There is still time to join our 2016 to 2017 program!
Action Outings Education
If you are curious about environmental issues and would like to take action to protect our environment, this is the program for you.
In our Environmental Stewardship Program you will learn about critical environmental issues, lobby politicians to pass pro-environment legislation, learn how to be an activist, and enjoy nature through group activities. These goals will be accomplished through screenings of award-winning environmental documentaries, presentations, working with legislators, a book club and community outings.
Previous program participants have included elected officials and have ranged in age from high school students to senior citizens. Many have gone on to play integral roles in various environmental organizations-both grassroots NGOs and government agencies-and are continuing to work toward building a better world.
Comment from participant EW:" I found out about Environmental Stewardship 2.0 just as I was looking for new ways to have a wider impact on reducing the effects of climate change than my personal ‘carbon footprint’. I thought I knew a lot about environmental issues already, but I learned so much in each session from experts in their field that I would not have come by easily on my own.....".
Comment for participant PF " ....I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to diversify their knowledge of local, state, national, and international environmental issues.The information, discussions, and insights I gained from this program has helped me get more involved in my community and see the benefits our action items have had throughout my county."
For More Information scroll down below.
If you want to reserve a seat, email Sue Chow: sue2042@gmail.com with your contact info including phone number, or call Sue at 650-454-0259
The course fee of $150 includes 9 monthly sessions, organic (mostly) dinners and materials. We accomodate special diet needs!
Space is limited and we have some scholarships for students, seniors or for those who need it.
If you are ready to register, you can pay online here.
1. October 3, 2016: Toxic Trade Agreements: Undermining Our Environment and Our Democracy
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Film: TTIP—Might Is Right (50 min)
Like the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP). the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, or TTIP, is a free trade agreement currently under negotiations between European nations and the United States. As shown in this insightful new documentary TTIP: Might is Right, this agreement has stirred a great deal of controversy and protest among the masses, and for good reason.
Presentation & Discussion: The Trans Pacific Partnership and why we must make sure it is not passed. (10 min.)
Action Item: Write our congressional reps to urge them to oppose the Trans Pacific Partnership Write Hillary Clinton to tell her not to renege on her promise to oppose the TPP. Start your own petition campaign (15 min.)
Activist Talk: (15 min)
Monthly Outing: October 8, 2016, Saturday: San Mateo-Burlingame Bay Trail Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, EASY (Family Friendly) Contact: Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
2. November 7, 2016: Combating Climate Change
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Film: Disobedience (41 min)
Featuring author and activist Naomi Kelin, 350.org founder Bill McKibben, and other inspiring voices, Disobedience is the story of the struggle to save the world. Disobedience tells the David vs Goliath tales of front line leaders around the world risking life and limb in the fight for a livable climate. Interwoven with this riveting verité footage are the most renowned voices in the global conversation around social movements and climate justice for a series that is personal, passionate and powerful.
Presentation & Discussion: Why we must fight for a clean energy future and stop extractions NOW. (10 min)
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Action Item: TPP follow-up. Letters to the Editor (15 min). Signature gathering campaign.
Monthly Outing: November 12, 2016, Saturday: Rancho San Antonio—combination hike with easy flat first mile, next 3 miles elevated loop. MODERATE (Family Friendly) Contact: Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
3. December 5, 2016: Sea Level Rise in the Bay Area
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Speaker: San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine (45 min)
Q & A and Discussion: What can we do about the fact that California is woefully underprepared for the disastrous consequences of Sea level Rise? (15 min).
Action Item: TPP Follow-up: Write local legislators asking for anti-TPP resolution. If TPP is being pushed through Congress in the lame duck session, we will conduct a phone banking and email writing session. (15 min.)
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Monthly Outing, Saturday: December 12, 2016: Devil’s Slide—Easy, Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, (Family Friendly) Contact Gladwyn godsouza@mac.co
4. January 9, 2017: Sustainable Land Use
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Film: Urban Solutions from Curitiba ( 50 min.)
This inspirational documentary shows a city where urban solutions are not just theory, but a reality. The film shows innovations in the areas of transportation, recycling, social benefits (affordable housing), parks, and the philosophy behind the successful leaders that transformed Curitiba in a model green city.
