Peace Corps Polyglot

Wanted: RPCV Climate Testimonies

For the Peace Corps community, concerns about climate change extend far beyond our national borders. Nicaragua RPCV Jenny Lowe (pictured above) thinks often of the students and friends she worked with as an environmental education volunteer in San Juan de Limay between 2000-2002 - not long after Hurricane Mitch.

RPCV Hannah Danto says "unlike large, ecologically diverse countries, Kiribati (the island nation where she served from 2006-08) will no longer exist" if the threat of climate change is not curtailed.  "Many elders tell tales of the change and destruction of their homeland, areas of the island which were once lush with trees and are now underwater...What will happen to the 90,000 natives?" 

The devastating impacts go beyond climate to culture as well.  So notes Peru RPCV Gregory Hochstetter who says global warming is impacting water supplies in the high plains of the Andes, where accelerated snowmelt from the mountains is impacting water supplies.  "With less water these communities cannot grow and people end up moving to cities, which means a loss of their cultural identity."

Send us your climate testimonies.  We are seeking 350 testimonies in advance of the October 24th International Day of Climate Action.  Send us a photo of impacted people around the world, or a brief commentary on communities impacted by or taking action to combat climate change.

This is your opportunity to take a simple action to share your voice with the world.  Follow this link to share your testimony today.

Annd...He's Off! Climate Activist Starts Tour to Connect with Fellow RPCVs

Minnesota RPCV Paul Thompson (Malaysia 70-73) cares deeply about the need for U.S. leadership and global action on climate change. 

An avid Flying Disc enthusiast, Paul is on his way to Jacksonville for the World Flying Disc Federation Championships, and then to Washington for a regional competition.  He wanted to put his stops along the way to good use and thus, a "Climate Conversations" tour was launched.

Starting Friday in Rockford Illinois and ending July 23rd in Milwaukee, Paul will be hosting a series of informal gatherings that are being planned to connect with RPCVs and others who are concerned about the need to address the climate crisis.  Climate conversations will be held in the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and in the District of Columbia.  Check out the itinerary and forward it to others - RPCVs or otherwise!

We hope to connect with RPCVs and others who are interested in taking action including:

• working with other international based groups planning local meetings with congressional leaders to urge that climate legislation include adequate support for impoverished nations.
• making plans to organize events October 24th in connection with 350.org 

If you are not in the vicinity of these climate conversations but want to find out how you can help, contact advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org or join our group on Peace Corps Connect. 

RPCV Road Trip for Climate Awareness, Action

We are excited to share with you the upcoming trip of RPCV activist Paul Thompson (Malaysia 1970-73). Paul is a dedicated advocate who has connected his passion for health and wellness with an urgency to protect the climate. Paul will be traveling through 10 cities in July, with stops along the way to connect with local RPCVs about this critical moment for U.S. policy on climate change.  Paul has generously given of his time to create this trip, which we hope you can be a part of. There are still lots of details being worked out but read below to see the cities that Paul will be visiting.

RPCV Climate Conversations Itinerary

• Friday, July 3rd Rockford, IL
• Friday, July 3rd Indianapolis, IN

Event details: Come join Paul at Panera Bread from 5 pm- 7 pm

(Try to come at 5 but make it anytime before 7)
6055 N Keystone Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana  46220 

• Saturday, July 4th Bowling Green, KY
• Wednesday, July 8th Jacksonville, FL
• Monday, July 13th Beaufort, SC
• Tuesday, July 14th Columbia, SC
• Wednesday, July 15th Winston-Salem, NC
• Monday, July 20th Pittsburgh, PA

Event details: Come meet with Paul at Panera Bread 6 pm- 8 pm
(Try to come at 6 but make it anytime before 8)
1711 Murray Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  15217

• Tuesday, July 21st Columbus, OH
• Wednesday, July 22nd South Bend, IN

Event details:  Location to be announced, from 6 pm -8 pm
Contact Chris LeMaire, (574-243-1150), clemaire2@gmail.com

• Thursday, July 23rd Milwaukee, WI

If you have any questions, please contact Paul at ptflydisc@aol.com or Jonathan Pearson at jonathan@peacecorpsconnect.org

Take Action on Climate Change

Climate change is already having a devastating impact on impoverished nations, which are least responsible for the climate crisis and least able to cope with its impacts. 

