Day in the Life

As a bit of a homebody and introvert, looking at my calendar these days is giving me heart palpitations.

Never in a million years, when I started this fight, did I think I would be doing the kind of work that I am now. Anyone who knows me knows that I hate public speaking.

Hate. It.

Makes me nervous, anxious, sweaty....you name it.

But, for whatever reason, God gave me a loud voice, an opinionated mind, and this coal plant fight. So, I try to remember that it's not about me--it's about the fight. It's about using the gifts that God gave me to fulfill His will (and, yes, I firmly believe it is His will to protect each other and His creation).

Meeting some of the most incredible people you could imagine is another reason why I do public speaking. It never ceases to amaze me how kind folks can be, and I've gotten to share a podium with some truly amazing and inspiring activists. It's all pretty humbling, really.

So here's what's coming up that will pull me from my usual comfy spot on the sofa--clad in pjs, laptop next to me, kids building some fantastic new Lego creation on the floor:

Sep. 17 - Chicago, IL - Greenpeace Quit Coal Summit

This is sort of a "focus group" for coal activists to help guide Greenpeace's new Quit Coal campaign. I'm super excited for this! Not only because I've always loved Greenpeace (their baby seal campaign was my childhood clarion call), but because I will get to meet other folks who are in the same boat we are. I can't wait to hear their ideas and inspiration!

 

www.quitcoal.org

Sep. 28 - Norfolk, VA - The Last Mountain at The Naro Theater

I've been dying to see this movie (about mountain top removal coal mining). My dear friend has been touring with this movie (and Bobby Kennedy!) for the past few months. I'll be speaking about how our local fight ties into the larger issue of coal extraction. Bobby Kennedy will not be there. Sad panda.

 

www.thelastmountainmovie.com

http://www.narocinema.com/

Oct. 1 - Blacksburg, VA - Virginia Power Shift

This is a student-run event (and movement) working on clean energy solutions. I will be participating on a panel specifically about our coal plant. ODEC (the utility proposing the plant) has been invited, too. It will be interesting to see if they attend.

http://www.vapowershift.org/

November (TBD) - Fairfax, VA - George Mason University

I'm super excited for this, not only because I may be speaking with the phenomenal Larry Gibson, but because GMU is my alma mater (and where I had to take public speaking for my degree requirements! Who knew that class would come in so handy?).

 

www.gmu.edu/org/environment

Whew...I'm tired and nervous just looking at all that! Did I mention I'm a homebody?

I have a couple of other exciting guest blog invitations in the works (some involving actual $$!), and I will keep you posted on those.

Until then, you can find me right here: Couch, laptop, coffee, and kidlets. Just to keep it fresh I'll round it out with some dishes, laundry, baseball, grocery shopping, and home renovations.

Just another day in the life!