URGE CONGRESS TO REFORM THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Your letters and phone calls are needed to help make sure that reform provisions are included in the House of Representatives' version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2002. TAKE ACTION! Now is the time to reform the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers! Visit, http://www.americanrivers.org/takeaction/

The WRDA bill is the legislation that not only authorizes new Corps projects and studies, but it is also the legislative vehicle for implementing policy changes, such as the reforms proposed in the Corps Reform bills, S. 1987, S. 646, H.R. 1310, and H.R. 2353 (and a 5th bill introduced TODAY by Senator Tim Johnson of South Dakota that has not been given a number yet!). These reform measures would help ensure that the Corps reduces its negative impact on rivers. Examples of these reforms include requiring independent peer review of large or controversial Corps projects, mandating concurrent environmental mitigation, reducing the backlog of unconstructed Corps projects, and updating project planning guidelines to better protect the environment. These reforms will be a critical focus of debate when WRDA is considered. Your help is needed to ensure Congress does not pass WRDA this year without including these reforms.Committee Chairman Don Young (R-AK) has threatened to block the bill if these measures are adopted, but a coalition of Democratic and moderate Republican members of the Committee will push for these reforms. The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure may finalize the bill as early as next week, and then it will move to the floor for a full vote.Please call or email your member of Congress and urge them to include Corps Reform provisions in the House WRDA.TAKE ACTION by visiting www.americanrivers.org/takeaction/

You can also call your Representative (to get his/her number visit http://amriversaction.ctsg.com/directory/index.asp

or phone the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121).For more information on Corps Reform, please visit: http://www.amrivers.org/armycorpsreform

To review the Corps Reform bills and recommended reforms, visit http://www.amrivers.org/armycorpsreform/corpsreformlegislation.htm

Or   http://thomas.loc.gov

*************************************

Thank you for helping to protect and restore America's rivers. To contact American Rivers, email us at outreach@amrivers.org or call us at 202-347-7550, or toll free at 1-877-347-7550.

For the latest results of your actions, visithttp://www.americanrivers.org/feature/actionupdates.htm

To update your information, please visithttp://amriversaction.ctsg.com/profileEditor

Encourage friends to become online river activists by visiting http://www.americanrivers.org/takeaction

To become a member of American Rivers, visithttp://www.americanrivers.org/joindonate