Inthe House of Representatives, Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) is deciding this week on whether to provide funding in a climate bill to help millions of the world's most impoverished people to deal with the disproportionate impacts of climate change.

A "Dear Colleague" letter that your Congressman/woman can sign onto is circulating right now urging Congressman Waxman to include support for impoverished communities in comprehensive climate change legislation.  Please contact your Congressman/woman and urge them to sign this letter. 

This is how you can Take Action:

*This is a House of Representatives Action ONLY.  No phone calls/emails are needed to your Senators at this time. 

• If you are not sure who your Congressman/woman is, go to www.house.gov and enter your nine-digit zip code in the upper left corner.
• If you are a constituent of Representatives Payne (NJ), Faleomavaega (Amer. Samoa), McGovern (MA), Braley (IA) or McCollum (MN):  These lawmakers are authors of the letter.  Your message to them should be "THANK YOU for circulating a climate change Dear Colleague letter expressing the needs of the world's most vulnerable people."
• If you are a constituent of Representative Waxman, please urge him to "include funding provisions in climate change legislation to support and protect the world's most vulnerable people."
• For all other Reps, contact their Washington DC office and ask them to "sign the Payne Dear Colleague letter to provide support for the world's most impoverished people in coping with climate change."
• Please share this email with 5 - 10 other people you know and urge them to take action. 

Oxfam America has set up the following toll-free phone number for taking action:

1. Call 1-800-814-2608 NO LATER THAN TUESDAY, MARCH 31.
2. Tell the staff person who answers you're calling to "urge your Representative to sign the letter addressed to Chairman Waxman asking him to include in his bill international investments for a global solution to climate change."
3. After you have made your call, follow this link and report on your call to help track our impact.

*If you would like a copy of the Payne Dear Colleague Letter before you take action you can contact NPCA's Advocacy Team at advocacy@peacecorpsconnect.org.

 

RPCV Climate Leader Hits the Hill: Help Raise Her Voice

RPCV Key Chatterjee (Morocco 98-00) is among the panelists scheduled to appear at a Capitol Hill Briefing this Thursday entitled “A Call for Leadership: How Congress Can Enable a Global Deal on Climate Change.” Chatterjee, Deputy Director on Climate Change for the World Wildlife Fund – US, will be on a panel that will include leaders of the international development and environment NGO’s, including InterAction, Oxfam America, and the National Wildlife Federation.

Even though you can’t be there, you can help support this briefing by contacting the offices of your Senators and asking key staff to attend. All you need to do is call the toll-free number for the Capitol (1-877-851-6437) and ask to be connected to the office of your Senator.  Once connected, identify yourself by name and community, ask to speak to the staff responsible for climate change and leave this basic message: “I’m calling to ask you to attend an important briefing on the issue of climate change and international development. 

The briefing will be held on Thursday, January 29^th at 11 AM, in Room SC-4 of the Capitol. Here’s what InterAction says about the briefing: 

“The time has come for Congress to lead by guiding climate policy at home while directing and supporting efforts to confront climate change abroad.  Experts representing a diverse coalition of the international development, faith and environmental communities will brief lawmakers on the current state of the international climate debate, actions being taken by developing countries and emerging economies, and steps that Congress needs to take in preparation for upcoming negotiations in the fall of 2009 to finalize a new global agreement to tackle climate change.”

"Bay"-by it's Cold Outside?

RPCVs in Northern New England, the Midwest and other locations know all too well that winter still packs a powerful punch.  The phrase “global warming” gets a little confounding this time of year and is somewhat of a misnomer.  But taken as a whole, the scientific community has confirmed our planet is warming, leading to dangerously disruptive shifts in our climate patterns.

With that well in mind, five members of the Shriver Peaceworker affiliate group of the NPCA (pictured above) braved the cold on January 10 to participate in the annual “Keep Winter Cold” Polar Bear Plunge into the Chesapeake Bay.  They raised nearly $1,000 to support the ongoing work of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, led by Zaire RPCV Mike Tidwell.

“Wow, it's cold in the Bay!"  That was the reaction from Joby Taylor, a Gabon RPCV and Shriver Peaceworker Fellow from 1999 – 2001.  So why did he plunge?  "As RPCVs we have seen first hand many places and communities around the world that are disproportionately impacted by the effects of global climate change.  But much of the problem starts right here at home, so home is where we have to begin working for change.”

