"Confronting the timber corporations subjects Earth First! to many dangers. The MEC has helped us remain based in the community, and refused to let us be isolated. There is no way to quantify that kind of support. When people donate to direct action in our area, they usually donate to Earth First! It is equally important to donate to the MEC. We couldn't do it without them."
- Judi Bari
"The MEC has served as a communications bridge between many environmental groups around the state. The MEC has also been at the fore on local issues such as toxic emissions, THPs, and Native rights issues. The MEC is a treasure."
- Karen Pickett, Ecology Center Berkeley
"The MEC has been very instrumental in assisting the Alliance for Human Rights" (Alianza para los Derechos Humanos) in its formation and development. Without it, the Alliance would not exist today.
- Sonia Mendoza
As with so much important work being done in Mendocino County, the MEC is an invaluable resource for the Human Rights Monitoring Project."
- Lynda McClure
"The MEC is absolutely essential to the work of watershed groups."
- Mary Pjerrou, Redwood Coast Watershed Alliance
"The MEC has been helping us deal with the incredible civil rights abuses occuring in our community. The MEC has been there in times of need." -Patrick Lincoln, California Native Circle
"It is the efforts of people like Betty Ball and the MEC that enable my clients to proceed.
- Sharon E. Duggan, environmental attorney, San Francisco.
"Gary Ball's research on the Wise Use Movement is impressive."
- Helen Libeu, Santa Rosa
"The MEC is an extraordinarily valuable resource for all of Northern California. I truly cannot overstate their importance in the efforts to preserve Headwaters Forest."
- Jill Ratner, Rose Foundation, Oakland
"Do what I do and send a few bucks to the MEC, where you can be sure that Betty and Gary Ball are making the most of every dollar that comes in."
- Peter Steel, Coast Range Preserve, Branscomb
"Without the dedication of Gary and Betty Ball, there would be significantly fewer trees in northern California. They aggressively pursue just representation of all people in environmental considerations."
- Mary Walsh, Mendocino Coast Environmental Center
"Our students get valuable work training and job experience volunteering at the MEC. We have been using the MEC for 7 years to enhance our program for students with disabilities.
- Laura Beach, teacher, Students of Ukiah High Supported Education Center
"The California Ocean Sanctuary Federation has found the MEC invaluable in linking up Ocean protection groups and by providing research assistance. Many times, our time spent on projects has been cut in half by help from the MEC."
- Russel Norvell
"The MEC is 'action central' for local environmentalists."
- John Schaeffer, Real Goods
"We all rely on the MEC"
- Julie Cook, Citizens for a Healthy Ukiah;
- Adam Freeman, Citizens for Adequate Review;
- Bill Heil, Friends of Albion Nation;
- Cecelia Lanman, EPIC;
- Meca Wawona, Ecologist
Please send in your membership contribution today - your support makes an important difference.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1997
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited