Congratulations – we did it! The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) announced Friday that, after a prolonged and often heated campaign, the second-largest burger chain has agreed to pay farm workers an extra 1.5 cents per pound of tomatoes picked, the equivalent of a 71 percent increase in wages. Watch the press conference on Capitol Hill.
This agreement was reached after a large coalition of faith and labor groups, including Sojourners, started targeting the company with letters and boycotts. In fact, since last June more than 25,000 Sojourners activists like you sent more than 125,000 letters to Burger King executives.
Burger King is the last of the three largest fast-food companies to agree to the pay increase, following McDonald’s and Yum Brands, which owns Taco Bell. The agreement also includes a pledge that Burger King will have zero tolerance for growers in its supply chain that act unlawfully – a good precaution, given that some in south Florida have been indicted for holding tomato pickers in literal slavery.
Burger King’s agreement is a long-awaited victory that comes after a year in which they unconscionably stalled and obstructed other companies from coming on board. Burger King made $2.23 billion in profits in 2007 – and, in the end, the company estimated that its tomato justice agreement will cost just $300,000 annually.
This agreement is a step toward fair labor practices for farm workers across our country, and an example to all companies that have exploitative policies in need of change.
Thank you for your action! Citizen advocacy makes a difference.
In gratitude,
Elizabeth, Kaitlin, Kevin, and the rest of the team at Sojourners
Friday, May 30, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Protect Utah's Wild Canyos
Protect Utah's Wild Canyons
Utah's canyon country is legendary, and some of the most cherished canyons are Nine Mile, Desolation and Jack Canyon, all part of the West Tavaputs Plateau where the BLM plans to drill more than 800 gas wells. This ill-conceived plan would put in harm's way sensitive wilderness areas and one of the largest rock art sites in the world. This area needs protection, not more drilling.
This is your chance to tell them that you don't want to see wilderness and cultural resources in this area spoiled by natural gas drilling. Comments must be submitted by May 1, 2008 and you can use the sample letter below adding any additional comments as you see fit.
Sample Letter for CampaignSubject: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the West Tavaputs Plateau natural gas development project. This project will have significant, long-term impacts to the Desolation and Jack Canyon wilderness study areas and wilderness inventory areas. Nearly 200 wells will be drilled in these remarkable wilderness quality areas - lands that the BLM itself has recognized as part of a larger complex of wild lands comprising a large block of roadless BLM public lands. In addition, the sight and sound of the proposed development will be evident from Desolation Canyon and many of its tributaries.
I am also deeply worried that the proposed project will have significant, long-lasting impacts to the unique and important cultural resources in the Nine Mile Canyon region. The company is proposing several non-federal wells in Nine Mile Canyon itself, along with dozens if not hundreds of wells in side canyons and other public lands being considered for designation as a National Historic District. Natural gas development at the levels and places proposed by Bill Barrett Corporation will have serious, if not irreparable, consequences for these fragile resources.
I urge the BLM to fully consider and analyze an alternative that designates the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon wilderness inventory areas as "wilderness study areas" under FLPMA, and also consider other ways to protect the wilderness values of these areas. Before authorizing more drilling, the BLM must go back and take a hard look at impacts to the area's amazing cultural resources, such as increased dust and noise, and consider ways to prevent them, under NEPA.
The BLM should adopt the no action alternative. The loss of Wilderness quality landscapes and cultural sites is simply too great to permit this project to go forward as proposed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Campaign Launched:April 28, 2008
Background Information
The West Tavaputs Plateau is about 30 miles northeast of Price, Utah. The project area is bounded on three sides by natural features – on the west by Sheep Canyon, on the north by Nine Mile Canyon, and on the east by the Green River. Within and surrounding the project area are some of the most wild and culturally important lands that Utah has to offer.
Desolation Canyon is over 200,000 acres, including both a Wilderness Inventory Area and Wilderness Study Area, meaning that the BLM has recognized that is can be designated as wilderness by Congress. The area contains a wide range of topography from river bottoms to mesa tops and an abundant diversity of vegetation and wildlife. The Green River carves its way through Desolation Canyon and is popular with rafters. The area also offers excellent recreational opportunities, providing a true backcountry experience because of its remoteness. To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne127.pdf).
Jack Canyon offers scenic views of vast canyons and the surrounding landscape. It consists primarily of juniper and piñon woodlands and includes Jack Creek, a tributary of the Green River. As with Desolation Canyon, Jack Canyon also offers excellent opportunities for enjoying a sense of solitude and wildness.To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne128.pdf).