A Bi-weekly Update from Defenders of Wildlife: Working to Save Wildlife and Wild Lands ANOTHER FOX IN THE HENHOUSE: Official with bizarre views to run forest fire plan OPEN SEASON ON WOLVES: Wyoming would kill them like jackrabbits or skunks JENNINGS RESPONDS: Outpouring of protests prompts reply from ABC News anchor BEARS NEED YOUR HELP: 'Adopt' a bear to help save creatures of the forest SAVE KENAI REFUGE: Big Oil targets pristine land in Alaska RESCUING THE SWIFT FOX: 20 more of speedy animals released into wild CARNIVORES 2002: Scientists to speak at Defenders' conference 1. ANOTHER FOX IN THE HENHOUSE: Official with bizarre views to run forest fire plan Environmentalists have been saying all along that the Bush administration's so-called Healthy Forests initiative is a poorly disguised attempt to open more of our few remaining pristine woodlands to logging. For evidence, just look at who's been appointed to head the program -- Allan Fitzsimmons, a policy analyst for ultraconservative "think tanks." Fitzsimmons has criticized religious groups for embracing the importance of biological diversity. He once wrote that if all 1,200 of the species listed as endangered or threatened in this country were to go extinct tomorrow, it "would be a disconcerting loss but would not constitute a crisis." The Senate could vote this week on the Bush plan to heavily log our national forests in the name of fire prevention. Environmentalists are for protecting people and property by clearing small trees and brush near communities, but the administration wants to chop down large trees deep in our forests to enrich the timber industry. Urge your senators to oppose the Bush plan. If you haven't already, visit www.denaction.org and respond to Alert #181. 2. OPEN SEASON ON WOLVES: Wyoming would kill them like jackrabbits or skunks Wyoming's politicians are making their true feelings known toward endangered gray wolves. They want to allow the unrestricted killing of these magnificent animals throughout most of the state. To make hunting legal, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has voted to seek an end to federal protections for wolves. "That means the wolf could be killed anytime, anywhere, and by any means - the same as a coyote, jackrabbit or skunk ..." the Associated Press reports. To send a petition to Interior Secretary Gale Norton urging her not to strip wolves of their federal protections, go to www.savewolves.org. 3. JENNINGS RESPONDS: Outpouring of protests prompts reply from ABC News anchor ABC's one-sided report on wolves in Idaho, giving voice to extremists who want to kill them, is fueling anti-wolf fanatics like those in Wyoming. The ABC report has prompted an outpouring of protests from DEN members and other wildlife supporters. ABC News was hit with so many e-mails that Peter Jennings was forced to respond. If you were angry when you saw the program, wait until you read Jennings' e-mail by clicking here http://www.defenders.org/newsroom/jennings.html Tell ABC and Jennings that you support saving America's wolves for future generations. To make your voice heard, click here http ://abcnews.go.com/sections/wnt/WorldNewsTonight/WNT_newemail_form.html . 4. BEARS NEED YOUR HELP: 'Adopt' a bear to help save creatures of the forest "Adopt" a black or brown bear today and help save a life! Bears are threatened by the Bush administration's attempts to clear-cut our forests. Defenders is leading efforts to save the creatures of the forest, but we need your help. Your sponsorship donation will help support our efforts to safeguard bears and the forests they call home. To "adopt" a bear, visit our Wildlife Adoption Center at http://www.defenders.org/adopt/ Save Wildlife and Money at the Same Time! Help save America's imperiled wildlife when you purchase Defenders' checks and accessories from Classic Checks. Select either wild wonderful wolves or delightful cavorting dolphins to grace your checks and send a conservation message with every check you write! Save up to 50 percent off what your bank charges for checks. Click here to order http://www.defenders.org/den/checks.ht ml . 5. SAVE KENAI REFUGE: Big Oil targets pristine land in Alaska While the Senate is refusing for now to allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Big Oil is targeting a pristine corner of another Alaska wildlife refuge - Kenai. The Kenai peninsula is known as "little Alaska" because it contains every geologic feature and wildlife habitat found in the rest of the state - and most of the species as well. Part of the refuge is already marred by oil and gas drilling, and that has resulted in hundreds of thousands of gallons of toxic spills. Help save this spectacular land from more for-profit exploitation. Go to www.denaction.org and respond to Alert #185. 6. RESCUING THE SWIFT FOX: 20 more of speedy animals released into wild Twenty swift foxes were released last week onto the Blackfeet Indian Reservation on the high plains of northern Montana -- part of Defenders of Wildlife's efforts to rescue the animal from extinction in that state. Nearly 140 swift foxes have now been freed into the wild since 1998, and they are well on their way to reclaiming their niche on more than a million acres of tribal land. "It is very encouraging to know that these foxes are once again roaming the grasslands where they belong," Defenders of Wildlife President Rodger Schlickeisen said. To read our interview with Defenders of Wildlife's Minette Johnson about this innovative project, click here http://www.defenders.org/wildlife/new/meso/montana.html 7. CARNIVORES 2002: Scientists to speak at Defenders' conference Defenders of Wildlife is sponsoring a major three-day conference on marine and terrestrial carnivores. Called "Carnivores 2002 - From the Mountains to the Sea: A Conference on Carnivore Biology and Conservation," it will be held Nov. 17-20 in Monterey, Calif. It will bring together top scientists, natural resource agency personnel, educators and advocates to discuss carnivore conservation and biology. For more information, click here http://www.defenders.org/carnivores200 2/ . CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO DENLINES DENlines is a bi-weekly update of Defenders of Wildlife, a leading national conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. It is known for its effective leadership on endangered species issues, particularly predators such as brown bears and gray wolves. Defenders also advocates new approaches to wildlife conservation that protect species before they become endangered. Founded in 1947, Defenders is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with more than 400,000 members and supporters. To unsubscribe, send an e-mail to denlines@defenders.org and put the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. Defenders of Wildlife 1101 14th Street, N.W. Suite 1400 Washington, DC 20005 Copyright Defenders of Wildlife 2002

