The See Jane Do story was on the front page along with a beautiful photo of my parents and youngest daughter Payton who were watching the Inauguration from a local restaurant in Grass Valley with a group of Obama supporters.

See Jane Do Makes Peace in D.C.

 

Considering our luck over the day I suggested we stop by the Peace Ball to see if we might get into the event with media credentials.  At the entrance to the Smithsonian National Postal Museum stood a dozen Code Pink activists.  They were very organized and attended many of the inaugural events decked out in pink and adorned with signs supporting peace.  I loved their can can dance.  I spoke with one of the very kind event managers who after waiting for twenty minutes said "it's your lucky day" and all four of us were invited in. 

 

 

Holly Near was playing along with Emma's Revolution.  Listen to our interview with Pat Murphies on KVMR this Wed. between 1:00-2:00 P.M.  Peace activist and performer, Harry Belafonte asked all of us to turn to a stranger and tell them what we were going to do to help renew America.  Comedian and activist Dick Gregory a VIP at the inaugural events said he received a call that the secret service was going to pick him up.  "Is that the same secret service in Dallas...?  I think I'll get my own ride". There wasn't a dry eye in sight when Joan Baez took to the stage and led a sing-a-long to Lennon's Imagine.  Eve Ensler of Vagina Monologues said this was a time for openings and Alice Walker shared brief but inspiring thoughts on new beginnings.  An absolute highlight of the Peace Ball was wrapping up the day dancing to Michael Franti singing his Obama song, his younger son by his side. 

 

Following interviews with Laura Flandersof GRITtv and Navasha Daya of Fertile Ground we left Washington D.C. at 1:30 A.M.  feeling an overwhelming sense of excitement and ready for a four hour drive to New York City.  After an amazing week I was ready to return home to my family and prepare the continuation of my plan of action to restore hope and unity within my community.

See Jane Do is featuring a special program on KVMR Wed. January 28th, 2009 from 1:00-2:00 P.M. highlighting our experience in D.C. and sharing the stories of the incredible women we met.  For a sneak preview listen to a recent interview with See Jane Do on the KVMR evening news . 

What does the inauguration mean to you and what are you going to do to make a difference?  Let us know at [email protected].

Jane Mail

Hi there Elisa and Leta --
 
I am impressed by the good work you are doing on behalf of the planet!  I am a mother of two girls (Elli, 6 and Bella, 3) and have been an environmental activist for 20 years, serving most recently as the deputy director of the Center for a New American Dream.  I quit that job in the fall so that I could dedicate myself full-time to promotion of the re-release of the New York Times' best-selling book Your Money or Your Life.  Although I didn't write the original edition of that book, I am a co-author for the current version and believe this book ties in very well to your latest project.  I am now in the process of creating a new non-profit, The MoneyLife Institute, which will encourage Americans to increase their savings, reduce their consumption, and benefit the planet by implementing the nine-step program in Your Money or Your Life.  The following are brief answers to the questions you posed below:
 
1.  I am currently putting my passion into positive action to restore the planet by participating in a national book tour on behalf of Your Money or Your Life.  I just got back yesterday from several talks in NC, and will be doing about a dozen radio interviews this week.  I am now creating study guide groups across the country to help people increase their savings and help their money reflect their values by practicing the steps in Your Money or Your Life.
 
2.  Everyday women can participate in this work by reading Your Money or Your Life and talking to others about how their relationship with money was transformed as a result.  We are currently creating a nationwide network of volunteers whom we are encouraging to host study guide groups and to speak publicly about the book. 
 
3.  Everyday women should be concerned and involved because they need to be knowledgeable and sophisticated about money issues.  Women who do not have sufficient savings or a healthy understanding of money can easily become beholden to ill-suited jobs or mates because they are financially dependent upon them. 
 
4.  The inauguration is a time of incredible excitement because, for the first time in my adult life, we have elected a leader whom I completely trust and respect. 
 
5.  I just started blogging on www.yourmoneyoryourlife.info.
 
 Best!
 
Monique Tilford

Jane Mail

Hi, Elisa and Leta.

 

I saw your post on the DC EcoWomen listserv and wanted to share my story.

