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Entries tagged: Moving Planet

This fall, your organization has the opportunity to be part of massive global mobilization. On September 24, thousands — maybe millions — of bicyclists will flood the streets of capitols from Beijing to Washington, DC.

The event is called Moving Planet and it’s the latest international rally hosted by 350.org, a climate campaign started by journalist Bill McKibben back in 2007. The name is a reference to 350 parts per million — the safe upper limit of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere according to the latest science. (Current carbon dioxide levels are at 390ppm). Over the past two years, 350.org has organized some of the largest mobilizations in the planet’s history: 5,200 climate rallies in 182 countries in 2009 and 7,200 “work parties” in 188 countries in 2010.

With more than one-third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions coming from the transportation sector, the international day of action on September 24 will focus on biking and walking.

“This year is going to be about movement in every sense of the word,” Bill McKibben wrote earlier this year. “Not just the big shoulder-to-shoulder campaign we’ve built together across the world these last two years, but also powerful, fun, dramatic movement in the streets.”

The momentum is building already. According to the latest update:

• In Denver, Colorado, local organizers are planning a bike ride that will tour a few area coal power plants, encouraging the utilities to shut them down, as well as taking to the statehouse to demand better bike infrastructure throughout the state.

• In Seattle, Washington, a massive coalition of faith groups, climate, environmental and transportation groups are coming together for a mass organizer training and a day of bike rides, kayaking, skateboarding and rallies, calling for no coal exports, and sustainable transportation in the Seattle area.

• In Ohio, organizers are putting together events in Akron, Columbus and Cincinnati, where we’re working with the Mayor’s office to hold a ciclovia bike rally through downtown.

Here at the Alliance, we’re gearing up for the Moving Planet mobilization in DC. But more importantly, we’re also partnering with 350.org to get the word out and help your group create or partner on events in your area. Luckily, these folks at 350.org know how to organize. They’ve already set up helpful links so you can find:

• Planning meetings in your community
• Campaign planning workshops in your region
• Resources, like logos and posters

We’ll keep you posted with updates, but, in the meantime, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with any questions and I’ll be sure to direct you to the right person at 350.org.