April is for Growing: 10th anniversary edition

Did you know that 350Brooklyn turns 10 years old this year? What better way to celebrate than to donate to our April is for Growing campaign to ensure that we stick around for another 10! Consider donating to 350Brooklyn in the month of April OR support one of our 10 activists who have created mini-campaigns as part of these efforts. And on Sunday, April 29, come by the Farmers Market on 5th Avenue and 4th Street in Park Slope, where Kathy will be selling vibrant plants, Molly will sell delicious baked goods, and Sara will offer jigsaw puzzles, all to support April Is for Growing!

Climate and your closet

Wednesday, May 14th at 6pm • Central Brooklyn Library at Grand Army Plaza

Rachel Ceruti from FabScrap and Sammy Cousino from Remake will share their ideas for climate-friendly, worker-friendly, clothing in this second edition of 350Brooklyn's series, "Facing the Future: Building Resilience in NYC." Apparel accounts for 10% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions, and the industry is notorious for its exploitative working conditions. Learn about policies and practices that can help refashion the fashion industry. This is an in-person event, so no need to register. Just come and bring a friend!

Meet Marc; a Power Hour volunteer

Our tenth anniversary celebration of 350Bk's great volunteers continues with one of the stalwarts of our Power Hour team, Marc, shown above with two Power Hour organizers, Sarah and Delia. Marc has worn many hats since he joined 350Bk in 2016 but is a particular fan of Power Hour because it is both concrete and accessible. Marc is proud of the major climate legislation PH has helped pass. At a time when much seems overwhelming, Marc says, "I take comfort in the idea that my responsibility is in the trying: the results are none of my business. Climate change is too big and too important to sit out. Once you understand the severity of our situation, how can you not act?"

Climate finance campaign success

The global insurance giant Chubb, has ruled out insuring EACOP (the East African Crude Oil Pipeline), becoming the 30th major insurer to reject the controversial project. This comes after years of pressure from the global StopEACOP campaign, frontline communities in Uganda and Tanzania, and dozens of global solidarity actions at Chubb offices from NYC to the UK. 350BK People vs. Fossil Fuels workgroup has helped lead three major actions and meetings to bring awareness of the #StopEACOP campaign to NYC. The fight continues to StopEACOP from building its carbon bomb.

RESIST!

Defending Free Speech, The Right to Assemble, and Due Process

The arrest of Mahmoud Khalil marked a chilling escalation in the Trump administration’s campaign to criminalize dissent and erase the distinction between antisemitism and criticism of the Israeli government. Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate of Columbia University, was kidnapped by plainclothes DHS agents outside his home without a warrant, legal justification, or due process. His only “crime”? Helping lead peaceful protests against the war on Gaza—an act now apparently punishable under an administration that equates any criticism of Israeli policy with support for terrorism. This is forced disappearance, political imprisonment, and a direct assault on the First Amendment.

Let’s be clear: Mahmoud Khalil is not just a political prisoner—he is a warning. If the state can disappear a green card holder in front of his pregnant wife for organizing protests, it can do it to any of us. The administration’s weaponization of antisemitism to silence voices raised against the atrocities against the Palestinian people is not just dishonest; it is dangerous. It erases the meaning of real antisemitism, undermining efforts to combat actual hatred while turning the machinery of the state against peaceful activists. Democracy cannot survive if we allow fear, silence, and appeasement to take the place of courage. We must demand freedom for Khalil—not just for his sake, but for the future of our rights.

How Can We Educate Ourselves and Take Action?

Watch and reflect. The documentary The Encampments featuring Mahmoud Khalil and the Columbia student protests is currently playing at select theaters.
Learn what antisemitism is—and what it isn’t by taking a training with ParCEO to deepen your understanding.
Learn what antizionism is—and what it isn’t by attending a free event on the subject.
- Zionism; from the Personal to the Geopolitical; May 10, 12-2pm (Chapel): A panel discussion on Zionism with author Suzanne Ross and humanitarian Ellen Isaacs, donations are welcomed, First Unitarian Congregational Society, 119 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn Heights.
Take political action.
- Know your rights as a protestor and reach out to your representative to demand they speak up in Congress to protect free speech and due process for all.
- Use this tool from Jewish Voice for Peace to urge your representatives to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil and other student activists.

FROM OUR FRIENDS AND ALLIES

Empowering Brooklyn’s green future!

