New developments in our space and organization promise to transform the MEC is ways we've never seen before, opening exciting new possibilities for the entire environmental, peace and social justice community. As we begin to look forward into a promising and challenging new year, we make here an appeal for your suggestions, participation, and critical financial support.

For seventeen years, the MEC has been in the forefront of activism in Northern California - from Redwood Summer to the Headwaters Forest campaign, to saving our coast from oil drilling, to mobilizing the WTO resistance in Seattle and beyond.

Our quarterly newsletter has long been crucial reading for the progressive community. Though its publication has has been suspended with our office closed, we've continued to provide sponsorship for community events such as the Wheels of Justice Bus Tour - presentations by international peace activists recently returned from Iraq and Palestine, and the Great Turning Road Show - a teach-in featuring Joanna Macy and local organic activists.

This has been a challenging time for us. While the action has slowed, the bills continue as always. We are paying our standard rent for temporary office space. Phone and fax, postage and office expenses are still being paid, though our funds for basic operations are about to be exhausted. Insurance has more than doubled, but continues to be essential for frequent events the MEC co-sponsors all over the county. Many of our long-term volunteers and directors are currently busy supporting Ballot Measure H, to preserve the agricultural integrity of Mendocino County.

Please take a moment to make a donation by check or credit card. Donations of $100 or more can be tax deductible if made to the Cloud Forest Institute, with memo "for MEC education fund."

Yes, we need your money, and no donation is too small, though we ask that you dig deep at this crucial moment. This difficult transition is also a starting-over for the MEC. We have before us the opportunity to create a state-of-the-art community action center. Our future plans include the following:The office remodel is geared toward high-speed internet access and large meeting space that can accomodate multimedia presentations. We intend to begin sharing the space and resources on an equal basis with a small number of like-minded organizations to revitalize networking and direct action on a full range of environmental, peace and social justice issues.We will expand merchandising of fair-trade goods.

After over three years in the application process, the MEC has acquired an FCC permit for a 100-watt (low power, hence "-LP") transmitter located on the roof of the MEC building at 106 W. Standley. The listening area encompasses most of the Ukiah Valley. The timing of this news enabled reconstruction plans to include the addition of a second floor that accomodates a custom-designed production and air studio. Addition of a modest computer newtwork will make our station available to anyone with web access. You may earmark your donations specifically for the radio station.