Climate Justice Unity March: Day 7

Friday, April 28, 2017 – Prairie City to Pleasant Hill (14 miles) Today promises to be the most difficult of the March: 14 miles in cold, rainy weather along a busy four-lane highway. We’re soaked both from above and below, as trucks barreling along spray us when they pass. It’s a testament to the commitment and perseverance of our group that ten marchers make it every step of the way in such conditions. At our rest stop at the 5.2 mile mark, we decide to break into two groups — one Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 6

Thursday, April 27, 2017 – Reasnor to Prairie City (11 miles) The weather has gone cold and damp, with temperatures 20 degrees below average. Days like this give fodder to the handful of people who completely deny climate change, with comments like, “Gee, we could sure use some global warming now.” Yet the vast majority of Iowans know the climate is changing, although there remains disagreement over the cause. My entirely unscientific estimate is that about half the people we’ve met on the March accept Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 5

Wednesday, April 26, 2017 – Sully to Reasnor (10 miles) We scramble out of our tents early today for the ride to Des Moines for Donnielle Wanatee’s trial. She was arrested for trespass at Governor Branstad’s office during the February 22 Day of Action Against DAPL. Donnielle pled “not guilty” and asked for a jury trial. The judge denied her request. Nevertheless, she persists. It’s a miserable morning. The wind and rain make it impossible for our cook, Chap Myers, to keep the stove lit. Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 4

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 – Searsboro to Sully (8.5 miles) As I pack up my tent this morning, Sarah informs me that she woke with a pit in her stomach, an odd sense of foreboding. She’s spoken with Shelley Buffalo and Fernando Manakaja as well, and they also have the same sense of unease — an intuition that someone or something may try to harm us today. I take their intuition seriously. Our marching column is tight, and we walk two-by-two on the gravel shoulder Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 3

Monday, April 24, 2017 – Montezuma to Searsboro (9.5 miles) Searsboro is one of those small, forgotten Iowa towns bypassed by the main highway. It’s a sprawling community of 142 people, built on hillocks tucked away in a valley along English Creek. I’ve driven by Searsboro dozens of times, wondering what it was like but never bothering to stop. From the highway you see only a few of Searsboro’s houses. Today, as our march winds its final mile over and around several steep, rolling hills, Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 2

Sunday, April 23, 2017 – Deep River to Montezuma (10 miles) As we circle up this morning and prepare to leave Deep River, a man driving an ATV pulls up. He introduces himself as Darrin Ehret — the guy next door who put up the Confederate flag yesterday. He was surprised at how quiet and respectful we were last night, and that inspired him to come over. Based on the things he’d heard on Facebook, he was expecting all kinds of noise and bad behavior. Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Day 1

Saturday, April 22, 2017 – Little Creek Camp to Deep River (12.8 miles) Today saw three notable “firsts,” none of them good. Our troupe of 25-30 marchers were flipped off three times by passing drivers. I’ve walked 700 miles along Iowa’s highways and gravel roads and never had someone do that to me. Also today, as we were taking a break on a gravel road, I walked a short distance across a field to talk with a young farmer who was watching us. I introduced myself, explained Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Wish List

Many camping items are needed for the Climate Justice Unity March. If have any of these items to loan to us for the duration of April 21-29, please contact [email protected]. Industrial Shelving for the gear truck (already have) 3 Large Coolers for perishable food items Two-Burner Cook Stove Smaller Cook Stove Propane Tanks Storage Containers with lids for dry goods storage 2 Large Water Coolers (have one) 2 Coffee Makers, 12-cup size at least (have one) 2 Tea Pots that can go on cook stoves Continue reading →

Climate Justice Unity March: Packing List

Sign up to join the April 22-29 Climate Justice Unity March. Everything you bring must fit into only two duffel bags or suitcases, and one small backpack to carry while you walk. Please label your bags and all individual items.  Leave valuables at home. Personal Identification Credit card or ATM card Sunscreen Lip balm with sunscreen Bug spray or wipes Bandanas Travel towel (quick dry) Hand towel (quick dry) Body wipes (only compostable) Hand sanitizer Deodorant Ear plugs Ziploc bags First aid kit Prescription medications Tylenol/ibuprofen Continue reading →

Report: Bold Iowa #NoDAPL Day of Direct Action – Feb. 22, 2017

> Click here to donate to support Bold Iowa’s work < On Wednesday, Feb. 22, Bold Iowa organized a statewide #NoDAPL Day of Direct Action, which included events in 10 cities aimed at raising awareness and engaging in acts of nonviolent civil disobedience to protest the Dakota Access pipeline. Actions included rallies at the offices of elected officials Rep. Steve King and Rep. David Young, and a sit-in at Gov. Branstad’s office that resulted in four arrests for nonviolent civil disobedience. Bold Action Teams also occupied Continue reading →