I want you to act as if the house was on fire, because it is.
World Economic Forum – Davos, Switzerland
Many a sign adorned this message at the Global Climate Strike March in Washington, DC on September 20th. The march, spearheaded by girl-wonder Greta Thurnberg, has been one of many across the United States and the world as young people take governments to task over their inaction on climate change.
Several LWVUS staff were present to witness and take part in what is considered to be one of the largest global protests in history. What we saw shed new light on our democracy and sanctity of the rights afforded to us, as children of all ages filled the lawn of the Capitol and the surrounding avenues practicing their first amendment rights.
Halfway through the march, we overheard a few high schoolers being interviewed by a media outlet. Their insightfulness on the impacts of climate change on the poor, agriculture, and cities was so impressive that we stopped to talk to them. One of the students instantly recognized our LWV signs and asked for a voter registration drive at their school to increase voter awareness! Thankfully, one of our rock star organizers was with us and spoke to them about getting something set up. It is always amazing to see how the work of the League fits into so many spaces and appeals to a variety of people of all ages and cultures.
The rally portion kicked off with speeches from indigenous groups of the United States. I have never had the opportunity to hear indigenous groups speak at a rally and was eager to listen. Young women and men of different tribes introduced themselves in their languages, prayed, and sang for us. Most importantly, standing at the foot of the Capitol, they had us all acknowledge the forceful removal of Native Americans from their land across the country, the buildings of our capital city that were built on slave labor, and the disproportionate effects of climate change on marginalized groups at home and around the globe. This type of inclusivity and recognition is crucial to the fight for justice and should never be looked over or forgotten. I am thankful to these people for putting it at the forefront.
