Jen's Green Journal

I was able to attend a citizen lobby training this evening co-sponsored by the Utah Rivers Council and HEAL Utah. These trainings are a great way to see how the process works and how you can get involved. They take you through the legislative process and teach you the best ways to communicate with your legislator during the busy 45-day session.

I'm enjoying learning how this all works and becoming more involved in state level politics.

I'm not a professional photographer, so I hope you forgive the not-so-great photos.

Citizen Lobby Training 2006	Vanessa from HEAL Utah at the citizen lobby training

I've been noticing some promotion of these Sustainable Energy Bike Tours from the Portland Peace and Justice Center on various LJ communities I belong to. I love the idea of this tour which has such a great educational value to it. It reminds me a bit of Global Exchange (founded by Medea Benjamin) trips with a more environmental twist.

The tours start in the summer, giving plenty of time to save up. They'd also make great Christmas gifts to friends that would like to live a greener lifestyle. This is something that I'd love to save up to do, possibly for summer 2007.

They are giving away a tour as part of a promotion. Visit the link above to enter.

Here are some of the bullet points of the tours:

Study and apply the philosophies of permaculture, alternative building, appropriate technology and sustainable energy. Through inspiring hands-on service projects with leaders of the global sustainability movement, contribute to the communities you visit. Participate in a traveling community of cyclists coming from a variety of backgrounds with a shared longing for a better world. Explore some of the most beautiful places in Oregon while learning about natural history, deep ecology, and environmental ethics.

Observe local economics projects and grassroots democracy struggles in places through which you travel. Gain a deeper understanding of how organic food is grown and distributed by talking first hand with the people who raise the food. Spend time with Native American communities, work with salmon restoration and study indigenous building practices. Learn about nutrition, health and fitness through long-distance cycling while visiting beautiful public lands and gaining first-hand experience in low impact camping..

I've been informed of an independent site related to all things Hillary called Just Hillary . My recent post about Hillary is linked on the front page of the site.

The editor of the site, Gregg Birnbaum, claims that it is "offering the latest news, analysis and commentary about Hillary. Favorable, critical and everything in between." A brief look at the site shows that to be true. It looks like a great resource for anyone interested in following the latest news on Senator Clinton.

I keep seeing more things that fit with my post from yesterday. This link is very appropriate: http://www.transformcolumbusday.org/