Dear John,
As we bring the year and decade to a close, it is definitely a time to reflect on the many changes that have happened over the past few years so we can build upon our collective wins and don’t repeat the many missteps and mistakes we’ve witnessed. While there have been so many negatives we could focus on, I believe that we would be remiss if we didn’t celebrate just a few of our successes in 2019: the continued rise of Indigenous voices in pipeline mitigation and water rights fights (and wins!) across the country, the impact of the Youth Climate Strikes around the world, and the continuing efforts here in the US and around the world as the Global Climate Strike activities continue to grow and engage a new community of youth and adult activists. The next decade, the Roaring (20)20’s, is upon us and with the support of allies like you, we are poised to usher in progressive policies to bring much-needed change after the 2020 elections.
In the New Year, many of PSN’s network member organizations will be focusing on supporting Get-Out-The-Vote efforts around the country to ensure that every eligible citizen is registered to vote and has their voice heard at the ballot box. The Power Shift 2021 Planning Committees will also be meeting crucial milestones as we lock down a location, date, and programming for the PS21 convergence. After the November elections wrap-up, we will be creating onramps for youth activists from intersectional movements at Power Shift 2021 which will be held within the first 100 days of the next presidential inauguration. We are asking for you to partner with us on our PS21 planning efforts as we create cutting-edge programming and training opportunities for young people who want to learn new skills or sharpen their existing skill-sets to continue to fight for climate, environmental, and social justice in their communities.
The vision and voices of young people can dismantle our current systems of oppression to create just transitions to a new economy that is rooted in compassion, sustainability, resilience, and equanimity. With the right skills, support, and coordination, young people will prove themselves to be the lynchpin that can turn the wheels of our society in the right direction, but we need your help and investment to build needed movement infrastructure for youth activists.
Please consider making your final act of giving for 2019 (and the decade)one that supports building power, knowledge, and support for young people at Power Shift 2021!
In Solidarity,
Nadya Dutchin
Interim Executive Director, PSN