Nine Mile Canyon, which is actually over 40 miles long,is recognized by the BLM as having extensive cultural artifacts. There are over 10,000 individual petroglyphs and pictographs made primarily by the Fremont and Ute Indian cultures. The Canyon was included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in 2004. More information about Nine Mile Canyon can be found at http://www.ninemilecanyoncoalition.org/alerts.htm.
BLM and Bill Barrett Corporation's (BBC) contractor have prepared a draft environmental impact statement to analyze the impacts from a massive natural gas development project to wilderness, cultural sites, wildlife, and a number of other important resources. The BLM is considering a BBC proposal to drill over 800 natural gas wells (from 500+ sites) in the West Tavaputs Plateau area.
BBC has proposed at least 171 wells on BLM lands in Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon WIAs alone, along with 33 wells on BLM lands in the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon Wilderness Study Areas. While no federal wells are proposed in Nine Mile Canyon itself, there are gas wells being proposed in sensitive side canyons to Nine Mile. This would cause devastating damage to the petroglyphs as a recent study showed that there was a direct link between truck traffic in the area and the deterioration of the petroglyphs. More information can be found at http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/energy/Oil_Gas.html.
Written comments should be sent to:Bureau of Land Management Price Field OfficeAttn: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS125 South 600 WestPrice, UT 84501
Electronic comments should be emailed to:UT_Pr_Comments@blm.gov
Comments may also be faxed to:(435) 636-3657
Utah's canyon country is legendary, and some of the most cherished canyons are Nine Mile, Desolation and Jack Canyon, all part of the West Tavaputs Plateau where the BLM plans to drill more than 800 gas wells. This ill-conceived plan would put in harm's way sensitive wilderness areas and one of the largest rock art sites in the world. This area needs protection, not more drilling.
This is your chance to tell them that you don't want to see wilderness and cultural resources in this area spoiled by natural gas drilling. Comments must be submitted by May 1, 2008 and you can use the sample letter below adding any additional comments as you see fit.
Sample Letter for CampaignSubject: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS
Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,
I am writing to voice my strong opposition to the West Tavaputs Plateau natural gas development project. This project will have significant, long-term impacts to the Desolation and Jack Canyon wilderness study areas and wilderness inventory areas. Nearly 200 wells will be drilled in these remarkable wilderness quality areas - lands that the BLM itself has recognized as part of a larger complex of wild lands comprising a large block of roadless BLM public lands. In addition, the sight and sound of the proposed development will be evident from Desolation Canyon and many of its tributaries.
I am also deeply worried that the proposed project will have significant, long-lasting impacts to the unique and important cultural resources in the Nine Mile Canyon region. The company is proposing several non-federal wells in Nine Mile Canyon itself, along with dozens if not hundreds of wells in side canyons and other public lands being considered for designation as a National Historic District. Natural gas development at the levels and places proposed by Bill Barrett Corporation will have serious, if not irreparable, consequences for these fragile resources.
I urge the BLM to fully consider and analyze an alternative that designates the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon wilderness inventory areas as "wilderness study areas" under FLPMA, and also consider other ways to protect the wilderness values of these areas. Before authorizing more drilling, the BLM must go back and take a hard look at impacts to the area's amazing cultural resources, such as increased dust and noise, and consider ways to prevent them, under NEPA.
The BLM should adopt the no action alternative. The loss of Wilderness quality landscapes and cultural sites is simply too great to permit this project to go forward as proposed.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Campaign Launched:April 28, 2008
Background Information
The West Tavaputs Plateau is about 30 miles northeast of Price, Utah. The project area is bounded on three sides by natural features – on the west by Sheep Canyon, on the north by Nine Mile Canyon, and on the east by the Green River. Within and surrounding the project area are some of the most wild and culturally important lands that Utah has to offer.
Desolation Canyon is over 200,000 acres, including both a Wilderness Inventory Area and Wilderness Study Area, meaning that the BLM has recognized that is can be designated as wilderness by Congress. The area contains a wide range of topography from river bottoms to mesa tops and an abundant diversity of vegetation and wildlife. The Green River carves its way through Desolation Canyon and is popular with rafters. The area also offers excellent recreational opportunities, providing a true backcountry experience because of its remoteness. To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne127.pdf).
