It’s Getting Hot In Here

“James Ross Clemens, a cousin of mine, was seriously ill two or three weeks ago in London, but is well now. The report of my illness grew out of his illness, the report of my death was an exaggeration.” - Mark Twain, May 1897

Some of you may have been confused by rumors and emails lately about developments at Focus the Nation. We want to assure you, like Mark Twain, that the report of our death was an exaggeration.

Focus the Nation is very much alive, going forward as a project of the Green House Network, its nonprofit sponsor. We have a great new office in downtown Portland, Oregon - if you’re in the neighborhood, come visit!

Following the success of Focus the Nation on more than 1,900 campuses and other locations around the country last January 31, we sought feedback from campus organizers and leaders of the youth climate movement, and based on what we heard from you, we are building a program of sustained engagement with the young leaders, on campus and off, who are shaping our generation’s response to the climate crisis and the opportunities to build a clean energy future.

Here are a few of the things that Focus the Nation is up to:

• Climate Ride 2008 - Focus is participating in a climate conference on wheels September 20-24 beginning in New York City and ending with a day of action on Capitol Hill.
• 100 Days of Engagement - Green democracy everywhere! We’re working with people like you all around the country to engage every member of congress with young people to discuss clean energy priorities during the first 100 days.
• Supporting youth leaders - building on Project Slingshot, we’re working to expand our support of young people making climate solutions into reality.
• Check out our Get Involved page for more ways to take action.

A teach-in was a wonderful way to engage students, professors, and staff at thousands of institutions around the country in a day of mutual learning dedicated to solutions to the climate crisis. We’ve learned from thousands of you who made last year’s events such a success that you are ready to take the next steps — on your campuses, in your communities, and in your own lives — to show the world what a just and prosperous clean energy future will look like.

We plan to help our generation meet this unprecedented challenge, and to help you succeed in your efforts. Please send us an update about what you are doing, and how we can amplify your success. And, if you can do so, support us as we join forces with the youth movement that is going to shape our future.

By the way, Mark Twain hasn’t actually joined Focus the Nation. But you knew that, right?

- The Focus the Nation Team

Minna Brown, Director of Outreach
Alex Tinker, Director of Civic Engagement
Laura Westwood, Director of Development
Bill Barnes, Board Chair
Tony Dennis, Board Member
Jonas Kron, Board Member
Terryl Ross, Board Member
Indigo Teiwes, Board Member
Lisa Weasel, Board Member
Ted Wolf, Board Member