AIR FORESTS HEALTH & COMMUNITIES INTERNATIONAL OCEANS PUBLIC LANDS WATER WILDLIFE

IN THIS ISSUE:   Wildfire prevention or environmental nightmare?   Judicial smack down   Getting tough with the EPA   Stop. . .cough, cough, cough. . . pollution   Global economy's hard toll on the earth   Take a minute for beauty   Saving the planet for the children  Tom's Turn: Johannesburg Jamboree ABOUT EARTHJUSTICE Founded as the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund in 1971, Earthjustice is the non-profit law firm for the environment. Earthjustice represents hundreds of environmental organizations, large and small, from nine offices across the country. We do not charge our clients for our services. Visit our site. TELL A FRIEND! Spread the word about Earthjustice! Click here to tell a friend. EARTHJUSTICE E-BRIEF SEPTEMBER 2002 Thanks for taking time for the latest environmental news in this month's Earthjustice e-Brief! It's been an interesting month. Bush's latest judicial appointment was shot down, we're fed up with the EPA (again), and Tom Turner reflects on the "Johannesburg Jamboree."   Wildfire prevention OR environmental nightmare? Cloaked in a mantle of "wildfire prevention," legislation proposed by the White House will gut key environmental and public participation laws. Don't be fooled by this handout to the timber industry! This legislation would radically change current public lands law and provide an unprecedented opportunity for timber companies to gain access to federal timber, free of public scrutiny and legal restraints. Learn more . Take action today to stop this "logging without laws" proposal - and hurry, the vote could come as early as this week!   Judicial smack down Who shows bias for special interests at the expense of public health, ordinary citizens, and the environment? Must be Bush's pick for Federal Appeals Court judgeship -- Priscilla Owens. We're happy to report that the Senate Judiciary committee rejected her nomination. But we're still concerned about Bush's other judicial picks, particularly the pending nomination of Lawrence Block. Block's rulings have consistently threatened a wide range of safety, health, and environmental protections. We hope that the Senate continues to exercise independent judgment when it comes to Bush's appointments. Get the full scoop .    Getting tough with the EPA The EPA has dragged its feet in addressing Washington DC smog levels for years and we're fed up! On behalf of the Sierra Club, we've demanded the EPA reclassify the DC area from "serious" to "severe" for ozone smog levels. "Severe" classification would force the Metro area to adopt more stringent regulations and adopt a clean air plan to provide more healthful air to the region. Reclassification couldn't come soon enough — a typical smoggy summer in metro DC sends more than 2,400 people to the emergency room, and causes more than 130,000 asthma attacks. Take a look at DC's smog , and you'll see what we're talking about.   Stop. . .cough, cough, cough. . .pollution Speaking of pollution...with alarming incidences of childhood asthma and respiratory disease, California's San Joaquin Valley has long been considered one of the most polluted places in the country. Thankfully, a new Earthjustice campaign is aiming to help San Joaquin residents breathe easier. The California Clean Air Campaign is educating residents on how they can demand full enforcement of the Clean Air Act through a full-page newspaper ad in the Fresno Bee and a comprehensive educational website. Find out how you can take action to stop pollution.   Global economy's hard toll on our earth It's common knowledge that we live in a global economy. Governments and corporations have spent decades building the laws necessary to regulate this international marketplace (think NAFTA). Unfortunately, these new laws have not expanded environmental protection and human rights internationally -- they've severely curtailed them. Check in with Earthjustice Executive Director Buck Parker for a thoughtful review of what we can do about it.     Take a minute for beauty When you get particularly discouraged by the continuous assaults on our earth, what do you do? If you're lucky, you might take a breather and visit your favorite hiking spot. But if you're sitting at your desk with a mountain of tasks in front of you, do the next best thing: visit some "beautiful places" that your efforts help protect.     Saving the planet for the children "As long as I can remember, wild places have inspired me," explains Martin Wagner, director of Earthjustice's International Program. Whether volunteering in the Peace Corps or petitioning the World Trade Organization over international trade rules, Martin has made it his life's work to protect human rights and the environment for future generations. Meet Martin and his newest inspiration, two-month old Jasper.    Tom Turner is Earthjustice's Senior Editor, and our newest e-brief columnist. E-mail him at tturner@earthjustice.org.  The Johannesburg Jamboree Well, it's now almost two weeks since the Johannesburg Jamboree ended (although it seems like two months), and time to draw a conclusion or two. First, the United States, in the person of the present administration, is an entirely antisocial member of the world family; "bully" may not be too strong a word. Examples: We want human rights language removed from the declarations, and it is removed; We don't want a firm target set for conversion to real renewable energy world-wide, and one isn't set. I was struck by the glaring difference between the president's recent speech to the General Assembly ("The UN must be strong and resolute and forceful in dealing with Saddam Hussein") and the behavior of the US delegation at Johannesburg ("The UN must take second place to the World Trade Organization, the best programs are voluntary public-private partnerships with little oversight and no enforcement, the UN shouldn't try to wield any real power"). Not a pretty picture.   The second conclusion is hardly new or original, but as valid as ever: If good things are to happen with respect to international environmental affairs, it is up to citizens and their organizations to make them happen. This is especially true of the United States, since the administration is so hopeless and its influence is so enormous. There was a throng of young Greenpeace activists in Johannesburg. One day they were all wearing T-shirts that said, "What Are We Going To Do About the United States?" This, it seems to me, is the question of the day. You can read my notes from the field here.  Thanks, and talk to you next month. - Tom Turner, Senior Editor tturner@earthjustice.org ©2002 Earthjustice | 426 17th St., 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 | 510-550-6700 | enews@earthjustice.org Powered by:

In this post:

#1 - New Global Finance Organizer at RAN

#2 - Save the Date... November Day of Action

#3 - Call to Action!  Quarantine the WB/IMF - Washington, DC

#4- Join the Eco-Bloc - Washington, DC

#5 - Trojan Horse Rally! WB/Citi out of Fossil Fuels - Washington, DC



Greetings Citi Stoppers!

Now that we're back from a successful few weeks at the WSSD in Johannesburg,
we're gearing up for a busy and exciting fall.  We certainly got Citi's
attention in South Africa, so now it's time to amp up the pressure.  Citi
continues to be the object of much scrutiny and concern regarding their
involvement in a number of corporate crimes, and the links between these
activities and Citi's environmentally egregious investments are growing clearer
by the day.  Meanwhile, Citi-funded ventures like Peru's Camisea gas fields,
widely considered to be one of the most destructive projects in the world, are
moving forward.  There's never been a better time for us to keep the pressure on
and ensure that Citi starts playing by the rules. 