Jack Canyon offers scenic views of vast canyons and the surrounding landscape. It consists primarily of juniper and piñon woodlands and includes Jack Creek, a tributary of the Green River. As with Desolation Canyon, Jack Canyon also offers excellent opportunities for enjoying a sense of solitude and wildness.To learn more about the area check out the BLM's 1999 wilderness inventory (http://www.access.gpo.gov/blm/utah/pdf/ne128.pdf).
Nine Mile Canyon, which is actually over 40 miles long,is recognized by the BLM as having extensive cultural artifacts. There are over 10,000 individual petroglyphs and pictographs made primarily by the Fremont and Ute Indian cultures. The Canyon was included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in 2004. More information about Nine Mile Canyon can be found at http://www.ninemilecanyoncoalition.org/alerts.htm.
BLM and Bill Barrett Corporation's (BBC) contractor have prepared a draft environmental impact statement to analyze the impacts from a massive natural gas development project to wilderness, cultural sites, wildlife, and a number of other important resources. The BLM is considering a BBC proposal to drill over 800 natural gas wells (from 500+ sites) in the West Tavaputs Plateau area.
BBC has proposed at least 171 wells on BLM lands in Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon WIAs alone, along with 33 wells on BLM lands in the Desolation Canyon and Jack Canyon Wilderness Study Areas. While no federal wells are proposed in Nine Mile Canyon itself, there are gas wells being proposed in sensitive side canyons to Nine Mile. This would cause devastating damage to the petroglyphs as a recent study showed that there was a direct link between truck traffic in the area and the deterioration of the petroglyphs. More information can be found at http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/energy/Oil_Gas.html.
Written comments should be sent to:Bureau of Land Management Price Field OfficeAttn: West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Plan DEIS125 South 600 WestPrice, UT 84501
Electronic comments should be emailed to:UT_Pr_Comments@blm.gov
Comments may also be faxed to:(435) 636-3657
Are We a Family-Friendly Nation? - MSN Lifestyle - Family & Parenting
Are We a Family-Friendly Nation? - MSN Lifestyle - Family & Parenting
This is a great article. Check it out!
This is a great article. Check it out!
Glades County Hometown Hero!
Local Forestry Firefighter Wins National Award
Glades County– Senior Ranger Danny Callahan has been honored for his distinguished service in wildland fire prevention. Callahan took home the 2007 Robert E. Browning Award, which is given by the US Forest Service Southern Region and is the only national award of its kind. The award is named for the late Robert E. Browning, who gave his life on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. Browning was one of 14 firefighters, and the only Southerner, killed during a blowup of the fire on July 6, 1994. This fire is considered to be one of the “greatest tragedies in the annals of firefighting.”
The Browning Award is given annually to the person who has done an outstanding job with prevention activities during the course of the year. “Danny is most deserving of this honor,” says Jim Rath, Okeechobee District Manager. “Danny shows exemplary leadership in promoting and developing community relationships. He also is a great leader in forging partnerships with other agencies to accomplish fire prevention efforts.”
Danny Callahan said, “I was shocked when I found out that I was nominated. I’m most grateful for this recognition, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support because this award belongs to the residents of Glades County. I really believe that fire prevention can save lives and homes.” Danny Callahan received a statue and a certificate in recognition of his achievement.
Picture: from Right to Left: Ira Jolly- Chief of Forest Protection, Danny Callahan- Glades County Senior Ranger, Jim Rath- Okeechobee District Manager & Tim Elder- Highlands/Glades Forest Area Supervisor
Anyone needing additional information may contact the local Division of Forestry at 772-260-0053
(St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee Counties) 863-655-6407 (Highlands and Glades Counties).
Please visit our website at www.fl-dof.com
Glades County– Senior Ranger Danny Callahan has been honored for his distinguished service in wildland fire prevention. Callahan took home the 2007 Robert E. Browning Award, which is given by the US Forest Service Southern Region and is the only national award of its kind. The award is named for the late Robert E. Browning, who gave his life on Storm King Mountain in Colorado. Browning was one of 14 firefighters, and the only Southerner, killed during a blowup of the fire on July 6, 1994. This fire is considered to be one of the “greatest tragedies in the annals of firefighting.”
The Browning Award is given annually to the person who has done an outstanding job with prevention activities during the course of the year. “Danny is most deserving of this honor,” says Jim Rath, Okeechobee District Manager. “Danny shows exemplary leadership in promoting and developing community relationships. He also is a great leader in forging partnerships with other agencies to accomplish fire prevention efforts.”
