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The first two weeks of actions have gone relatively well. The beginning actions in this journey were not meant to be terribly difficult and they have not been. My goal for week one was simply to sign two pre-written letters to President Trump and to the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Both letters were already filled with detailed reasons why one would be in protest of the Pebble Mine. All I had to do, was fill out a little personal information and electronically “sign,” my name at the bottom to be sent away along with the thousands of other letters that have been signed. Hopefully these letters have been/are piling up for President Trump andthe EPA administrator so that they may soon realize how serious this issue is and how serious we Americans are about stopping it.

The second action I had planned was to create a social media post warning my friends and family of the possible consequences of the Pebble Mine. In this social media post, links to sign the two pre-written letters previously mentioned were included. I urged my friends and family to read through and sign these letters if they felt compelled to do so.

I could have improved my social media post by including more information about what the letters actually said. I provided some detail but did not go in to depth about what the letters included. Had I described the content of these letters in further detail, I feel that more of my friends and family would have been compelled to sign them. I know most people are not willing to take the time to read through the entire letters, so maybe if I included an in-depth summary, more people would have simply signed the petition rather than immediately turning away from the thought because they did not want to take the time/did not have to time to read the letters themselves.

Since starting my action plan, I have learned just how passionate I can be
about something that I care about. I have always known that I am a person filled with passion, but I thought it may be hard to be as connected to a problem that stems from across the country. But, I was wrong. Once I learned of the pristine habitat and native ways of life at stake, I was immediately filled with the drive to make a difference. Over the next two weeks, I expect to face challenges as my actions become a little more time consuming and a little more personal. The end of the semester can be a stressful time with wrapping up classes and projects along with studying for finals. Adding in these actions from my action plan may prove to be a little difficult with all that I will have going on within the last few weeks of the semester. However, I hope that the time barrier can be overcome so that I can truly try my best to help the fight against the Pebble Mine.

In general, taking action against the Pebble Mine will be rather difficult considering the fact that is located across the country from Ohio in Bristol Bay, Alaska. However, I do have a few things in mind to raise awareness regarding the Pebble Mine and its effects on the pristine habitat of Bristol Bay.

• Week One: Sign the pre-written letter to be sent to President Trump; and a separate written letter addressed to the EPA administrator, voicing that I personally want to protect Bristol Bay from the Pebble Mine.
  • This action should be relatively easy, requiring only a computer, a Wi-Fi connection, and the will to make a difference.
• Week Two: Social media post informing friends and family about the Pebble Mine and its dire consequences to the Native Lands. I will include a link to the pre-written letter to President Trump and the EPA administrator allowing friends and family to come together in unity against the Pebble Mine if they feel compelled.
  • Again, this action does not require many materials, simply a heart that is in it to save Bristol Bay and the future of the surrounding lands.
• Week Three: Create and hang up flyers regarding the Pebble Mine and it’s for scene consequences should it be constructed. I will again provide links to the websites for any to sign in protest the mine. These flyers will most likely be hung around Morrill Tower to raise awareness of those that I live with.This action will take a little more effort than the others. I will need to spend time creating an eye-catching flyer that will capture the attention of those that pass it, at least for long enough for them to read some details about the proposed mine. The two links to the pre-written letters will be available on the flyers as well should someone feel as if they wanted to support Bristol Bay. It may be difficult to acquire enough paper and ink to make a sufficient number of flyers to hang around the dorm.
• Week Four: Communicate the consequences of the Pebble Mine with my sorority sisters and encourage them to sign the petitions.
  • This will take more will power than the other weekly objectives. I am a new member of Kappa Delta this semester, and while I feel comfortable there, it will be slightly nerve wracking to voice my opinion to my pledge class. I will most likely communicate this message through message via text, Facebook, or Groupme. While this action may not seem as in depth as I portray it to be, it is. It is definitely hard to voice your opinion to 60+ girls without being a little nervous.
• Week Four Option Two: Send a letter to those in charge of the BBNC nonprofit organization inquiring how exactly I can make a difference in the fight against the Pebble Mine from all the way across the country in Ohio.
  • I have not yet decided which of these options I would like to utilize in week four, so that is why I have included them both. I feel like directly inquiring how I personally can make a difference in fighting against the Pebble Mine is truly a way to dig deep into the roots of this problem. I want to find out exactly how I am able to make a direct difference.

