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The times they are a-changing, all right. Think back to what we could do, what we couldn't do, and what we did in, say, 1989. It's a different world, and we are different people, with a more mature understanding of what we should do, and what we shouldn't.
One monumental change from thirteen years ago, slow to grow because of its importance, is how many more of us are participating in our democratic obligations. We are better informed, better able to put priority to our principles, and better able to define problems and their solutions.
Thirteen years ago for example, Vancouver Islanders held our first Earth Day on April 22nd. It turned out not to be just one day but several, with nineteen events in total. Today, was has been known as "Earth Week" has grown to become the largest series of Earth Day events in North America, with about 100 events and thousands of people celebrating their most important principles.
This year, the Week's name has been changed to Peace, Earth & Justice Week, to reflect the wide diversity of events and concerns that the it has always highlighted. It is being held from Earth Day to May Day (April 22 to May 1). This year's calendar already includes a photographic nature exhibit, an Anti-War Film Fest, Fresh-Air/Car Free Day, a special performance by the Pender Island Choral Society, a Teach-in on the G8, high-school students' Grocery Bag Week, and even a "Sound Off" (against BC Liberals) sound and video contest! Check out the growing calendar and home page.
"It's all about respect for the future", said Doug Koch, the first Earth Week organizer on Vancouver Island. "It's about a lot of groups and individuals with a wide range of interests coming together under one banner. It's a chance to highlight local concerns that need to be dealt with."
Thinking and acting locally and globally.
What started out over 20 years ago as the Peace Walk, became the Earth Walk in its second decade, the flagship event of Earth Week, and has since evolved into the Walk for Global Justice. (www.justicewalk.ca)
The Walk reflects all three themes: peace, the environment and justice, which people around the world are recognizing as completely interconnected. It will be held on Saturday April 27th, starting at 12 noon at Victoria City Hall and winding its way to the BC Legislature for an afternoon of music and dynamic speakers, like Jim Sinclair, the President of the BC Federation of Labour.
Disenfranchisement. Exploitation. Killing. What stands against them? Good laws. Dialogue. Honour. Participation.
During Peace, Earth & Justice Week, thousands of Victorians and Islanders have participated through community and beach clean-ups, workshops, conferences and public forums that have lead to actions, tree plantings, nature tours, fairs and festivals, media and awareness campaigns, legislation, community walks, launches, concerts, arts and crafts exhibitions.
Are these things worth doing? Do they really have an impact, do they change anything? The answer is yes, not as much as some people would wish, and a lot more than others want.
Monday Magazine has always supported Earth Week, and this year is no exception. In April, you'll find a calendar of events in Monday Magazine covering all the events from Earth Day to May Day, and some before and after as well.
If you're involved in any project or event which can be included in the Peace, Earth & Justice Week calendar, or if you would like more information, please visit PEJ Week's home page, or call 250.592-8307.
Peace, Earth & Justice Week
April 22 to May 1
250.592-8307 Phone/Fax
Box 8307, Victoria BC, V8W 3R9, CANADA
www.pej.ca/week/ week@pej.ca
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