Q & A and Discussion: (15 min)
Action Item: To be determined
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Monthly Outing, Saturday: Jan. 14, 2017, Pulgas Ridge (MODERATE) Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, Contact Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
5. February 6. 2017 : Local City Planning for Sustainability—Bay Area Case Studies
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Speaker: Gita Dev, Loma Prieta Chapter’s Sustainable Land Use Chair
“Transit-oriented development (TOD) and “pedestrian-friendly cities” are two of the guiding principles of sustainable city planning today. You will learn about the experiences of our Sustainable Land Use activists who have worked with city councils to draft and implement plans for building transformative cities of the future.
Q & A and Discussion: (15 min)
Action Item: To be determined
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Monthly Outing, Saturday: Feb. 11, 2017 Half Moon Bay (Coast Trail): Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, EASY (Family Friendly) Contact Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
6. March 6, 2017: Toxins in Our Food: The Devastating Impact of GMOs
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Film: GMO, OMG ! (60 min.)
Who controls the future of your food? GMO OMG explores the systematic corporate takeover and potential loss of humanity's most precious and ancient inheritance: seeds. Director Jeremy Seifert investigates how loss of seed diversity and corresponding laboratory assisted genetic alteration of food affects his young children, the health of our planet, and freedom of choice everywhere. GMO OMG follows one family's struggle to live and eat without participating in an unhealthy, unjust, and destructive food system.
Q & A and Discussion: (15 min)
Action Item: To be determined
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Monthly Outing, Saturday: March 11, 2017, Sweeney Ridge, Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, MODERATE OK for older children Contact Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
7. April 3, 2017: Toxins in Our Everyday Environment
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Film: The Human Experiment (52 minutes) produced by Sean Penn
“The Human Experiment” starts out with interviews with people who’ve had medical problems that are thought to be chemically related and doctors who’ve been studying them. The narrative soon enough turns to the economic and political forces behind the overall situation. It’s a heartening example of democracy in action. Spreading awareness of the problems and their potential solutions is a big part of the process, and in that sense, “The Human Experiment” itself will be a useful tool for those involved in these multi-pronged battles.
Q & A and Discussion: (15 min)
Action Item: To be determined
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Monthly Outing, Saturday: April 8, 2017, Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, Coyote Point trail and natural history museum, Family Friendly, Contact Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
8. May 8, 2017: Wildlife Conservation: Protecting Bio-Diversity & Endangered Species.
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Film: A Wild Dog’s Story (50 minutes)
This documentary belongs to the pantheon of rare films that made a real difference. This is the story of Newky, an African wild dog. The film follows Newky over a period of 5 very treacherous years. Told through the personal reflections of Dr. Tico McNutt, and set against the spectacular wilderness of Botswana’s Chavango Delta,Newky’s story is a poignant tale of survival against incredible odds for one of the world’s most endangered and fascinating creatures. Most importantly, perceptions were changed which directly saved Wild Dogs from persecution.
Q & A and Discussion: (15 min)
Action Item: To be determined
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Monthly Outing, Saturday: May 13, 2017, Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, UC Botanical Garden, EASY, Family Friendly, Contact Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
9. June 5, 2017: The Life of an Environmental Activist
Dinner: 6:00 t o 6:45 p.m. (6:30 to 6;45)—Greetings & Announcements
Film: Monumental: David Brower’s Fight for Wild America
From the moment David Brower first witnessed the extraordinary beauty of the Yosemite Valley, his life was tied to the fight to preserve the American wilds for future generations. Not since John Muir had an American fought so hard, or been more successful, in protecting our natural heritage. His fiery dedication and activism helped inspire the modern day environmental movement. Explored is the beautiful, dramatic, and lyrical story of Brower and his colleagues' unrelenting campaigns--fought through lobbying, art, and hard hitting advertising-to-protect and establish some our most treasured national parks. At the center of the film are the themes that absorbed Brewer throughout his life: the threatened beauty of the American earth, the spiritual connection between humans and the great outdoors, and the moral obligation to preserve what is left of the world's natural wonders.
Q & A and Discussion: (15 min)
Action Item: To be determined
Activist Talk: (15 min.)
Monthly Outing, Saturday: June 10, 2017, Meet at 9;30 a.m.at the San Carlos Library, Docent Tour of Trees of Stanford EASY, Family Friendly, Contact Gladwyn godsouza@mac.com
To register, click here:
You can also register by contacting Sue at: sue2042@gmail.com 650-454-0259