After hearing from some real-life local non-profit employees, I feel much more inspired when I think about my issue through the lens of non-profit work. Hearing these two men talk about their work and talk about their passions gave me hope. It made me believe that even when daunting issues may seem insolvable, there is always a way to face them. Small steps can be taken in the right direction each day, and with a team of people, challenges can be addressed. I know that the natives of Bristol Bay feel just as passionately about their wild lands, as Max and Tara feel about their causes. I was unaware of the non-profit world attached to fighting the Pebble Mine. However now, I know that it is real and it is strong.

As I explore my issue, I feel that it should be considered how much can be truly achieved without involving political aspects. While the natives care deeply about protecting their lands, and even have a non-profit dedicated to it, the government plays a truly important role. The Environmental Protection Agency has conducted studies trying to figure out what kind of impact the Pebble Mine would have on the ecosystems. In turn, the EPA has a large part in whether or not the Pebble Mine will be constructed. While non-profit work is changing the world, there are other factors at play in this situation.

Taking action against the construction of the Pebble Mine through non-profit work will be slightly difficult considering the issue itself and the entire non-profit organization is based out of Bristol Bay, Alaska. I would surely volunteer at the Bristol Bay Native Corporation if it was located in a location I would be able to reach. Ideally, I would like to try to raise money to be able to donate to the foundation. I also feel that simply raising awareness wherever possible would deeply benefit any cause.

In leaving this session, I have begun to seriously consider non-profit work after undergrad. I have always had the thought in the back of my mind, but hearing the real passion that surrounds non-profit work really reeled me in. It inspired me to find a career that is deeply satisfying day in and day out.

 

 

Non-profit organizations have been at work for quite some time through countless global issues. Non-profits often do work that profiting companies are incapable of doing. It seems that non-profits gain the support of the people much more readily than do companies that make money. People are much more willing to put their trust in non-profits organizations. The same is true for the Bristol Bay Native Corporation (BBNC). This non-profit organization is helping to protect the native lands of Bristol Bay from the emanating threat of the Pebble Mine.

 

The BBNC is a corporation with a mission and values that run deep. The mission of the organization is to fully “enrich the native life.” The native culture is to be embraced and celebrated in any and all possible ways. The corporation vision statement reads as follows: “To protect the land in the Bristol Bay region, celebrate the legacy of its people, and enhance the lives of BBNC shareholders.” As could be assumed, part of protecting the Bristol Bay area is protecting it from the proposed Pebble Mine. The everyday cultural lives of the natives would be completely vulnerable should the Pebble Mine plan ever come to life. The goals and values of the BBNC range in topic, but here are a few highlighted aspects:

“Goals

• Balance responsible development and protection of our lands, fisheries, and resources.
• Support educational, cultural, and social initiatives that positively affect shareholders and descendants.
• Help to develop economic opportunities in the Bristol Bay region.

Values

• Respect the people, land and natural resources that are the basis for our culture and the Native way of life.
• Responsibly manage natural resources, prioritizing the cultural and economic value of the Bristol Bay fishery.”

The Pebble Mine would put most, if not all of these, goals and values at risk of being violated.

 

The organization is in strong opposition of the Pebble Mine. The BBNC has a “Fish First,” value that entails valuing the fish that have sustained the Bristol Bay culture for as long as can be remembered over everything else. The opposition of the mine reflects that values of the corporation and the overall opinions of the stakeholders. To ensure that the corporation uphold its values, the BBNC remains involved in all national discussions about whether or not the Pebble Mine plans should be approved. The BBNC also vows to be “fully engaged” should the permit process for the mine ever begin.

 

To get involved with the non-profit work of the BBNC, citizens may become employed at the BBNC or become a shareholder of the corporation. In being a shareholder, one can essentially fuel the entire foundation, while also receiving a dividend and scholarship opportunities. Shareholders also build ties with Alaskan lands and the Natives that live there. There is also the option to simply donate to the corporation as well. Although these options sound pleasing, the availability for everyone to participate is not high. To be employed at the BBNC would require moving there, and being a shareholder would require a stable financial situation. When viewing the issue of the proposed Pebble Mine through the non-profit lens, is it vital to remember that it is corporations like the BBNC that have an intricate role in opposing these large-scale projects. It might be hard to fight the mine as an individual, but if everyone comes together in opposition of the mine through the BBNC, some real differences can be made.

In reference to the Justice-Oriented Citizen Model, work is being done on each level within the BBNC. At level one, citizens are donating funds to the corporation through being a shareholder or through simply donating money. At the second level, there are those employees at the corporation who help ensure that the organization stays on track and stays up and running financially. Then at the third level, there are those people that started the BBNC. These are the people that sat down and truly thought about that things that Alaskan Natives stand for. They took these ideals and made them into something real. The founders of the BBNC wanted to find a way to support their native cultures and oppose all things that threaten that, and that is exactly what they did.  This organization instills these values into countless others who will one day possibly aid in keeping up the legacy of the BBNC.

