The Green Jobs Now Blog

Updated videos for President Obama

ada — 2008-11-12T02:27:38Z

Now that Barack Obama has been elected President , we made a couple changes to our video messages. I'm posting the updates here, but you can find the original versions elsewhere on the blog.

We're not going to update this blog moving forward, so please check out the blogs at Greenforall.org, 1sky.org, and wecansolveit.org.

We've got big plans for this winter, 2009, and beyond (including delivering these videos to Obama after he has taken office), so definitely find us on(and off)line.

Here are those videos:

On the topic of videos, this hot one from Rock the Vote came in too late to be included in the video contest, but is definitely worth watching:

Message Delivered to Obama and McCain

ada — 2008-10-28T00:05:35Z

Thousands of Americans joined us on September 27th to send a message to the nation and our leaders: "We're Ready for Green Jobs Now".

Today, we delivered that message to our next President.

We just sent these two videos to the Obama and McCain campaigns.

What is your plan to invest in us?

We're ready. Are you?

Well really, we sent individualized versions to each candidate. You can see the videos to Obama here: www.greenjobsnow.com/obama and to McCain here: www.greenjobsnow.com/mccain

But we wanted to share the videos to both candidates here so that folks can spread them far and wide. Please share these.

BEST OF GREEN JOBS NOW - Winners Announced

josh — 2008-11-10T22:01:25Z

We held 3 contests to coincide with the Green Jobs Now National Day of Action: most signatures on the "I'm Ready" petition, the best photograph, and the best video.

We are pleased to announce our 3 winners!

PETITIONS COLLECTED: Democracia USA, Miami

Democracia USA collected 1105 petitions in Miami, FL.

The Democracia USA group in Miami engaged over one thousand residents in the campaign for Green Jobs Now through door to door canvassing in the month of September.

Runners up: Democracia Philadelphia (719), White Center Seattle (296), Ella Baker Center Oakland, CA (292).

BEST PHOTO: Youth Build, New Bedford

New Bedford, MA

The group posted in front of the mural they had just painted: Green Wave Lifting All Boats. In the mural toxic, unsustainable pollution is being blown away by a wind turbine in the middle. On the right is a pristine environment with a "Green Wave" lifting all boats.

Runners up: Ella Baker Center - Oakland, CA, Pittsburgh, PA

BEST VIDEO: La Causa, Los Angeles

LA GREEN JOBS NOW! from Green Jobs LA on Vimeo.

Los Angeles, CA

Runners up: Washington, DC, Fayetteville, AR

Thank you to all those who participated in the Green Jobs Now Day of Action!

Canada is Ready!

Aftab Erfan — 2008-10-09T23:26:51Z

Members of the Canadian Youth Coalition engaged hundreds of
Vancouverites on the Green Jobs Day of Action. Tabling at two locations - one a popular weekly farmers market, the second a busy street corner in the city's downtown eastside. CYCC members urged residents of Vancouver to take action on climate change. They particularly encouraged support for green jobs, a priority in the upcoming elections.

Citizens of the local area frequented the event in the downtown eastside, including many members of the city's homeless population of more than 2500 people. In addition, the event had more than a dozen visits from candidates running for office in both the federal election (Oct 14th) and the municipal election (Nov 15th). Among these visitors were Vancouver East's NDP Member of Parliament Libby Davis, and the mayoral candidate from Vision Vancouver Gregor Robertson who arrived riding a bicycle.

The informal and friendly set-up provided a unique opportunity for an exchange of ideas and stories among the diverse group of participants. A key topic of conversation was: What would green jobs look like in a setting such as the downtown eastside? Many local residents shared their impressions as well as examples of green jobs they were already involved with including clean-up of their neighborhood, urban agriculture, non-motorized delivery of goods, and selective logging operations. The consensus among the group was that the neighborhood could benefit significantly from increased support for green, low-skill, labor-intensive jobs "that cannot be exported overseas". Participants held up signs saying "I am ready for a green economy" and "Green jobs now!" as they smiled for the cameras.

Other conversations centered around citizen's feelings towards voting and the political process. Despite divergent views on whether exercising voting rights actually "makes a difference", dozens signed the CYCC pledge to go to the voting stations with climate change in mind as a priority. One troubling observation was that new regulations around voting procedures exclude the homeless population from the political process, as picture IDs and proof of address are required to register to vote.

The Vancouver Chapter of CYCC would like to thank all those who participated in this and other Day of Action events across the continent. We were touched by the receptivity, curiosity, and honesty of all those who spoke to us and hope to continue this conversation in the months to come.

