Over the past 2 weekends, members from Rainforest Action Network and Global Exchange have provided training and support to the "Save the Oaks" Campaign in Berkeley. Save the Oaks is an inspiring group of students and community members trying to stop the University of Berkeley's plans to clear a grove of historic Live Oaks and Coastal Redwoods to expand their sporting facilities. This unique eco-system, the last grove of coastal live oak (Quercus Agrifolia) in the Berkeley lowlands, is supposed to be protected by municipal code. However, the University (the largest landowner in Berkeley) asserts that as a state entity they are "not obliged to obey local environmental laws" - and has voted to move forward with clearing these trees, despite the chorus of objections from community members, students, neighbors, and environmentalists. Lawsuits are pending - but in the meantime students and community members have taken direct action to save the grove!
On the morning of December 2nd - several community members began climbing and occupying several trees - physically preventing the University from cutting these beautiful oaks. They established platforms in the trees for sleeping, raised banners into the canopy, and set up an entire ground support station - providing them with food and water, and offering round-the-clock outreach to educate the community about the campaign. Community support has been amazing and they've gotten great coverage from local media. And even a former Berkeley mayoral candidate spent the first week in the trees! (We know, only in Berkeley right?)
On Sunday December 12th, members of RAN and Global Exchange facilitated a training in Non-Violent Direct Action with students and Save the Oaks members. About 25 participants learned about the history and strategies of non-violent direct action and its effectiveness in empowering communities to fight for justice. And the following Sunday, we returned to offer trainings on tree climbing, rope work, and safety. Students and community members were excited to learn new skills to apply to their struggle to Save the Oaks, and we look forward to supporting them put these skills into action. And most importantly - we highlighted how many of the global struggles can work side-by-side local struggles to save trees right in our own backyards.
On the morning of December 2nd - several community members began climbing and occupying several trees - physically preventing the University from cutting these beautiful oaks. They established platforms in the trees for sleeping, raised banners into the canopy, and set up an entire ground support station - providing them with food and water, and offering round-the-clock outreach to educate the community about the campaign. Community support has been amazing and they've gotten great coverage from local media. And even a former Berkeley mayoral candidate spent the first week in the trees! (We know, only in Berkeley right?)
On Sunday December 12th, members of RAN and Global Exchange facilitated a training in Non-Violent Direct Action with students and Save the Oaks members. About 25 participants learned about the history and strategies of non-violent direct action and its effectiveness in empowering communities to fight for justice. And the following Sunday, we returned to offer trainings on tree climbing, rope work, and safety. Students and community members were excited to learn new skills to apply to their struggle to Save the Oaks, and we look forward to supporting them put these skills into action. And most importantly - we highlighted how many of the global struggles can work side-by-side local struggles to save trees right in our own backyards.
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