#1 - This week Dan Firger started at RAN as Global Finance Organizer.   Dan
began with RAN over two years ago as a summer intern, when he helped to launch
the Citi campaign.  Now he's back working with activists across the country to
deepen and strengthen grassroots pressure on Citi.  He will be traveling
extensively throughout the fall to speak, train, and consult with activists on
the ground.  Look out for him soon in a city near you!

"Hi everyone!  I'm thrilled to get the opportunity to work on this campaign with
so many excellent activists and agitators all around the country.  I look
forward to meeting and working with many of you in the coming months.  There
couldn't be a better time to be targeting Citi, and there couldn't be a better
campaign than this one to draw the connections between global finance and so
many of the other diverse issues we're all working on.  This fall is going to be
packed with campaign activity, so I'm sure I'll be seeing you soon!" - Dan


#2 - Save the Date...
Day of Action against Citi!
November 5, 2002 

Join thousands of people around the country and around the world for a day of
action against Citigroup on Tuesday, November 5.  Organize your community for an
action, demonstration, call-in day, or something else entirely.  Pick a
Citibank/Solomon Smith Barney/Citifinancial branch near you or hold your event
on campus to persuade your University to cut ties with Citi.  Above all, be
creative! 

So long as Citi continues to fund projects like the OCP pipeline through
Ecuador's pristine rainforest or the Camisea gas field project, we must continue
to keep the pressure on them.  We're calling on Citi to stop funding fossil
fuels and environmentally destructive projects.  Until they adopt socially and
environmentally responsible investment practices, people around the world will
continue to tell them: Not With My Money!


#3 - Next week, tens of thousands of people will converge in Washington, DC to
protest the World Bank/IMF meetings on Saturday and Sunday, September 28-29. 
This mobilization links global justice activsts in the north with the efforts in
South Africa last month and ongoing efforts in Ecuador for the upcoming FTAA
meetings at the end of October to confront corporate led globalization that is
killing the planet and violating human's most basic rights. RAN will be there to
support the mobilization and be a part of the people's movement against
corporate globalization.  Thanks to all the folks who have been working hard for
weeks in DC, the events planned are sure to communicate our message loud and
clear.  Look out for Thursday's Trojan Horse rally (see below), an event that
will draw connections between the largest public funder of environmentally
harmful projects (World Bank) and the largest private funder (Citi). Below is
the Call to Action and details about some of the events of the week.  

+++ please forward this important info! +++++

QUARANTINE CORPORATE RULE.....
WITH NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTION

Stop the corporate greed epidemic!

Info for affinity groups joining the Sept 28th Mass Action

Greetings friends, colleagues, and fellow direct action organizers,

We are planning large-scale, highly visible, festive actions to protest the
IMF/World Bank meetings on Saturday and Sunday, September 28-29.  We will take
direct action to challenge the walls that shut out people here and around the
world from participating in the decisions that impact our lives and communities.
We will act to make our demands, and to engage more of civil society in the
growing global discourse about corporate power versus justice, democracy and a
sustainable future.  Now is the time for people who believe in non-violent
direct action to step forward and show the world that the global justice
movement is more creative, powerful and alive then ever!

In this post:
1. Schedule of events Sept 28th and 29th
2. Direct Action Scenario
3. Message
4. Visions for Action/Guidelines
5. Sunday Sept 29th - People's Assemblies
6. Convergence (Gathering and Trainings)
7. Affinity Groups
8. Legal/Jail Solidarity
9. Contact Us!  Affinity Group check-in list

CONTACT US TO COORDINATE!
Check in line 202-299-1054
affinitygroupcheckin@yahoo.com
www.globalizethis.org

DC WELCOME CENTERS :
(please note - Mobilization for Global Justice and the Anti-Capitalist
Convergence are separate groups focusing on different actions on different days.
However we are working to coordinate to insure that activists can plug into
both actions and maintain our solidarity.  The welcome centers are quite close
together and full materials about trainings, meetings and ongoing actions should
be available in both centers.)

Mobilization For Global Justice :
Saint Stephen's Church  1525 Newton St. NW.  On the corner of 16th and Newton. 
In the basement. Directions from Colombia Heights metro on the green line:  Walk
two blocks east on Irving to 16th St.  Take a right on 16th and walk aprox. 5-6
blocks until you get to Newton.  Church is on the right. Open Wed. 9/25 - Fri.
9/27 9am - 9:30 pm.  Sat. 9/28 9am - 1pm

For more info check out www.globalizethis.org

Anti-Capitalist Convergence:
Welcome Center at Case Del Pueblo in Calvary Methodist Church 1459 Colombia Rd
NW METRO = Green line Colombia Heights Open Wed 25th - Saturday 28th 9 am - 10
pm 202-306-3636

For more info check out www.abolishthebank.org

*****
1.  SCHEDULE 
Saturday Sept 28th -
11 am - Feeder rally/march(s) - currently only an AIDS march is scheduled
12 Noon - gather at Sylvan Theater near Washington Monument for rally/concert
including ECO-bloc/Earth march delegation and potentially other self-organizing
contingents (see www.globalizethis.org for details)
2 pm - permitted march begins
4 pm - march returns to Monument and rally/concert continues into the evening
4.30 - quarantine enforcement actions at the police perimeter.