 

In watching a video created directly by the BBNC, there were several important things to take away. The people of Bristol Bay are truly and deeply tied to this Native Land. These people have made it their life-long goal to educate all future generations of the importance of their lands. They instill into all that pass through that the lands and waters have sustained their lives for hundreds of years. These people truly believe that the most value that can be obtained from Native Lands is leaving it completely natural and allowing people to use it as they always have- to hunt and fish. The corporation is pure in its intentions and has a goal of staying that way for the rest of its years.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YFreQoLogg

After hearing from every day people that are so deeply involved in community organizing, I have a few new takes on the idea itself. I was totally unaware of the extent of rights that we citizens have. We have the power to disagree with things and we have the power to take action against those things that we disagree with. Before class session, I was honestly not completely sure of what exactly community organization was. However, I now know that it is completely about the people of an area taking charge and creating an initiative. As I continue to delve into the proposed Pebble Mine whole heartedly, I will now consider all of the actions that can be taken by citizens from near and afar.

 

Today I learned how and why people chose to make a difference. Seeing two individuals that are so deeply passionate about their issues, truly inspired me to wish to one day reach that level of passion. This same passion resonates within the citizens of Bristol Bay that will be directly affected from the construction of the Pebble Mine.

 

I feel as if it may be rather difficult to organize a community to rise up against a mine that is located across the country, I think that people will understand the real affects that will be felt by the Alaskans of Bristol Bay. Although the people of Ohio State, of Columbus, and even the state of Ohio will not be directly affected by this mine for some time, the people here will sympathize. Bristol Bay is one of the most pristine and untouched by human areas in the entire world. The Pebble Mine will take this away from us all, not just the Alaskans. I hope to personally sign and send the letter opposing the Pebble Mine to President Trump. I hope to learn more about the active protests and discover how I can play my part from so far away here in Columbus, Ohio.

Community organizing plays an intricate part in this possible Pebble Mine, planned to be located near Bristol Bay, Alaska. The community of Alaskan natives are not pleased with the proposed mine, as it threatens their very way of life. The habitat for sockeye salmon is pristine. It remains nearly untouched by human development. The bay stands as the world’s most thriving sockeye salmon fishery. It is one of the last places on the planet that these salmon lives and breed freely. The area is home to about thirty native tribes that rely on this salmon population as a center of their everyday lives, both economically and culturally. Aside from the native population, the bay provides jobs for nearly 14,000 people; ranging from tourists guides to commercial fishermen.

The entire state of Alaska appears to be pulling together. There are entire websites set up for the general public to read about protests and efforts to stop this pebble mine. For any who wish to stand up for Bristol Bay, a pre-written letter can be sent to President Trump regarding the proposed mine. However, if you are a resident of the state of Alaska there is an entirely different website to utilize. The website shows a pre-written letter for Alaskans to simply sign and send to all of their state government officials. The letter is sent to the following positions of power: Chief of Staff Scott Kendall, DNR Commissioner Andy Mack, Governor Bill Walker, Lt. Governor Byron Mallott, and Representative Bryce Edgmon. Alaskans are in complete oppostition to this mine and they have every right to be. Protesting this issue could get a little messy as passion enters the picture. These native Alaskans care deeply about the bay and have a hard time accepting that the government, or more importantly the EPA, will most likely have the final say in whether or not the mine is constructed. This mine threatens the state as a whole, and in turn is a force to be reckoned with.

All levels of the justice oriented citizen model are represented in the Pebble Mine issue. There are citizens that participate in protests and then there are citizens that organize the protests. Along with that, there are citizens that sign and send the pre-written letter opposing the mine to government officials, and then there are those who write these pre-written letters to be sent. The real masterminds behind the opposition are exploring the real possible consequences of the mine. These people are discovering how the mine would impact the native’s lives in both the short term and the long term. The discoveries are then relayed to public so that not only Alaskans are aware if the possible outcomes of the mine, but the citizens across the globe.

