As we approach the final hours before the March to ReEnergize Iowa kickoff, I started to get shivers about the event. No, that’s not just because our office building is far too air conditioned (which we don’t have control over). We have been out here in Iowa working full time for nine weeks to make this vision a kickass reality and it is finally going to happen. This morning we gathered around the office phone to call our compatriots out in New Hampshire and wish them good luck as they prepared for their kickoff tonight. In two days, hundreds of citizens in Iowa and New Hampshire will be walking in a physical demonstration of our commitment to real global warming solutions. The energy in the air after our groups checked in with each other was tangible.
Before I came out to Iowa, my friends and family asked me if this project would be at all effective in influencing national action on global warming. I’ll admit, I had my doubts, but the last few weeks have proven those doubts unfounded. The march is more than just a 32 miles walk over four days. Over the course of the summer we have built a coalition of 34 organizations and even more organizations who support our efforts. These groups include groups like the Chinese Association of Iowa, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the Iowa Farmer’s Union. Although we didn’t start the discussion about global warming in Iowa (not by a long shot) we have been able to elevate the level of conversation taking place out here. And through the march, we are able to bring together some of Iowa’s most expert and influential leaders on climate issues.
The complete schedule of events is on our website, but I want to highlight some of the most exciting programs.
- At our kickoff on Thursday, we will start at Reiman Gardens on the Iowa State University campus with a walk through their Biofuels tour.
- On Friday, we will do a community service energy project, where we will give each household in the town of Alleman a compact fluorescent lightbulb to replace an incandescent bulb.
- On Saturday, we will hold issue-based workshops with local leaders and experts on global warming and 1) coal, 2) industry/trade and 3) biofuels
- At our final rally in Downtown Des Moines at 3pm we will have both David Foster, Executive Director of the Blue Green Alliance and NASA’s Dr. James Hansen (originally from Dennison, Iowa) as our keynote speakers.
After nine weeks of working with seven other incredibly talented and inspiring organizers, I have no doubt that we will pull off an amazing event. And while the March is incredibly exciting, this is not the end to our work. Global warming will not stop on August 5th at our rallies, but the rallies can and should be jumping off points for spurring further action. We have a lot of work to go, but this weekend will allow our call to action to resonate across the country.
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