Danny Callahan said, “I was shocked when I found out that I was nominated. I’m most grateful for this recognition, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support because this award belongs to the residents of Glades County. I really believe that fire prevention can save lives and homes.” Danny Callahan received a statue and a certificate in recognition of his achievement.
Picture: from Right to Left: Ira Jolly- Chief of Forest Protection, Danny Callahan- Glades County Senior Ranger, Jim Rath- Okeechobee District Manager & Tim Elder- Highlands/Glades Forest Area Supervisor
Anyone needing additional information may contact the local Division of Forestry at 772-260-0053
(St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee Counties) 863-655-6407 (Highlands and Glades Counties).
Please visit our website at www.fl-dof.com
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Matthew Kelly Quote
When you stand still, you reject the struggle, and you refuse to change and grow. Ultimately, you reject fulfillment, happiness, the dance for joy and everything else that is eternally good. - Matthew Kelly, classical actor and game show host
This is so true, and I can use my life as a perfect example of this. Some of the challenges I have faced, having a heart attack during child birth, parents divorcing, and more have also been the catalysts for my greatest achievements and life changes.
This is so true, and I can use my life as a perfect example of this. Some of the challenges I have faced, having a heart attack during child birth, parents divorcing, and more have also been the catalysts for my greatest achievements and life changes.
Monday, May 19, 2008
United Way Retools!
D.C.-Area Nonprofits Fear Loss of Funding as United Way Retools
The recent announcement that the United Way of America will refocus its giving on education, income, and health has stirred anxieties among Washington, D.C.-area arts organizations and other nonprofits that their funding could be cut, the Washington Post reports.
While the United Way of the National Capital Area already allocates much of its discretionary funding to the areas recently targeted by the United Way of America, it also distributes gifts to arts organizations and other nonprofits that may fall outside the new core areas. Most of the money raised by UWNCA through workplace campaigns and private donations is earmarked by donors for specific nonprofits — a practice the organization plans to continue as it works to increase the amount it raises through unrestricted gifts.
Jennifer Cover Payne, president of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, said the new national initiative could cause problems for arts groups that have relied on local United Way affiliates. "The first thing that usually is dismissed are the arts when there are any new funding initiatives or when there is a challenge with funding initiatives," said Payne. "People are not educated to understand...the reach of the arts in the community."
While the national United Way sets the agenda for its thirteen hundred affiliates, the local organizations set their own giving priorities and have promised to work with donors and nonprofits to ease the transition. Charles W. Anderson, president and CEO of UWNCA, said his agency will move slowly and carefully toward fully supporting the new priority areas. "You can't pull the rug out from under agencies that are doing good work in other areas," he said. "[But] as time progresses, more and more dollars will go in those [priority] areas as we are able to share with people measurable outcomes to show people that their investments in United Way are working."
Rucker, Philip. “D.C. Area Nonprofits Fear Loss of Funding As United Way Retools.” Washington Post 5/16/08.
The recent announcement that the United Way of America will refocus its giving on education, income, and health has stirred anxieties among Washington, D.C.-area arts organizations and other nonprofits that their funding could be cut, the Washington Post reports.
While the United Way of the National Capital Area already allocates much of its discretionary funding to the areas recently targeted by the United Way of America, it also distributes gifts to arts organizations and other nonprofits that may fall outside the new core areas. Most of the money raised by UWNCA through workplace campaigns and private donations is earmarked by donors for specific nonprofits — a practice the organization plans to continue as it works to increase the amount it raises through unrestricted gifts.
Jennifer Cover Payne, president of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Washington, said the new national initiative could cause problems for arts groups that have relied on local United Way affiliates. "The first thing that usually is dismissed are the arts when there are any new funding initiatives or when there is a challenge with funding initiatives," said Payne. "People are not educated to understand...the reach of the arts in the community."
While the national United Way sets the agenda for its thirteen hundred affiliates, the local organizations set their own giving priorities and have promised to work with donors and nonprofits to ease the transition. Charles W. Anderson, president and CEO of UWNCA, said his agency will move slowly and carefully toward fully supporting the new priority areas. "You can't pull the rug out from under agencies that are doing good work in other areas," he said. "[But] as time progresses, more and more dollars will go in those [priority] areas as we are able to share with people measurable outcomes to show people that their investments in United Way are working."
Rucker, Philip. “D.C. Area Nonprofits Fear Loss of Funding As United Way Retools.” Washington Post 5/16/08.
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