Brooklyn College • Wednesday, April 23rd • 3:30-5:30pm

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and other panelists will address energy affordability, climate resilience, electrification initiatives, and sustainability programs tailored to Brooklyn’s diverse demographic. Woody Tanger Auditorium in the Brooklyn College library, 2900 Bedford Avenue. (Photo from AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib.)

Teach for Climate Justice webinar

Wednesday, April 23rd • 6pm

Teachers, students, parents and youth allies: Here's a chance to share stories, aspirations and ideas for teaching for climate justice and learn how Teach For Climate Justice can support your work. Register for the webinar online to save your spot!

Park Slope Food Coop: A plastic reduction committee

Tuesday, April 29th • 7pm

Members can show up at the Park Slope Food Coop's general meeting to support a proposal for a membership vote to create a new Plastic Reduction Committee. The coop is often in the vanguard on environmental practices, so reducing plastics there could have a strong ripple effect. (Photo from Brooklyn Daily Eagle.)

Hochul: Build public renewables now!

Urge Governor Hochul to build publicly owned renewable energy! We need her to enforce the 2023 Build Public Renewables Act, which requires the state to build publicly owned renewable energy if the private sector fails to build enough to meet New York’s climate commitments under the 2019 Climate and Community Protection Act. We've fought long and hard for these laws, but Hochul is not enforcing them. Sign the petition to keep up the pressure!

Affordability of Energy: The crisis and the solution

Wednesday, May 7th • 7pm

New Yorkers have had enough of the delays and incrementalism in funding and implementing—and now proposals to undo—our landmark NYS Climate Law. What is needed at this time of crisis is dynamic leadership showing us what CAN be done—and must be done—if there is the political will to do it. Join this convo with climate leader McKibben and Lt. Governor and likely candidate for governor, Anthony Delgado.

No North Brooklyn Pipeline: Send a comment

Join NonBkPipeline's fight for a 21st century energy system. Submit a comment to Governor Hochul and the NY Public Service Commission demanding they reject National Grid's Long-Term Gas Plan Proposal and launch a new proceeding to address the need for gas reduction as its sole focus.

Get involved in one of our workgroups!

350Brooklyn is volunteer-powered. At the heart of these efforts are our campaigns and committees. Follow the links below for more information on how to join.

Arts Ideas and Events organizes special events and field trips; identifies topics and arranges speakers for 350Brooklyn member meetings; and creates art, props and costumes for rallies and parades. We welcome your ideas and talents. Email us at [email protected].

Climate Check Stories and Solutions is 350Brooklyn’s podcast. Each monthly episode breaks down the climate crisis through conversations with local climate activists and community organizers. We discuss individual climate stories and pinpoint policies and local actions that can lead us to a healthier climate and a more just society—from fighting pipelines to working with nature and everything in-between. Email us at [email protected].

350BK Families is part of the Climate Families NYC coalition which aims to make climate activism accessible to parents and families. Our activities bring children, youth, and their adults together to fight for a livable future in age appropriate ways. Email us at [email protected].

Legislation focuses on passing significant climate legislation in Albany and in Washington. We develop relationships with local officials, research key issues, and participate in tactics like rallies and phone relays. email [email protected].

The Media Committee is 350Brooklyn's all-around in-house media team. We write copy, design graphics, run 350BK's social media channels and website, edit our biweekly community newsletter, and oversee creative initiatives like the new 350Brooklyn e-magazine Parts Per Million. Get in touch at [email protected].

People vs. Fossil Fuels/350BK is an action focused-group that works with the national PvFF coalition calling on President Biden to declare a climate emergency, stop approving fossil fuel leases and exports, and support the work of frontline communities across the country. Join us to have fun while we fight the black snake! Learn about the national coalition: peoplevsfossilfuels.org. Email: [email protected]

Plastic Free works to eliminate plastic pollution and reduce reliance on single-use plastic products. We meet monthly via Zoom, and work on a variety of projects including legislative lobbying efforts, campaigns promoting going plastic free, and neighborhood efforts to reduce waste. Email us at [email protected].

Renewable Brooklyn College is part of the citywide movement to decarbonize CUNY campuses. 350Brooklyn is working with faculty and staff to turn Brooklyn College into a renewable hub that can help relieve the area’s overstressed grid while serving as a local pilot project for making the transition from fossil fuels to renewables. Email [email protected] to get involved.

No time but able to donate? While we are an affiliate of 350.org, we are programmatically independent and our financial support comes solely from our members. Can you offer financial support, at any level? Donate here.

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