Sunday the 29th-
11- 2pm - People's assemblies, Farragut Square (K and 17th NW)
2 pm - Globalize Peace March

Don't forget - the World Bank/IMF will continue to meet all day Sunday.  We
encourage ongoing actions however MGJ is focusing our support infrastructure on
Saturday.

*****

2.  DIRECT ACTION SCENARIO

At this point the WB has leaked that they will be putting up their usual
significant perimeter of barricades.  Our actions will be geographically focused
around the perimeter.  The perimeter will have to be opened up at certain
intersections to let delegates and other personnel in/out.  We may or may not
know where these in/out zones will be until they are opened.  If we do have
prior knowledge of their locations, that information will be relayed to affinity
groups at the action spokes council.

The MGJ will be coordinating a communications team to direct people to the
in/out zones as these zones may change.  In/out zones will probably be the most
arrest likely areas.  People who don't want to be arrested can then be directed
away.  

All affinity groups will be considered Truth Inoculation Squads who will present
the truth to the delegates. (i.e. The truth about debt, the truth about
structural adjustment, the truth about social and environmental devastation). 
Maybe we will do this with our very bodies, or with giant banners or puppets, or
with something that you have thought of and we have not.  Be creative.

The MGJ has consensed upon two broad areas of action that we are proposing to
the action spokes councils:

1) In keeping with the quarantine theme, folks can dress up in medical clothing
and wrap (with hazard tape etc.) and decorate the barriers.  We
encourage people to engage in inoculation theatre around the perimeter. Bring
Hazardous Materials Suits, face masks etc.

2) Occupy space with creative blockading actions.  Some ideas . . . a soccer
game . . . a hoola-hoopin' troop . . . a dance party
. . . a human chain... a marching band . .  .   Also bring brooms for a "clean
up corporate sleeze" action!
 
We are encouraging affinity groups to really incorporate the
inoculation/quarantine theme into their actions. What does a truth inoculation
squad look like?  You decide!

This is going to be intense and a whole lot of fun too!

Affinity groups who want to be more stationary are more than welcome to do that
and come up with their own ideas.  We will coordinate who goes where at the
action spokes councils.  If you want to participate, but don't have an affinity
group, don't despair.  We can help you find one when you get here.
 
Overarching principles of the scenario are :
1) separation between permitted and non-permitted events by time and space to
insure safe space for internationals, high risk folks or others who want to be
assured of avoiding police repression in any form.
2) Cultivation of a sense of unity between all aspects of the action whether
permitted or  non-permitted.

IMPORTANT! - bring food and water to the action!  We don't want hunger or thirst
to decide when we end our action!

*****

3.  MESSAGE The quarantine messaging has multiple purposes.  In terms of
messaging it is intended to show that we are fighting a system - the ideological
poisons and false assumptions that justify corporate globalization and the
doomsday economy.  Strategically it is intended to get us out of the tactical
quagmire of saying we'll shut down the meeting or physically blockade all the
bankers in.  We're creating a standard of victory for ourselves that allows us
to determine our end-points and to elevate the framing of these issue from
controlling street corners to controlling the debate.
 
We encourage people to use the quarantine/inoculation theme creatively. Create
an INNOCULATION TEAM themed around values which international bankers lack such
as Democracy, Human Rights, Economic Justice, Environmental Sanity/Protection,
Worker's Rights, Dignity, hope
for the future etc.  Dig up some white lab coats or biohazard suits.  Make
warning signs or biohazard-esque tape that say QUARANTINE! GLOBAL HAZARD! 
CORPORATE GREED EPIDEMIC.  Create props and actions to confront corporate
ruleosis or "the corporate greed bug".  Imagination is one of our most powerful
weapons.

A helpful tip: Put your message on your body, a cheap way is to just collect old
t-shirts and use markers.  This way we can be sure there will be no
doubt what we are standing for (police often take away signs, etc).

*****

4.  VISIONS FOR ACTION/GUIDELINES FOR NON-VIOLENT DIRECT ACTION

The Mobilization for Global Justice has agreed to a few basic visions for action
in order to facilitate the coming together of a broader, more diverse movement. 
This understanding should allow people from many backgrounds, movements, and
beliefs to work together and encourages the movement-building trust.  These are
not philosophical or political requirements or judgments; there are many ways to
resist corporate globalization.

1. The Mobilization for Global Justice is a nonviolent organization.

2. We will carry out this action in a manner that reflects the world we want to
create, and act in the service of what we love.

3. We envision a nonviolent world; we will use means consistent with this
vision.

4.  We will act with respect for the local community and in a way that
encourages all to join us.

5.  We will protect and care for each other in this action.  We will stand in
solidarity against police and state repression, even with those whose choices
differ from ours, and work to ensure our tactics do not result in the
endangerment of our sister and brother activists or people not participating in
the demonstrations.

6. We recognize that people of color, poor people, LGBTs, people of limited
mobility and immigrant groups are at greater risk of police harassment,  arrest
and abuse.  We respect that people may wish or need to have safer spaces to
express themselves and we will act accordingly.