 

I've loved nature and playing outside for all of my life. But I didn't know much about environmental issues until a couple of years ago. I was dating someone who is very environmentally conscious, and he piqued my curiosity to learn more. I started by reading a lot on my own - books, blogs, news, nonprofits' action alerts, etc.  I'm still learning, almost every day.

 

As my awareness has grown, I've become convinced that we need to act quickly to change the direction the planet's headed. I believe we need to change both our lightbulbs and our leaders, and that we'll make progress most quickly if more people make the transition I did from being barely aware to taking action.

 

So late last fall I started a blog, Leafing Out (http://leafingout.org), to raise awareness and to communicate the many side benefits of going green. Written for everyday women and men, the blog explains environmental issues and shares practical reasons and ways to go green, with an emphasis on how the green lifestyle can make their lives better. Everyday women and men can participate by reading the blog, commenting on it to start a dialogue, sharing it with others, and taking it and similar communicatons to heart.

 

In addition, I have my own business doing writing and Web strategy and recently passed up an opportunity for a part-time job, partly so that I'd have time available to devote to work with environmental clients. I'm now spending a few days a week going to environmental-related networking events, seminars, and the like to continue learning about the issues and to make contacts. Ultimately I'd like to transition my work to online campaigns that encourage the general public to take environmental action.

 

In the past year, I've also started making lifestyle changes--taking public transportation and walking or biking more, making home improvements to boost energy and water conservation, switching to green cleaners, spending more food dollars on local and organic food, buying organic or recycled clothing where possible, and more. I've changed a lot and am still making improvements, heading steadily toward a greener way of living.

 

To me, Obama's election means two things - that the government soon will have a leader who leads on environmental issues rather than blocks progress, and that Americans have embraced the concept of change. This is an exciting time. I think (and hope!) the enviornmental movement will grow in leaps and bounds. A girlfriend and I will be biking to the inauguration; when Obama is sworn in, I want to be part of the great collective cheer that rises up to the sky! That night, three of us girls will celebrate at an inaugural ball.

 

Thanks for all that you are doing to spread the word. If you'd like any further information from me, you are welcome to contact me.  Thanks again, and welcome to D.C.  We are glad to have you here.  Enjoy the inauguration!

 

Best regards,

Donna Childress

 

Donna Childress
Writing & Web Strategy
Leafing Out, green blog: http://leafingout.org

Childress Creative, LLC: www.childresscreative.com

A Wild and Scenic Weekend for See Jane Do

See Jane Do went wild last weekend as we participated in SYRCL's Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival based right in our home town of Nevada City, CA.  Not only does the festival feature hundreds of informative and inspiring films but the event is the largest environmental film festival in the United States.

We discovered that female film makers are making their mark in the field when it comes to environmental related films and over 60% of the participants at the festival are women, according to former SYRCL director and festival coordinator Janet Cohen.

We were fortunate enough to meet two incredible everyday extraordinary women who participated in the festival events and were acknowledged for taking a stand and doing their part for the planet.

Activist Rachel Barge, director of Campus In Power convinced us that there is a new generation of women who are equally concerned with the condition of our planet.  Rachel was awarded the Brower Youth Awards for her achievements in co-creating the Green Initiative Fund, which successfully secured $2 million for sustainability projects on campus.  She is now consulting with other universities around the United States to establish sustainable practices on campus.  Did we mention she is 23 years old?

Several of the films at the festival focused on mining.  This is a subject near and dear to our hearts since our community is considering re-opening the Idaho-Maryland Mine in Grass Valley, CA.  We were determined to find women who are taking a stance against the destruction of mining and we found her...Lydia Olympic.  Lydia was featured in the moving and sobering film, Red Gold.  As a tribal activist she is taking the lead to fight the development of a proposed mine in her community.  Her town just happens to be located on Bristol Bay home to the most populated Salmon Runs in the world.  Her primary motivation was inspired by her mother who at 84 years old still fishes, hunts and gathers berries to sustain her family.

See Jane Do will feature these everyday extraordinary women in our upcoming episodes.  Be sure to tune in to "Jane Takes a Stand" on KVMR.  What will you take a stand for this year?  Tell us your story at [email protected].