Featured Report: New Bedford is READY for Green Solutions

Temistocles Blessed — 2008-10-08T17:57:24Z

Yes, New Bedford IS READY for Green Solutions. New Bedford's Green
Solutions Day of Action took place on Sunday Oct. 5, 2008 at New Wave
Café, 143 N. Front St. from 1-5 pm.

There was excitement in the air throughout the day as people heard about sustainable best practices including the need for Green Jobs Now. Muralist painted a huge sustainable "Green Wave Lifting All Boats" Mural as B-Boys break danced, youth rapped and bounced on the Moon Bounce, politicians and poets spoke, community organizers organized, musicians played and The People were inspired. Although it rained, this historic Day of Action event drew in over 150 people throughout the day. We signed many petitions and recorded pictures and video of most in attendance proclaiming I'm ready for green jobs now! This was an extremely successful event that lifted many spirits during these challenging economic times. Thank You 3rd EyE Unlimited, P.A.C.E. YouthBuild and all the people of New Bedford for being part of the solution towards positively changing our city and our world.

NPR's Living on Earth Explores the Economics of Going Green

ashley — 2008-10-07T20:11:12Z

Living on Earth's Jeff Young explores the elements of a green economic bailout and features Van Jones. Check out this spot which aired on NPR this last weekend:

http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm?programID=08-P13-00040&segmentID=1

Georgia's Own Oil Crisis

Joe White — 2008-10-08T17:53:39Z

Georgia just experienced its own peak oil crisis. Let me explain. For 21 days the southeast experienced a shortage in gas supply, resulting in no gas at the stations. The blame was placed on Hurricane Ike which caused a slowdown at the refineries in the gulf coast. After 3 days of no gas in Atlanta people panicked. As small supplies trickled in, two things happened: First, an artificial spike in price from $3.97 to $5.19 /gal, and second, in one run at the station, everyone felt the urge to top off all at once. Demand outstripping supply, station owners told me they could only expect to receive 4,000 gallons per shipment instead of 9,500 gallons. Now this was caused by a slight bubble in the supply system.

IF THIS HAPPENED IN THE SOUTHEAST DUE TO A NATURAL DISASTER IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE IN THE U.S.

Think about our heating fuel for cold weather states. If it happened to fuel for automobiles then our fuel for heating homes could be affected the same way. One weather event late fall or early winter could cause a shortage in available home heating fuel, resulting in people freezing in their homes in the Northern states.

Joe White hosted a Green Jobs Now event in Atlanta, GA.

Bail Out Main Street!

John Sellers — 2008-10-03T07:01:43Z

Instead of spending our tax dollars on war and Wall Street, our leaders should help struggling homeowners and build affordable housing; fund job creating projects for clean energy and rebuilding our infrastructure; and fund a universal health-care system that would help American families, while cutting the nation's long-term healthcare costs. Check this video by Agit-Pop, who lay the issues out clearly:

Video: San Mateo County is Ready for Green Jobs

Michael Levin — 2008-10-09T01:25:59Z

Here is a video covering the San Mateo County Human Services Agency Green Collar Jobs Summit:

KFAI Radio Host Al McFarlane Talks About Green Jobs

ashley — 2008-10-01T22:51:55Z

Event host and organizer Karen Monahan speaks with Al McFarlane on KFAI radio about green jobs and the environmental social justice movement. She talks about how communuities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately affected by environmental injustices and emphasizes ways we can solve this problem, like through the green collar economy.

Click on this link and download it--skip to around minute 36 to hear their conversation:

http://helix.kfai.org/ramgen/replay/ConversationsWithAlMcFarlane/ConversationsWithAlMcFarlane(2008-09-16).rm

A Letter to the People from Congressman Ellison

ashley — 2008-10-01T20:59:19Z

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the fight for a green economy,

I want to thank you all for coming to the Green Jobs Now National Day of Action to Build the New Economy. You’re joining tens of thousands of others around the country right now to say that you’re ready for a green economy.

I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you all in person, but right now I’m in Washington, DC dealing with the crisis in our economy. I’m trying to make sure that any bill that passes addresses the fact that this isn’t just a crisis on Wall Street, but that this is a real crisis on our streets as well. What this crisis is making clear to anyone who didn’t already know it is that the economy is broken, and what we really need is a new economy—a green economy; one that creates a pathway out of poverty for millions of Americans; one that’s focused on improving the lives of real people and the communities that we live in; one where a growing percentage of the workforce is part of a union.