*****

5. SUNDAY - A New Type of Direct Action!  PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLIES!

11 - 2 pm Farragut Square (!7TH and K St NW)

The Mobilization for Global Justice has endorsed a second action on Sunday -
People's Assemblies or Asamblea popular.  We want to apply the inspiring
Argentine model of directly democratic "people's assemblies" that is part of
their ongoing uprising against neoliberalism, structural adjustment and
corporate globalization.

All too often mass actions occur in a purely tactical arena and there is no time
for the thousands of dedicated activists to jointly strategize about
how to continue building our movements for a better world.  We know that as
direct action activists our work is not only to "resist" but also to "build" so
MGJ is setting aside time for this work.

The People's Assemblies will be a place on Sunday for participants in the
actions to gather in groups small enough to have real discussion about how to
continue our work to build a movement for global/local justice. We are open to
structure proposals but have envisioned several tracks of small group discussion
- regional, specific issue (whether campaign or a specific conflict in the
movement) or general discussion on what next. We also need lots of volunteer
facilitators.

To help out with this exciting  experiment,  email Patrick at
patrickr@riseup.net or call 202-234-9382 x 215.
A planning  meeting for facilitators and participating groups will be held
Thursday Sept 26th  at 9:30 pm after the action spokescouncil at St. Stephens
Church at 16th and Newton.

*****
6. CONVERGENCE

Three Days of Workshops, Construction of Giant Puppets, Props & Banners,
Trainings, Issue Forums, Arts, Spokes councils and Actions in preparation for
the Massive Non Violent Direct Action at the International Monetary Fund and the
World Bank Headquarters, Sept. 28th.

To date, workshops and trainings in the following areas have been scheduled:

Nonviolence Preparations     Handling the Media    Puppet Construction
Legal Briefings            Dancing for Activists    Street First Aid
WB/IMF Issue Forums        Anti-Oppression   Consensus/Facilitation
Communications         Peacekeeping/Traffic   Magic for Activists
Community Organizing and MORE!!!

Sept. 25-27 9am to 11pm daily

Childcare will be provided childcare at or near the Convergence Site as
volunteer coverage permits. Yummy vegan and vegitarian food will be served, as
volunteers and donations allows. Sign Language and Translation will be provided
as requested.

WE NEED $$$$$! Suggested donation $20/day, (sliding scale of $5-50/day). No one
turned away for lack of funds.

Start your convergence experience at the WELCOME CENTER!  The place to check in,
get orientated, find trainings, find out about affinity groups, volunteer to
help with kitchen, security, you name it.

LOCATION :
St. Stephen?s Church 1525 Newton St NW In the basement.  Directions at top of
post. Wheelchair accessible. See you there!!!

*****

7. AFFINITY GROUPS & ACTION SPOKESCOUNCIL

We are asking everyone participating in the actions to form or join an affinity
group - a self-reliant action group of 5-20 people, including people
who do not risk arrest and do support work before, during and after arrest.
Affinity groups are the basic planning and decision-making bodies for
actions.  Form an affinity group with your friends, people from your community,
workplace or organization.  Two or more affinity groups that have
something in common or want to do similar actions should consider working
together as a "cluster" of affinity groups.  Leading up to the actions,
participants will coordinate through an Action Spokes council, with
group-designated spokespeople responsible for carrying their group's plans,
opinions and decisions to the spokes council and reporting back to their group.
The Action spokes councils on the two days leading up to the action will
finalized the scenario and make critical decisions about our action.

Affinity groups are encouraged to arrive on September 25th, or as soon
thereafter as possible, in order to participate in the spokes council's
planning of the actions.  If this is not possible, affinity groups should try to
send at least one person early in the week. All direct action participants
should be in town and trained by the evening of September 27th.

SPOKESCOUNCIL SCHEDULE :

Wed Sept 25th informational spokes - 7 pm - 9:30pm
Thurs Sept 26th action spokes council 6 pm - 9:30pm
(followed by facilitators meeting for people's assemblies)
Fri Sept 27th action spokescouncil 5pm - 9:30 pm

ALL SPOKES COUNCILS happen at St. Steven's Church 16th and Newton (nearest Metro
is green line Colombia Heights stop)

*****

8. JAIL SOLIDARITY & LEGAL SUPPORT

We will encourage and facilitate jail and court solidarity for the actions.
Through jail solidarity we can take power in a situation designed to make us
powerless.  We do this by making our decisions as a group, by acting in harmony
with each other, and by committing ourselves to safeguard each other?s well
being.  Every time there is a choice in the legal process, activists can refuse
to cooperate, making things difficult for the authorities.  Through solidarity
tactics, we use group non-cooperation to gain some control, expedite the legal
process and consequences, prevent the authorities from singling some people out
for harsher treatment, and help us resist fines and probation.  Solidarity
tactics extend the action to the prison and legal system with the strength and
community of a group.  We encourage action participants to clear their calendars
in advance for several days after the action, should on-going jail solidarity
work be needed. Those who want or need to leave will have that option open.  We
will have legal support for those arrested through arraignment: this includes
legal and solidarity briefings, a staffed legal support office, and experienced
lawyers who can make jail visits.  The action spokes councils will make final
decisions about mass non-cooperation
etc (ie. not carrying identification etc.)

