56 years ago, we celebrated the first Earth Day. During that short time: Millions of activists worldwide have and continue to work for climate justice
politicians on both sides of the aisle and at all levels of government have
gorged themselves on bribes from fossil fuel tycoons
The U.S. and other industrialized nations continue fighting wars over fossil
fuels and kowtow to oligarchs and tyrants
97-99% of climate scientists agree that:
o global warming is no longer a threat – it’s the present and future reality
of planet Earth, and
o we and our descendants will endure this wounded environment forever.
Related Events continue through this week:
Tree Toga – Saturday, April 25, 9:00 am – 11:30 am, Pitney Meadows
Community Farm 223 West Ave, Saratoga Springs. Join us and help plant the
next generation of large-growing shade trees in Saratoga Springs!
Sign up here: https://sustainablesaratoga.org/tree-toga/
How to support our efforts – VOLUNTEER to:
o PLANT a tree with us (a family-friendly activity)
o SET UP and help with traffic
Renewable Heat Now! is a campaign organized by several climate change,
environmental justice and energy affordability groups, focused on the adoption
of ground-source (geothermal) and air-source heat pumps in NY.
o Link: https://renewableheatnow.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/S.-
4158-Krueger-A.-4870A-Simon-1.pdf
IndivisibleADK/Saratoga’s Climate Action Team:
https://indivisibleadksaratoga.org/climateaction
o Sponsoring writing post cards urging Governor Hochul to fund
renewable energy and divest from fossil fuels
Resources (information available at Sunday’s Service):
Bill McKibben
o Here Comes the Sun: WBUR (NPR – Boston) video link:
https://www.wbur.org/events/1030942/here-comes-the-sun-bill-mckibben
o Bill’s quotes (Don’t be an individual, join something) are exactly what
we need to hear: https://quotefancy.com/bill-mckibben-quotes
o ThirdAct: https://thirdact.org/about/
UU Climate Action video from Rev. Lee Bluemel, Minister, North Parish
Unitarian Universalist, North Andover, MA:
o Over 30 of our members participated in making this Climate Change
Music Video. Bill McKibben (350.org, Third Act) saw it and exclaimed,
“This is fantastic!” Please watch the video, share it with your members
on an earth-focused Sunday, and pass the video and the lyrics along to
your music or social & climate justice teams. It’s a great video/song to
add to your justice toolbox.
o You are OUR Sunshine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8yC9Sh4qz0
Consider this:
o 1990 – President George H.W. Bush declares the First Gulf
War/Operation Desert Storm, saying: Our jobs, our way of life would
suffer… translation: blood for oil
o 36 years later, we’re blundering through another war to feed our
addiction and make our home unfit for humans and other species
o Contrast the 60 – 24 mile-wide Strait of Hormuz with the 93 million
mile open highway delivering unlimited free energy to our pale blue dot.
o Oh, and then, there’s the wind…
Ongoing:
UUA Common Read: Social Change Now by Deepa Iyer:
https://www.uua.org/lifespan/curricula/read/social-change-now
o Copy of the book and signup sheet in the sanctuary
UU the Vote (UUTV) Focuses on Deepening Commitment to Democracy in
2026The Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) nonpartisan civic
engagement initiative begins its 2026 organizing effort – Links:
o https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/uuthevote-2026launch
o https://sidewithlove.org/democracy
o UUC-SS members signed up and will take part in upcoming events,
launching next Wednesday April 29.
“Saturday Vigils,” Noon to 1:00 p.m. (Post Office @ Broadway, Lake, &
Church). Despite the city’s construction barricades at all four corners, enjoy
warm fellowship, inspiration, and cheers from drivers, passersby, furry friends
and neighbors
Monthly Social Justice Social Hour – fourth Thursday of the month from
6:00 -7:30 pm, at the Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman Street, $5 temporary
membership to meet, support, and collaborate with good troublemakers.
New York Health Act flyers: https://www.pnhpnymetro.org/action4nyha
SSNY Social Justice Community Clearinghouse:
https://www.ourlodgefoundation.org/quick-clicks
Cheers,
The Social Justice Gang
“Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism. And when you face a politics that
aspires to make you fearful, alienated, and isolated, joy is a fine initial act of
insurrection.” – Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark