Time And Money
By Vicki Oldham
When I heard it was my turn to write the "Disgusting Plea for Funds," the following questions came to mind: What's happening to the environmental movement? Has it been diluted by mainstream organizations? Have people bought the "Green Washing" line fed to them by corporations? Do people think they can sit back, trusting that the correct environmental decisions will be made for them? Are people just too busy with their daily lives of self-improvement, family, work and homestead? Are they afraid to get involved, environmentally overwhelmed, or ecologically depressed? Is hope gone? Why, in a County with such a high percentage of environmentally aware people, must an organization like the MEC constantly scramble for funds and volunteers?
Every year at the Headwaters Demo there is a man carrying a sign that says, "WHAT ON EARTH ARE WE LEAVING OUR CHILDREN?" I can't help but wonder what on earth are we teaching them? Are they being raised to be self-absorbed consumers concerned with talents and things? Are we raising aware citizens who know their rights and responsibilities? Are they being given a sense of community? Do they know the power of one person? Have they felt the self-esteem and pure joy that comes from giving back? What are they learning from our example?
For the past ten years the MEC has provided support, information and networking for a myriad of environmental and social justice issues. It provides a conduit that connects information, ideas and people from all over. The MEC is now under new leadership but our direction is still the same. Together we can move forward to insure that our children will grow free and strong. Please join, renew your membership, and consider a donation of time or money. Like public radio, we are a community resource sustained by community support and for $20 a year we offer a lot of bang for your buck.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 1997
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited