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Year in Review
December 2020 NCRN Newsletter
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Empowering the Rights of Communities!
Recognizing the Rights of Nature!
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2020 Vision!
Take a moment to pause and reflect on the year that is coming to a close.
For many, thankfully, the end of 2020 is near, as there has been much heartache and suffering from losses due to COVID-19, job and economic insecurity and little to no relief for the marginalized. There has also been a visible outpouring of kindness and compassion within and among communities. Though the government as part of the corporate state continues to maintain the status quo, more people are stepping up to “serve, love, give” in their neighborhoods, communities and across the nation and world.
We in the Community Rights and Rights of Nature movement are a caring and resilient bunch. We understand that in this movement of which we are a part, there are no big wins, losses or breakthroughs, just pressure continually applied to dismantle the "fixed" system. We strive to envision, create and enact a just and sustainable world that respects the inherent dignity of each living being and honors Nature upon which we depend. Many of us have felt stretched to our limits and have experienced bouts of burn out - but still we endure and move forward.
We hope that you enjoy this newsletter, learn more about the amazing network that you are a part of, and feel supported and connected to the growing Community Rights and Rights of Nature movement!
Much appreciation for your continued efforts and support,
The NCRN Board - NationalCRN@gmail.com
Susie Beiersdorfer (Pres-OH)
Tom Groover (Vice President-CO)
Doug Darrell (Secretary-NH)
Kara Scott (PA)
Markie Miller (OH)
Nancy Ward (OR)
Heidi Berthoud (VA)
Stacey Schmader (Treasurer-PA)
Ben Price (advisor)
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In July, VACRN was established to support “local efforts to recognize and legally secure the Rights of Nature and Communities to a healthy environment through self-government at the city, county, and state level.”
VACRN will challenge “the injustice of illegitimate corporate rights that impede local and direct democracy, through educational training, workshops, campaign strategy development, and public outreach.”
The Network continues previous Virginia work done in Buckingham, Nelson, Augusta, Charlottesville, Richmond, Campbell County, and the Town of Halifax – which passed a “Community Bill of Rights” in 2008 to protect against chemical and radioactive trespass.
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We've compiled our state updates into a pdf.
We hope you enjoy reading all the exciting updates and projects undertaken this year by our amazing network. Please don't hesitate to connect directly with one of our Community Rights Networks for more information or to get involved.
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2020 Annual NCRN Retreat
Connecting in the Time of COVID-19
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We were fortunate to conduct our 2020 NCRN Vision Retreat on the weekend of November 13-15, 2020. Three of us drove to Bowmanstown, PA and three other Board members “Zoomed” in. We had applied for and were awarded in October, a Mountain Watershed Association Direct Support fund grant for $2500. "The Direct Support Fund is made possible by The Heinz Endowments and the 11th Hour Project and is a project of the Mountain Watershed Association. For more information or to apply please visit www.mtwatershed.com"
Retreat Highlights
- A new Mission statement:
Empowering the Rights of Communities. Recognizing the Rights of Nature.
- 2021 All-State CRN call series will continue to be held on the last Wednesday of each month
- Electronic Newsletters (December 2020, April 2021, August 2021, December 2021)
- Explored creating and implementing a “Rejuvenation Workshop”
Exploring ways to relieve Activist Burnout
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We've got a brand new website!
Connect with the NCRN and learn more about our State Community Rights Networks!
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We're launching a shared Community Rights events calendar in the New Year! If your CRN is hosting - or attending - an event that aligns well with the Community Rights and Rights of Nature movement please send the details to the NCRN!
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Information on both virtual and in-person events can be submitted via email to NationalCRN@gmail.com.
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In 2020 we launched a series of online monthly calls in an effort to better connect the State CRNs. In 2021; however, we look forward to creating a more engaging virtual environment in the next series. While some calls are open to only state CRN members we are adding public calls to the rotation in 2021.
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In Remembrance
"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." ~ Maya Angelou
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Together we remember all those who are no longer physically with us. Below are two great souls who left us this year. Their contributions, spirit, and profound words will continue to light our path.
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(Left) William “Reekumąnį/ray-ku-ma-nee” (Walks With The South Wind) Greendeer of Cashton, Wisconsin, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2020. He was a citizen liaison for the Ho-Chunk Nation. Bill was a medicine lodge member. He was proud of his culture, preserving and sharing his customs. Bill was passionate about the Rights of Nature and an extremely talented artist. Plant a tree in memory of Bill here.
(Right) Debra White Plume, Wioweya Najin Win in her native Lakota, left her body behind on November 10, 2020. A brave advocate for her people, she was memorialized by the New York Times as a “prominent Native American activist who faced down police bullets, uranium mining companies and oil pipeline projects in trying to protect the traditional Oglala Lakota way of life.” In 1973 she stood with the American Indian Movement during an armed standoff with federal forces that took the lives of two of her comrades at Wounded Knee, and with the Standing Rock encampment to block trespass on native land. Her story is an inspiration to all who pursue justice for the people and the land. Read about Debra's legacy in Common Dreams.
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We're grateful for our partnership with the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF). CELDF assists communities across the United States and around the world to build sustainable communities as they assert their right to local self-government and the Rights of Nature. Visit them at www.CELDF.org!
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Don't miss CELDF Fast Fact series! Fast Facts are quick introductions to big ideas and concepts tackled by the Community Rights Movement! Check out our Fast Facts and find resources to more information to further your knowledge on the topics! Watch them all here.
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INVISIBLE HAND
A new Rights of Nature documentary depicts a defining battle where nature, democracy and capitalism face off in rural America – the fight for our survival is at stake.
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INVISIBLE HAND has won the Award of Excellence from the Accolade Global Film Competition for Documentary and Nature/Environment/Wildlife, and for Women Filmmakers. According to Accolade, directors Joshua B. Pribanic and Melissa A. Troutman’s “exceptional investigative journalist skills deliver a compelling and emotional film."
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If you'd like to host a screening of INVISIBLE HAND contact Public Herald or the National Community Rights Network.
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Check out the LIVE Q&A that took place after the premiere of INVISIBLE HAND! Actor Mark Ruffalo, the films producer and narrator, joined Rights of Nature activists.
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