One Small Stone was founded on the premise that we all matter - both individually and for the impact that we have on the world. The practice of meditation is a way of caring for ourselves, recognizing our innate "enoughness," and peeling aways the layers of self-doubt, anger and confusion. Moreover, the practice of mediation is a way for us to shift - in subtle but profound ways - how we show up in the world, bringing more wisdom and compassion into the world. Our small acts make a difference, just like one small stone spreads ripples in a pond.
As one way to make ripples, all the money raised from "Drop-In Meditations" is donated to Climate Justice* organizations.
"Climate justice" because "climate change" exacerbates every other social problem - racism, children's health disparity, immigration, war, etc. etc.
In September and October of 2024, we are donating all money to WE ACT for Environmental Justice. (To join our pool, and make some ripples, book your drop-in meditation here.) Twice a week during these months, I'm adding a way that WE ACT is making waves:
WE ACT is working at the federal level to fix the inequality of pediatric asthma rates with "a Unified Asthma Policy Agenda that addresses housing, transportation, workers, land use, healthcare, climate, education, and more."*
This summer, WE ACT ran a STEM program for 4th-6th graders, who are often "excluded from the scientific community due to factors such as race, gender, economic status, and physical access."*
WE ACT "help[ed] pass Local Law 97 of 2019, which requires New York City building owners to meet pollution reduction targets...and ensure they are emissions-free by 2050.”*
Now that Local Law 97 is starting to go into effect, it's getting challenged. WE ACT is standing up to those challenges so that the law can do its work.
“WE ACT expands political participation among communities of color and low income residents in order to impact environmental planning and decision making.”*
WE ACT provides training for jobs in the "green economy" (e.g., solar panel installation) to low-income people.
WE ACT helps people reduce "energy insecurity" (aka afford their energy bills), while also transitioning to renewable energy.
WE ACT helps people register to vote and know where to vote.
WE ACT helps empower people to make "informed choices about energy consumption and conservation" and to be part of the "just transition to renewable energy."**
WE ACT is part of a nationwide coalition of a environmental justice groups (called "Dare to Breathe") that is working to reduce air pollution nationwide.
WE ACT worked with NYC government to transform a bus depot in Harlem from a pollution source (aka asthma source) to a green transit hub, with community artwork, AND an agreement to train, hire and contract with local residents.
WE ACT runs a "beauty justice" campaign, to prevent the use of skin lighteners containing toxic chemicals (e.g., mercury), which disproportionately harm people of color.
WE ACT is working to ensure that all New Yorkers (and then providing a template for other locales) has access to safe, cool temperatures - knowing that "extreme heat is the deadliest impact of climate change, and Blacks are twice as likely to die from heat-related illnesses as their white counterparts."*
WE ACT is in the process of building a physical environmental justice center in Harlem, an area that has historically had poor air quality (and high asthma rates). The physical space will create a hub for more collaboration, more education, more training, and more action on a broad range of environmental justice issues.
*Quoted from WEACT.org
**Quoted from WEACT's 9/27/24 newsletter
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