It’s that economy, a green economy, that will result in the creation of jobs here at home that can’t be sent overseas. It means living wages, access to health care and quality education, AND a clean environment in which to live and raise our families.

Yesterday, on the floor of the House, I was privileged to vote for a package of tax incentives that will help create and preserve hundreds of thousands of green jobs in the areas of energy-efficiency, conservation, and renewables. But that’s not enough. We need to have the training opportunities to create a pathway for people in poverty to take advantage of these jobs. One piece of this means fully funding the Green Jobs Act that passed in December as part of the larger energy package. But this will also require the strong participation of unions, to focus their apprenticeship programs on training for these jobs, to commit to increased organizing focused on green collar jobs, and to recruit people in poverty into their apprenticeship programs, because a union job is going to be a job with a decent wage, health benefits and a safe workplace.

But a change to a green economy isn’t going to happen by itself. You know that, which is why you’re here today. It’s going to require new partnerships and new coalitions. It’s going to require that we all reach out to people and organizations with whom we probably haven’t worked before. I’m ready for green jobs now, and I want to thank you for all that you’re doing to support green jobs now. I look forward to continuing our shared work to make the green economy a reality for all.

Sincerely,

Congressman Keith Ellison

The Rain Did Not Stop Green Jobs From Storming into Pittsburgh

Chester Thrower — 2008-10-03T07:10:10Z

WOW, it was really a amazing day. I mean just the idea that people of all walks of life, racial make-up and workers of all occupations could unite for one cause, and that call comes from all residents of Pittsburgh to the government that we are ready for green jobs to not only help the environment but to lift poor residents and people of color out of poverty. Parin, from Green For All, came to Pittsburgh to help with our celebration and in collaboration with Steel City Bio-Fuels, GTECH, Sierra club and a host of other groups, we were able to have a day of awareness and visibility in the east end of Pittsburgh.

People passed by out of curiosity and hearing Vanessa German's poetry readings. Because of this, we were able to talk to people and relay the importance of the support that is needed to get the appropriate funds from the government to be able to start various job training programs that would benefit low-income people, enabling them to perform entry level jobs in the green economy. These jobs would be family sustaining and at the same time rid our dependence of foreign oil and gases. All the residents I spoke to were receptive of the change that is needed in this country to not only develop new energy sources but to build a brand new sustainable economy for the residents who need it the most.

As the rally went on we had Favian from Steel-city bios giving demos on how regular canola oil could be refined in order to be used as bio-diesel fuel for certain cars,trucks and buses that would greatly reduce emmisions being released into the atmosphere. We had a solar panel for viewing on-site, which was a good visual to show people the type of equipment used to harness clean energy. We also explained how that installing and maintaining those panels will be a good entry level green job that within the next 6months to a year will be in high demand and could lead to business opportunities for forward thinking individuals. Even though the rain showed up, the rally went on in a festive way, with networking, good food and music to keep the spirit of the day strong. The day concluded with Pittsburgh elected officials showing up to support the efforts of the green movement, much thanks goes to Councilman Bill Peduto, Patrick Dowd , State rep's Joe Preston,Chelsa Wagner,Michael Lamb who commited to furthering the message that Pittsburgh has sent out to the whole country....THAT WE ARE READY FOR GREEN JOBS :)

Featured Report: Bringing Green Jobs to Pittsburgh

Khari Mosley — 2008-10-01T23:56:24Z

Not too long ago, Pittsburgh was one of the greatest industrial hubs in the history of the world. Mills and factories employing hundreds of thousands workers once lined the banks of the Ohio, Allegheny and the Monongahela Rivers. Back in the 1860s and 1870s, new technologies allowing for the mass-production of steel from molten pig iron were being developed and Pittsburgh made itself into the steel producing capital of the world.

Today, the mills and factories that once lined the city's three glorious rivers are gone and some say Pittsburgh's best days are behind us. I say Pittsburgh's best days could be right around the corner. I believe that we have the same type of opportunity our fore-bearers did in the 1860s and 1870s. Instead of investing in heavy rail, coal and building polluting factories, we can create a green industrial revolution that will invest in a new economy that will provide opportunity for all people, while protecting our fragile environment.