*****
9. We want to coordinate directly with you and your affinity group or cluster. 
CONTACT US!

Check in line 202-299-1054 affinitygroupcheckin@yahoo.com

How many people are in your affinity group or cluster?
How many people will be risking arrest?
(If you feel comfortable) what sort of action are you doing, or how do you see
yourselves participating?

www.globalizethis.org


#4 - ECO-BLOC forming in DC:

Don't Let Corporate Rule Kill the Planet! The Earth is NOT for Sale

Why An ECO-Bloc?

We stand at a turning point. Corporate globalization, in its blind rush to
transform all ecosystems and peoples into profitable resources, has pushed the
life support systems of the planet to the brink of collapse. This ecological
crisis has made it increasingly obvious that an economic system based on
resource extraction, corporate greed and unlimited growth is incompatible with a
finite planet, and cannot be sustained. With over 80% of Americans identifying
themselves as "environmentalists," its time for us to articulate a simple
earth-centered message that challenges the right of corporations to destroy our
planet.

We call upon people who believe in a just, democratic, biologically and
culturally diverse world to unite and form an ECO-BLOC at the World Bank/IMF
mobilization in Washington, DC this September. The ECO-BLOC will provide a
creative, non-violent, and highly visible presence to project our message to
people and the media that corporate globalization is killing the planet.
ECO-BLOC participants will show their support for earth-centered values by
dressing in green, waving earth flags and carrying earth-centered messages. We
will support the protests and create a political space for the voices of
ecological, indigenous and community resistance to express alternatives to the
present doomsday economy.

The ECO-BLOC will give visibility to the basic reality that corporate rule is
incompatible with ecological values. Two of the basic tenets of ecology are the
interconnection of all things and that diversity equals vitality. We are
therefore issuing a call to all eco-activists to move beyond single issue
environmentalism and embrace diversity and interconnection by bringing a strong
earth centered message to challenge the Architects of Corporate Rule--the World
Bank and IMF.

This is a call to stand united for our collective future with the broadest
definition of the global ecology movement: a movement that prioritizes the
voices of those most impacted by ecological destruction. We want to build a
movement broad enough for the 2 to 3 billion people engaged in subsistence
agriculture, indigenous and earth-centered cultures, future generations and
everyone who aspires to live in balance with the abundant diversity of life on
planet earth. This means building into our work an active analysis of white
supremacy, patriarchy, heterosexism, classism and all social systems of
oppression. We will stand united for ecological justice!

We Must Rise Up and Stand Together Now!
We are in the midst of the most rapid period of extinction in planetary history.
Scientists at the Smithsonian Institute estimate we lose over 300 species per
day (over 100,000 per year). Simultaneous to this decimation of biodiversity is
the loss of human diversity as indigenous cultures are displaced from their
homelands and a corporate driven consumer monoculture steamrolls over the
planet.

We can no longer afford to look at the symptoms of ecological collapse
individually or in isolation from their roots in the global corporate take over.
Whether its fossil fuel addiction, deforestation, the privatization of water,
the extinction crisis, the loss of topsoil, skyrocketing cancer rates, or the
spread of chemical, nuclear and genetically engineered contamination, the signs
of the crisis are self-evident. The ECO-BLOC is an effort to holistically link
all these deafening alarm bells into a clear warning about the threat of
economic globalization and unchecked corporate rule.

The World Bank and IMF play a key role in this global system that puts the
pursuit of profit ahead of all else. These institutions, by promoting free trade
agreements, funding mega-development projects and imposing Structural Adjustment
Policies and other coercive programs, enable giant corporations to continue an
incessant "resource theft" from communities and ecosystems the world over. Join
us in saying Ya Basta!/Enough!
Get Involved!

The ECO-BLOC is a positive, creative, non-violent, autonomous space for people,
affinity groups and organizations to self-organize around clear, holistic
earth-centered messages. Wear green, bring earth flags and/or signs and banners
with ecological slogans, or dress as your favorite species or ecosystem. Bring
your creativity and clear media-savy messages to resist corporate rule by
affirming the diversity of life and hope for future generations.

ECO-BLOC along with the EARTH MARCH will assemble on Sept 28th at the
Mobilization for Global Justice Assembly point to be a visible contingent
participating in the rally and quarantine march. Look for the Earth flags!

To help organize the ECO-BLOC in D.C. (or future ECO-BLOCs elsewhere!), organize
other actions, events, gatherings or to collaborate on the ongoing efforts to
promote earth centered messages in the global justice movement contact :
Eco-bloc@riseup.net <mailto:Eco-bloc@riseup.net>
GLOBAL ECOLOGY, GLOBAL DEMOCRACY NOW!

