Sunrise GR Kickoff Fundraiser

Back in December 2018, I felt called to participate in a mass day of action in Washington D.C. to fight climate change. This is where I was introduced to the Sunrise Movement: a youth-led organization that works to address the urgent economic, social and environmental costs that climate change presents. Over 1,000 people attended this action, and I became inspired to join the fight and bring the movement’s efforts back home to Grand Rapids.

Since then, we have brought together members of our community to make climate change an urgent local priority across the nation, end the corrupting influence of fossil fuel money on our politics, and elect leaders who stand for the health and well-being of all people. With doing so, we have made significant strides:

Nationally

• Descended on DC 1,000 people strong to demand Democratic Leadership back Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s Select Committee for a Green New Deal
• 4,000+ global news hits
• 1,700+ tweets and phone calls to Congressional offices
• 40 members of Congress signed onto Ocasio-Cortez’s resolution, and counting
• 83 partners (and counting) signed on in support the Green New Deal

Locally

• Successfully bird-dogged Senator Peters to take the #NoFossilFuelMoneyPledge
• Lobbying Rep. Justin Amash, Rep. Bill Huizenga, Senator Gary Peters, and Senator Debbie Stabenow to support the Green New Deal
• 10 Day Social Media Campaign to bring the Green New Deal to Michigan
• Co-hosted the Road to Renewable Energy Town Hall with 120+ people

We are encouraged by our accomplishments so far, but there is still lots to do - and we need to take our efforts to the next level. The recent UN Climate Report tells us we need to take decisive action to prevent the warming of the planet - which would have some serious environmental, social, and economic costs:

• Rising sea levels, increased wildfires, and severe droughts
• Mass migration from regions most affected - the displacement of millions of people
• More than $500 billion in lost economic output annually by US
• Devastating public health and national security threats to the United States and every other country in the world

With your help, I know that our vision of a Green New Deal is possible. Our goal is to raise $2,500 for Sunrise by June 8th. Contribute now to help us continue our work through 2019 and beyond. We are eternally grateful for whatever you are able to offer. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for your support of Sunrise Grand Rapids!

With gratitude,

Margaux Sellnau

Hub Coordinator