The Tide Is Rising--and So Are We
We're Marching for a Livable Future
March on Fossil Fuels: A Big Deal
On Sept. 17, over 75,000 people took to the streets of New York City for the March to End Fossil Fuels. Here in Maine, we mobilized in each of our geographic hubs—in Portland, Belfast, and Farmington, to march in solidarity with those in NYC. This was a historic mobilization calling on President Joe Biden to stop approving fossil fuel projects, phase down oil and gas drilling, declare a climate emergency, and provide a just and equitable transition off fossil fuels. We’re delighted at the President’s announcement of a Climate Corps, a green jobs training program that will employ young people in working toward a sustainable planet. But we need even more action to dramatically cut carbon emissions.
Third Act National ALL-IN Zoom Call
It’s happening this Thursday, September 28, at 8 pm. Register here and get the latest from Gina McCarthy (former head of the EPA and White House National Climate Advisor) and Third Act’s founder, Bill McKibben. Many of us from Third Act Maine will be there.
Vote Yes on 3: Pine Tree Power Referendum
Third Act Maine continues to support the Pine Tree Power referendum from now to Election Day. Go to Pine Tree Power to find ways to canvas, phone bank, request a yard sign, and more. We’ll update you with opportunities in support of Question 3 in the next newsletter.
Climate Leadership Right Where You Are
The time has come for “business-as-usual” to end. What can we do?
All across the nation, elders are alarmed about climate collapse. Here in Maine, we are piloting a small working group idea we’re calling “Circles.” Circles can form around anyone who convenes people over sixty who want to make a difference.
Third Act Maine wants to support YOU in being a Circle Leader right where you are, with your close circle. If you know two or three elders who are concerned about democracy and a changing climate, you’ve got a potential Third Act Circle. The only thing better than taking action alone is taking action with others!
You might think “Who, me? I’m not a leader.” Think again. A Circle is not hard to create. It just takes some commitment (six months to a year), a convener, and physical proximity—for ease of getting together and having a tangible impact.
One of our Maine Third Actors has experience in mentoring Circle Leaders, and welcomes you to be in touch to explore the possibilities. As anthropologist Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed individuals can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
FMI: Marcia Taylor at mdt.renn@gmail.com. She’ll get right back to you, and together you can get the ball rolling. Who knows what your Circle may choose to do?
Plan Your Civic Action for Election Day, November 7
If you’re looking for a good opportunity to talk to folks in your hometown about climate change, what better time than election day at your polling place?
Third Act Maine co-founder Chuck Spanger will be setting up a table at his polling place in Scarborough on November 7. (Scarborough will provide the table and two chairs, easy and free, upon request to the city clerk.) He will introduce his neighbors to the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative (FFNPT), as well as Third Act Maine. He’ll share information and hear people’s concerns and questions. You can too! Just call your town clerk and reserve a table.
After voting, citizens walk past a row of tables and can talk about the various issues presented. Voters in an off-year election are civically engaged people eager to talk and learn. There will probably be many prospective Third Act Maine people at your town’s voting site, and many folks concerned about climate change.
Third Act Maine has endorsed FFNPT and is seeking endorsements from towns and the state of Maine. Portland recently passed a unanimous resolution of support. Belfast and South Portland are also taking it up. On the state level, Third Act Maine has gotten Rep. Rebecca Millet, Senator Stacy Brenner, and Senator Anne Carney to sponsor the resolution in the Maine legislature.
FMI and links to literature, the FFNPT petition, and Third Act Maine membership sign-up forms, contact Chuck Spanger (charlesspanger@gmail.com).
A Whale of a Time
“I’m really concerned,” said Marnie Sinclair, a Third Act Mainer living in Damariscotta. She came to the Portland rally in support of the March on Fossil Fuels on September 17 with her dog Millie, and shared that she is an artist with a deep connection to nature—and a commitment to creating work about imbalances wrought by climate change.
Below is her sculpture, “Kin,” made entirely of plastic and full of plastic waste, on display at the entrance to the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The whale is ten feet long and rests on a base of discarded tires. Marnie was inspired by a giant whale skeleton at the New Bedford Whaling Museum—of a pregnant right whale who was carrying a ten month female baby when they were struck by a ship and killed. She created “Kin,” in honor of the deceased whale. Marnie credits her “entire neighborhood [who] turned out with bags of non-recycled plastic to contribute to the project.” See marniesinclair.net for more of Marnie’s work.
Go Third Act Maine!
Great energy here! Great newsletter! Thanks!!