RE: how to reach people without computers- Agenda item Friday

[Michael Glaab <michaelglaab@worldnet.att.net>]

Hello:

It is very commendable for a member of the clergy to attempt to further environmental remediation or preservation efforts with advice or by providing a forum for information dissemination, whether from the pulpit or in a non-secular classroom. 

Librarians and educators can be of inestimable assistance to research efforts. Both are also ideally situated to expose the young to the necessity of environmental preservation in the classroom and in the library. In addition, many libraries permit a diverse variety of civic groups to meet and conduct their affairs on library premises. Accordingly, these libraries also provide an informal forum for the dissemination of information akin to the typical townhall.

However, let us please not forget another vast potential source of support to our current and future environmental efforts : our local Environmental Commissions/Committees. These numerous small groups are an already existing semi-organized force of volunteers. They constitute a valuable resource that often appears to be unappreciated and inefficiently utilized. These tend to be activists who are willing to go onsite and not just be supercilious and deskbound critics. They are typically dedicated volunteer environmental activists who are physically the closest to their problems. By virtue of their proximity these activists have an added incentive to resolve their environmental problems. In addition, their proximity assures them greater accessibility to local sources of information. Since they are usually selected by their municipal governments they are also familiar to and familiar with their local power structures and with the other activists within their communities. If they are conscientious then their greater familiarity can enable them to facilitate environmental preservation activities affecting their communities. As organized members of the affected local community they can also provide a local forum for information dissemination. Many Environmental Commissions also serve as small depositories of environment related information. Indeed, some are even connected to the FEMA national network as a part of the Hazard Mitigation Response network. 

To sum up : I heartily concur with Andrea and Peter and I respectfully suggest that consideration also be given to increasing our support of all of those Environmental Commissions throughout our republic. 

Michael