in episode Episode 9, Quaker activist Eileen Flannagan told us about four roles change agents can play. Advocate, Rebel, Organizer, and Helper. Most of you who listen to Citizens Climate Radio are advocates volunteering your time trying to convince the public and members of congress that we need a price on carbon. You approach congressional members and staff with respect and cordiality as you educate and persuade them to support climate solutions.
And the rebel? The rebel exists to put pressure on those lawmakers to get them to act.
This doesn’t mean we all need to use these rebel tactics.
As Bayard Rustin, the Black Gay Civile Rights leader said,
“We need, in every community, a group of angelic troublemakers.”
In this episode you will hear about UK-based climate change rebel, Caroline Harmon and the non-violent and very disruptive direct actions she and Christian Climate Action use. From kneeling for prayer and halting traffic in front of the Prime Ministers’s residence at 10 Downing Street to holding a worship service outside a coal. They even helped shut down bridges all over London.
ART HOUSE
Today we feature Sophie and Josies Davis, sisters who grew up on the Coast of Maine who after studying classical violin at conservatory, they are back in Maine. They seek to fuse their love of music and the natural world along with their growing concern for climate change.
Founding members of Halcyon String Quartet based in Maine, USA, they choose to be good citizens as they remain faithful to their art. In speaking with them, we identified six principles for artists addressing climate change might find helpful.
1. Know your Stuff
2. Think Locally
3. Pursue Collaboration
4. Pivot to Solutions (Focus less on the many horrible impacts of climate change and instead help your audience experience the future with the beneficial impacts of climate solutions in place.)
5. Promote Action (As Katie Patricks, the author of the book and podcast How to Save the World stressed for us on Citizens Climate Radio episode 61—Artists and event organizers have to find ways to offer people the next meaningful step for themselves and their communities.
6. Remain Faithful to the Art
LINKS
Christian Climate Action https://christianclimateaction.org
Halcyon String Quartet https://www.halcyonstringquartet.com/