RPCV Voice at Global Climate Talks

As world leaders and global advocates consider how to effectively combat climate change, it's not surprising that some of the voices at the table have Peace Corps in their background.  That was the case during the most recent round of climate change negotiations in Poznan, Poland.

A recent Washington Post article quoted two prominent advocates who are RPCVs.  Keya Chaterjee, Deputy Director of Climate Change Programs for the World Wildlife Fund-US, served as a Morocco volunteer from 1998-2000.  The article also quoted Doug Boucher, a Costa Rica volunteer from 1971 to 1973 who directs the tropical forest climate initiative for the Union of Concerned Scientists.

If you are interested in connecting with other RPCVs taking action on climate change, contact advocacy@rpcv.org.

DC "Sisters on the Planet" Event Highlighted Global Climate Change

CARE, League of Women Voters, National Peace Corps Association, Oxfam America, Sojourners Magazine. What do all of these organizations have in common? – A commitment to fight climate change!

Oxfam America co-sponsored a DVD screening and panel discussion with the League of Women Voters and the John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Bringing together national and local organizations, this event not only inspired the attendees to continue and intensify their fight against climate change, but provided concrete information about the harsh effects of climate change on the world’s least fortunate.

The Oxfam America DVD, “Sisters on the Planet”, was previewed, highlighting four inspirational women around the world who work to combat the impacts of climate change in their communities. Giving insight into the situations of climate change effects in less developed communities and especially on women, this DVD only reinforced the call for adaptation funding.

Sharon Henshaw, one of the “sisters” in the DVD, joined representatives from Oxfam America and the League of Women Voter for a panel discussion and question and answer period, Henshaw delivered a touching, personal account of her experience during and after Hurricane Katrina ravaged her home. As the Executive Director of a local organization in Louisiana, Coastal Women for Change, she advocates for increased awareness and preparedness in the face of climate change, leaving us with the question, “What would you take with you if you only had one hour to pack up and go?”

After answering questions, the panel encouraged everyone to contact their representatives in Congress and urge support for adaptation funding. They also urged attendees to host their own “Sisters on the Planet” screening! Visit Oxfam America’s “Sisters on the Planet” website on more information on how to host a screening and to order your free copy of “Sisters on the Planet and contact Samantha (advocintern AT rpcv DOT org) to connect with other concerned RPCVs and find more resources on climate change and advocacy.

(In the photo: Sharon Hanshaw of the Coastal Women for Change in Biloxi, MS)

NPCA Holds Cyber-Conference Call for Climate Change

This past Wednesday, June 25th, the NPCA, in conjunction with Oxfam America, held its first cyber-conference call on Climate Change and Clean Energy. With over twenty participants from twelve states, the call successfully addressed the issue of climate change and how we, as Americans, can take action.

Joined by David Waskow, Climate Change Program Director for Oxfam America, the presentation focused on the international aspect of climate change. Adaptation funding is a key aspect of the issue, as developing nations are hit hardest by global warming and need the most support in adapting to its negative effects.

Anyone interested in the issue of climate change and clean energy is encouraged to listen to the recording of the conference call. Follow this link to watch and listen to the presentation, as well as hear the compelling question and answer forum that followed.

Register Now for NPCA/Oxfam Climate Change "Cyber Conference Call"

On Wednesday, June 25th starting at 8:30 PM (eastern time), the National Peace Corps Association will be holding a combined telephone and internet "cyber conference call" to discuss the upcoming advocacy projects on climate change and ways to get involved.

This conference is open to returned Peace Corps volunteers around the country as well as others you know who are concerned about climate change.  Special attention will focus on the disproportionate impact on developing countries and the important role the Peace Corps community can play in raising these concerns with opinion leaders and policy makers. Based on first-hand experience that RPCVs have with climate change impact on their countries of service, our community has the ability to make a strong statement and take significant action.

We will be joined by policy experts and campaigners from Oxfam America who will provide key background information and updates.  We will also outline and highlight key activities that will allow you to help move our nation forward in leadership on climate change.

We urge anyone concerned with this issue and willing to take action to join us! Contact us today at advocacy@rpcv.org to register for this exciting cyber-gathering of the Peace Corps community!