This past Saturday, as part of Green For All's Green Jobs Day of Action hundreds of Pittsburghers participated in the day long series of activities. The day began with speakers, including nationally renowned poet Vanessa German addressing a diverse crowd of grassroots activists, environmentalists, high school students and concerned citizens. We then boarded buses headed for The Healcrest Urban Farm and G-Tech's Larimer Site for hands-on activities. In the afternoon, a rally was held with a number of community leaders and elected officials including City Councilmembers Bill Peduto & Patrick Dowd, State Representatives Joe Preston & Chelsa Wagner and City Controller Michael Lamb. It is refreshing to know we have elected officials who we can count on as allies in this effort to bring green jobs to Pittsburgh.

Don't get it twisted, the politicians weren't the only folks in the house, luminaries such as Christiane D of Soma Mestizo, Paradise Gray from X-Clan/1 Hood and DJ Supa C came through to support the cause. Paradise even got on the mic to hype up the crowd to the chorus of "I'm Ready", as Supa C dropped several classic instrumentals turing Penn Avenue in East Liberty into a makeshift amphitheater. Afterwards I was talking to my homie Franchise, local MC and community organizer. He said to me,

"I listened to speeches and read a lot of material that was being handed out. I never knew the situation was so serious with the environment. At the same time, I didn't know about these solar panels and these green jobs. If we could bring green jobs to the hood, we could deal with the violence and poverty, by giving cats an opportunity to get off the block".

Shouts to everyone who participated in Pittsburgh's Green Jobs Day of Action! Job Well Done.

Landmark New Report Says Emerging Green Economy Could Create Tens of Millions of New "Green Jobs"

ashley — 2008-09-30T19:35:19Z

New York, 24 September 2008 (ILO/UNEP)- A new, landmark study on the impact of an emerging global "green economy" on the world of work says efforts to tackle climate change could result in the creation of millions of new "green jobs" in the coming decades.

The new report entitled Green Jobs: Towards Decent work in a Sustainable, Low-Carbon World, says changing patterns of employment and investment resulting from efforts to reduce climate change and its effects are already generating new jobs in many sectors and economies, and could create millions more in both developed and developing countries.

However, the report also finds that the process of climate change, already underway, will continue to have negative effects on workers and their families, especially those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture and tourism. Action to tackle climate change as well as to cope with its effects is therefore urgent and should be designed to generate decent jobs.

Though the report is generally optimistic about the creation of new jobs to address climate change, it also warns that many of these new jobs can be "dirty, dangerous and difficult". Sectors of concern, especially but not exclusively in developing economies, include agriculture and recycling where all too often low pay, insecure employment contracts and exposure to health hazardous materials needs to change fast.

What's more, it says too few green jobs are being created for the most vulnerable: the 1.3 billion working poor (43 per cent of the global workforce) in the world with earnings too low to lift them and their dependants above the poverty threshold of US$2 per person, per day, or for the estimated 500 million youth who will be seeking work over the next 10 years.

Green jobs reduce the environmental impact of enterprises and economic sectors, ultimately to levels that are sustainable. The report focuses on "green jobs" in agriculture, industry, services and administration that contribute to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment. It also calls for measures to ensure that they constitute "decent work" that helps reduce poverty while protecting the environment.

For the rest of the story, click here:

http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=545&ArticleID=5929&l=en

National Day of Action, Atlanta Style

Khadijah Robinson — 2008-10-03T06:09:40Z

So who else had an awesome frickin day?! Our day went down ATL style so you know it was great. Everything was crazy for those few days leading up to Saturday, but our National Day of Action all came together. We installed thousands of light bulbs, the exact number of which we are still trying to count. We had close to 80 volunteers and the residents of Adair Park seemed very pleased. At our other site, the tailgating at the Atlanta Classic, we got plenty of signatures for the Green Jobs Now Petition as well as Power Vote cards filled out. It seemed like we sparked up a good conversation about the economy, the environment, and where us normal, middle and lower income people fit in.

One of the coolest things about our day was the funnel cakes made in machines running from a solar powered battery. That was set up in Adair Park as the volunteers came and went on installation runs. Quite awesome. For a lot of others, the kegs were the highlight of the day ^_^ Either way, we got the information out, interests sparked, and so many people wanted to hear about the light bulbs and have them put into their homes. We had people taking sample light bulbs at our tailgating sight. One man even wanted to take one of the Green hard hats! It was so exciting to see people being educated about their world and their economy and I am just so thankful that everything ran smoothly!

Khadijah Robinson is a sophomore at Spelman College, originally from Savannah, GA. She is majoring in English with a double minor in Political Science and Spanish.