Tag Archives: Earth Quaker Action Team

Observing Nonviolent Action for Climate Justice

On Wednesday, a group of students from Professor Smithey’s Climate Disruption, Conflict, and Peacemaking course observed a nonviolent action mounted by Earth Quaker Action Team. EQAT has called on the private electric utility PECO to distribute 20% of its electricity from local solar installations by 2025. Currently, solar makes up less than half of one percent of PECO’s energy portfolio.

Swarthmore students watch on as EQAT blockades a driveway

Activists blockaded PECO service centers in Phoenixville, Coatesville, and Warminster saying that PECO is not preparing for the climate disruption crisis and is not properly investing in the region it serves. EQAT’s campaign is called “Power Local Green Jobs”.

Swarthmore students watch as EQAT blockades a driveway

Four activists were arrested at the Phoenixville site, where Swarthmore students observed. News coverage, including statements from EQAT and PECO, are available here and here. EQAT’s press release is here.

Earth Quaker Action Team honors its Elders

It was a privilege to be at Earth Quaker Action Team’s ceremony honoring their elders at the Friends Center on Cherry Street in Philadelphia on Sunday, January 26. Attendees included a number of Swarthmore alums and faculty.

Alexa Ross ’13 delivered a wonderful tribute to Peace and Conflict Studies Prof. George Lakey, and Robin Harper, a friend of the Peace and Conflict Studies program, was also honored alongside three other elder EQAT activists: Vint Deming, Ann Yasuhara, and Allen Bacon. Friends, family, and comrades sang, read testimonials, and read the words of the honorees from interviews that were conducted before the ceremony.  It was a wonderfully affirming and very intergenerational event.

 

Lee Smithey created an interactive timeline of biographical information about Robin Harper’s life work in the fields of peace, social justice, and climate justice.

Prof. George Lakey to begin week-long fast over coal mining

As I write this, Visiting Lang Professor, George Lakey has begun a week-long fast (with only water) from April 7-13 for the people of Appalachia, with a concern for PNC Bank’s funding of mountaintop removal coal mining. This is part of a 40-day fast conducted by Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), leading up to the annual shareholders meeting in Pittsburgh.

The students of Peace Studies and Action (PEAC 077) will hold class on Tuesday at 2:45 with Professor Lakey

George Lakey EQAT

A Fast for the People of Appalachia,

with a concern for PNC Bank’s funding of mountaintop removal coal mining

 George Lakey

Week-long fast with only water, April 7-13

A Message from Professor Lakey: 

On April 7 I expect to start a week-long fast on behalf of the people of Appalachia who continue to suffer from the relentless actions that destroy their mountains, livelihoods, health, and culture.  The mining also contributes to climate change, which hurts us all.

The fast will largely be conducted at my workplace, Swarthmore College, with public opportunities to engage with students, faculty, and staff

EVENTS:

  •  The first public event will be Monday at the Quaker Meetinghouse, 11.30-1pm.
  • The last event will be at the Swarthmore PNC Bank branch on Saturday, 10.45-12.
  • In between I will be on the first floor of Parrish each day for some period of time. Classes of students will visit me during that time as well as the
  • Swarthmore Gospel Choir singing at 8pm Thursday.

For the latest schedule email: glakey1@swarthmore.edu

WHY FAST?

This is part of a 40-day fast conducted by Earth Quaker Action Team (EQAT), leading up to the annual shareholders meeting in Pittsburgh.  The fast is a tool for spiritual preparation and outreach. EQAT has for three years been in dialogue with PNC Bank as well as nonviolent action which shines the light on the bank’s role as a leading funder for blowing up mountains.  EQAT plus allies will take action at the shareholders meeting.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

  •  Green your money: if you bank at PNC, move it to a community bank or credit union and tell EQAT.org.  Over $3 million has already been moved.
  • Join the fast by skipping one meal or many, and tell EQAT.org.
  • Come to Pittsburgh to shine the light on PNC’s board of directors.
  • Join EQAT’s project of shadowing PNC board members when they make public appearances.
  • Research on PNC and the health effects of mountaintop removal available at EQAT.org.