In watching a video created by commercial fishermen of Bristol Bay, it has become obvious that it is not just citizens of Alaska that are at risk if the mine is built. People across the country will suffer from the proposed mine if the plans go through. There are restaurant owners and ship constructers that rely on the market of Bristol Bay. And not only will these large businesses be affected, but so will the smaller businesses beneath them. The trickle-down economy will cause suffering down the food chain of businesses if the mine is ever built. This proposed mine would wreak havoc across the country comically, socially, and culturally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKXv_TnONBg

 

Today’s society is brimming with controversial issues just waiting to be explored by anyone who is brave enough to do so. These are issues wicked in nature. Solutions do not come easy because most people cannot even agree on whether or not there is an issue to begin with. But eventually, these problems will have to be faced. Before problems can begin to be solved even in the slightest way, people must realize that even the smallest of efforts can make the biggest difference. I am hoping to learn this myself through completing this semester’s project. Although my efforts may be small, I deeply hope that they can make an impact in some way.

 

One issue that I have become rather intrigued by is the idea of coal burning with carbon capturing. The coal industry is alive and thriving in the United States and has been for quite some time. It does not appear that the coal corporations are planning on going anywhere either. It is for this reason that efforts must now be concentrated on how to make burning coal a clean energy, rather than how to get rid of it completely. America has no choice but to investigate clean coal. It is not sustainable nor is it environmentally friendly to burn coal the way that the nation currently is. Coal is intertwined into society in countless ways. The coal industry is the cheapest way there is to create and sustain the amount of energy necessary to power the country. Economically, it is a sound investment. Compared to other forms of energy such as wind, solar, hydro and etc., coal is the most economically logical choice. Green energy would cost much more to produce, which would eventually lead to a higher cost for consumers. Consumers are very aware of this, and are reluctant to be open to green energy sources for this reason. Additionally, coal is one of the leading job industries in some areas of the United States. Many Americans fear that they would be left out of work if the coal industry was so shut down. However, it seems that citizens are becoming more and more aware of the environmental impact of coal burning. Though some may argue against its existence, climate change is real and is partially in consequence of burning fossil fuels. This is precisely why the idea of carbon capturing while burning fossil fuels is so vital. It provides a way to create a clean energy source while still keeping the coal industry alive.

 

Clean energy is certainly an issue on the top of the list of some of the most threatening environmental issues. Up there alongside it is waste disposal, and more specifically waste disposal into the oceans. Out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, there is a vortex of swirling trash known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This floating trash patch includes years and years of plastic build up. This

waste comes directly from the human race. Some from those on land and some from those on ships. People can be very careless when it comes to waste disposal, and they might even think it will never affect them. But every day, this though is proven false. Beaches all along the coasts are littered with garbage and deceased animals who have mistakenly eaten this debris. Waste disposal is a huge expense, which is why some may think it would be easier and even cheaper to just throw their garbage out wherever they please. In the long run, efforts to clean up marine debris turns out to be more expensive and time consuming than just simply disposing of waste or recycling it in the first place. No country wants to take on the blame for this floating debris vortex although it is most likely a whole array of countries at fault here. The environmental impacts are simple yet the solution to them are complex. Animals mistake floating plastics for food on a daily basis and end up eating debris. Plastics also never truly dissolve; they simply break down into smaller pieces to continue floating throughout the world’s waters for years to come. Plastic particles have been found to bio accumulate in the oceans marine life and end up being consumed by humans at the top of the food chain.

The environment is at risk for an incalculable amount of reasons. One that I am especially passionate about is the issue of mining. Mining is sometimes a necessity in a society that never seems to be satisfied with the resources currently available. A specific proposed mine is one that I plan to focus on for this semester. The proposed Pebble Mine is planned to be located only 230 miles from Bristol Bay, Alaska. The area surrounding Bristol Bay is said to sit atop one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines in the entire world. While it may be correct to assume that this is an economic gold mine (literally), there are also several costly aspects of this proposed mine. The fishery located in Bristol Bay currently employs over 14,000 people, including many more occupations than just fisherman. The proposed mine would contaminate one of the world’s last supplies of Sockeye Salmon. Aside from being an utter ecological disaster, this would be an absolute economic disaster for the people of and around Bristol Bay. The pristine waters of the bay are relatively untouched by human life at all. It would be a complete environmental injustice to allow this area to become desecrated by a copper or gold mine. The thriving cultural life of the native tribes of the area would cease to exist without the flourishing salmon species. This proposed mine would be devastating to the economy, cultural, and ecological life of the entire area of Bristol Bay. It is because this issue is so intertwined into these three areas that I have chosen to explore it.

 

This issue can be looked at from countless different perceptions, which will make it hard to come up with any sort of solution. I intend to explore this issue with an open mind, trying to see both sides. While it will be hard to suppress my partialness to the environment, I will try my best. This issue could prove hard to become involved in, considering the shear distance there is between Ohio and Alaska. However, I am determined to find what role I could play in investigating solutions to this controversial issue.