Monday, September 01, 2008

A Night to Remember

Denver, Colorado

There are few moments in life where you feel the goosebumps that come from hearing someone speak. But listening from the top row of Mile High Stadium to Senator Barak Obama's nomination speech last week sent shivers down my spine. The United States is in a difficult position as we have become a country that feels more negative about itself then positive. We are a country that for centuries has provided the world with a sense of hope and a place where flocks of people from all over the world have come to find opportunity and to make their life better for the future of their children. As John Winger a character in the early 80's b-movie Stripes says so well "we are a country of mutts. And their is no more loyal or lovable creature then a mutt". What I saw from Seantor Obama in his speech was leadership. A man determined not to play into the recycled politics of old but to challenge the basic assumptions of our increasingsly cyncical and negative political discourse. He is challnging us as Americans to stand up and be more involved in our communities and to demand equity for all . As I was walking back to downtown after the speech I realized that what I had just witnessed was way beyond a stagetcrafted speech in front of 80,000 people but a man who had a passion that was molded throughout his life in fighting for justice for all communities. To me to hear this speech on the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I have a Dream" speech made me have hope that we can come together as a country and work together to give everyone a chance to realize the American dream. It is going to be a tough race but I hope that folks understand the importance of this election and a new generation of diverse, young votres stand up and say "YES WE CAN"

The summer is coming to and end but BBTO is moving forward with some great work going on. On September 12th we will be partnering with one of our New Mexico partners the Santa Fe Mountain Center www.sf-mc.com to host The Leave No Child Inside Forum in Santa Fe. More information can be found on the Forum at www.sierraclub.org/youth/newmexico Richard Louv will be a keynote speaker along with a panel of diverse professionals appearing. New Mexico with its rich history and cultutal traditions related to nature has the ability to be a real leader in the children and nature movement.

The Sierra Club partnered with the National Military Family Association to host an event with United States Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) showcasing the power of nature and how it can help some of our youngest heroes who attend Operation Purple Camps www.nmfa.org . It was a fun day for all and the Sierra Club is proud to be a sponsor of some wonderful military programs which get children outside www.sierraclub.org.military . Hre is a link to a story that ran in the Kitsap Sun. http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/aug/21/at-camp-coping-skills-taught-between-the-fun-and/ about the day.

On a sad note BBTO Grants Administrator Britt Glass has moved to Vancouver, B.C with her new husband. Britt has been instrumental in the success of the BBTO program, she will be sorely missed. At the same time we are excited to announce that Tiffany Saleh has been hired as our new California BBTO Rep. Tiffany has a BS from Cal-Davis and an MS from University of Montana in Enviornrmntal Studies. Tiffany has incredible energy and vision and will be working closely with Sierra Club California on our efforts in the Golden State.http://sierraclubca.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-08-11T16%3A31%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

Lots of positive things going on and BBTO is working hard to leave no child inside!