Celebrate The Gulf Coast National Day of Action!
Today, August 25th 2010, is the first ever Gulf Coast National Day of Action.
You know why it’s the first? Because never before has a company neglected safety regulations so consistently that a deadly explosion cause the millions of gallon of oil to gush into the open sea for over three months.
Although I may strongly disagree, I’m not shocked by BP’s cover-ups, lies, PR strategies, or general disregard for the delicate ecosystem they’ve destroyed.
Nor does it surprise me that they now suddenly claim that somehow “nature” has take care of all the oil and there’s nothing more to fear now that they finally got the well capped (or so they say).
But the calloused manner in which the U.S. Government has allowed oil and gas companies like BP to trample on the simple lifestyles of fishing families on the Gulf Coast is something many people might not have expected.
Today, the Citizen Effect has slated a national day of action to help raise funds for educational programs designed to help fishing families impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf Coast. Although it might be too late to plan your way to an event, or send letters to the editor, it’s not too late to strike up a conversation with your neighbor, sign a petition, or write a blog post about the way the Gulf Coast has been changed forever by this tragedy. Here are some other ideas:
1. Attend Or Host Local Events Around the United States
With the help of local chapters of the Social Media Club, members are volunteering to organize New Orleans-themed events with live jazz, blues, or Zydeco music along with speakers who will talk about the environmental consequences in the Gulf. Event hosts are asked to suggest a $10 donation as a cover charge, which will be donated to directly benefit fishing families.
2. Donate Direct To Citizen Effect CitizenGulf
Citizen Effect has created a donation page, with a goal to raise at least $10,000 by Aug. 25. These funds, which will also be donated to Catholic Charities of New Orleans to help fund educational programs and provide hope for the future, will directly touch more than 10,000 lives.
3. Vote For Gulf Coast Solutions On Pepsi Refresh
Currently, the Pepsi Refresh Project is committing an additional $1.3 million toward ideas that specifically benefit the Gulf Coast. These ideas will be open for voting on Aug. 2. Votes will be tallied through Aug. 31. Please vote for the Gulf Coast Benefit.
4. Write A Post Or Tweet About The Event
Another way to help generate awareness for this event or the dozens of local events taking place across the country is to write a post, share a tweet, and tell your friends. Together, we can help fishing families that have lost businesses that have been around for generations find new opportunities through education, good will, and support.
5. SIGN THE PETITIONS!