This Call is Initiated By the Following Groups :
Action For Social and Ecological Justice, The Wake Up America Campaign, ACERCA
-Action for Community and Ecology in the Region of Central America, Rainforest
Action Network

TO ENDORSE THIS CALL! Contact : eco-bloc@riseup.net
<mailto:eco-bloc@riseup.net>


#5 - Trojan Horse Rally! WB/Citi out of Fossil Fuels!

Thursday, September 26th 2002 - 11 am

PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD UNITE TO RETURN THE TROJAN HORSE OF SUSTAINABLE
DEVLEOPMENT!

Over the last ten years, instead of helping to bring people out of poverty, the
World Bank has invested over $20 billion in dirty fossil fuel industries through
handouts to corporations. Along with billions more from private banks like Citi,
the World Bank has been sending a Trojan Horse to the Global South labeled
"sustainable development," but inside is riding a failed version of development:
oil, mining, and gas projects that destroy the environment and violate the
rights of communities.

The World Bank and Citigroup's investments in oil, mining and gas lead to human
rights violations and environmental devastation at every step of the fossil fuel
chain of destruction. From destroying pristine ecosystems, displacing and
poisoning communities to fueling global warming, investments in fossil fuels put
the interests of giant corporations ahead of the needs of local communities and
the planet.

In Central Africa, both the World Bank and Citi pledged hundreds of millions of
dollars to help ChevronTexaco and ExxonMobil run a massive oil pipeline through
the endangered rainforests of Cameroon. In South America, they have helped
finance a series of gas pipelines, partially owned by Enron, through wetlands
and tropical forests in Bolivia and Brazil.

Now its time to RETURN TO SENDER this whole model of fossil fuel based
development that puts the interests of giant corporations ahead of the
needs of local communities and the planet.

On September 26 demand clean energy, democracy and an end to public financing of
oil, gas and mining!

For more information, please contact:
Patrick Reinsborough
202-234-9382 x 215 or
patrickr@riseup.net

MORE WORLD! LESS BANK!

Located at: World Bank HQ 1818 H Street, NW
Contact: Patrick Reinsborough , patrickr@riseup.net  202-234-9382 x 215
Jaya Ramesh202-319-2462 jaya.ramesh@wdc.greenpeace.org 
Sponsored By: Sustainable Energy & Economy Network, Sierra Student Coalition,
Friends of the Earth, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Greenpeace USA and
Rainforest Action Network

***********************************************************************************************************************

Hope to see you in DC! If not, tune into www.ran.org for continuous updates from
the field.

For the Earth,

Dan Firger
Global Finance Organizer
Tell Citi "Not With My Money!"
Rainforest Action Network
221 Pine Street,
San Francisco, CA 94104

dfirger@ran.org

ph: 415-398-4404
fax: 415-398-2732

www.ran.org

TONGASS WILDERNESS FACES NEAR MISSES IN THE SENATE - 
CONTINUED ATTACKS EXPECTED!

Calls needed to Senators! Urge them to OPPOSE ANY EFFORT TO SILENCE THE PUBLIC’S
OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR MORE WILDERNESS PROTECTIONS IN THE TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST – AMERICA’S RAINFOREST. (U.S. Capitol Switchboard, 202-224-3121). Your
calls earlier this month worked, so let’s keep the momentum going!

The Alaska delegation in the Senate is at it again! Over the past two weeks they
have attempted repeatedly to slip anti-Tongass amendments onto bills moving
through the Senate.  So far –thanks to calls from you and ongoing efforts in
Washington DC - wilderness supporters in the Senate heard the message and have
blocked these stealth attempts, but the battle continues!

According to a report today, Senators Murkowski and Stevens are considering
offering an amendment to the Interior Appropriations Bill that would block
further funding for the Tongass Wilderness Plan. The amendment is simply a
backdoor maneuver to silence support for the Tongass.

Currently the Forest Service is determining the fate of 9 million acres of
pristine, roadless areas in the rainforest. In its draft proposal (May 2002),
the Forest Service said that NO Tongass roadless areas were worthy of permanent
protection. The America public disagreed, overwhelmingly calling for more
protection in the Tongass! During the public comment period this summer on the
Forest Service’s draft Tongass Wilderness Plan the public spoke out!

** More than 170,000 public comments were sent to the U.S. Forest Service
calling for stronger wilderness protection of the Tongass National Forest.

** In Alaska, 86 percent of the people who testified at Forest Service hearing
on the Wilderness Plan called for greater protections.

** Over 100 conservation and sporting organizations and 70 Members of Congress
called on the Forest Service to strengthen wilderness protections.

** Alaskan professional and hunting and fishing guides and outfitters identified
50 areas of the Tongass National Forest to designate as Wilderness or remain
roadless.

ASK YOUR SENATORS TO OPPOSE ATTEMPTS OT SILENCE AMERICA’S SUPPORT FOR RAINFOREST PROTECTIONS!

********
For more information on the current efforts in the Senate to undermine the
public’s support for a stronger Tongass Wilderness Plan, contact: Laurie Cooper,
Alaska Coalition, (laurie@alaskacoalition.org) or (202) 544-0475.

www.alaskacoalition.org