Local advocacy groups REAP of Southwest Colorado and Montezuma Alliance for Unity plan a film and essay contest in Cortez building up to their rally and march in Cortez City Park on April 29.
The rally and march coincide with the national Climate Mobilization March in Washington, D.C., according to a press release.
The Climate Mobilization Rally and March is set for Saturday, April 29, in Cortez City Park. The rally begins at 10 a.m. with speeches, music by The Lindells, winning student essays and information tables. The march begins at 11 a.m., followed by snacks provided by Taste of India. For more information, email bjstagg7@gmail.com or heidivnb@netscape.net.
“We encourage everyone who is interested in the health of our planet and a more sustainable future to join us for this public gathering,” Heidi Brugger, a REAP member and a rally organizer, said in the release.
The groups kick off their campaign with an essay contest for Montezuma County students in kindergarten through grade 12. Themed “What I Can Do to Help Stop Climate Change and Global Warming,” the contest permits entries in any written form – “essay, poetry or rap,” said organizer Read Brugger – and should be 250-300 words long. Entries are due April 21, and prizes will be awarded for to the Top 3 winners, who will read their essays at the Climate Mobilization Rally and March. For information, email Read Brugger at readbrugger@gmail.com.REAP will host the viewing of Jared P. Scott’s documentary “The Age of Consequences”, on Wednesday, April 26, at the Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Dolores Road. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the film starts at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.The movie looks at climate with a military perspective about possible economic, societal and international security issues. REAP will lead a discussion after the movie. For more information, email Jan Dixon at janincortez@gmail.com
Montezuma Alliance for Unity was formed in the past year and is composed of the Montezuma County Democratic Party and Democratic Women, the local League of Women Voters, the Mancos Blues Ensemble and the Resource and Energy Action Plan of Montezuma County. It led the Women’s March for Unity in January and National Women’s History rally in March.
The Resource and Environmental Advocacy and Protection group (REAP) is an activist group that focuses on environmental, land and energy issues in Southwest Colorado.