Bitten by the organizing bug: a Green Jobs Now report

As many of you already know, the Green Jobs Now National Day of Action was a huge success! There were over 660 events in all 50 states, including an event at my school, Whitman College, in Walla Walla, Washington. Not only did this rally start the green jobs dialogue throughout the campus and the city, but it personally inspired me.

For the past three years I have done a lot of reading and theorizing about the environmental movement. From what motivates people to be environmentally active to the pressing water issues in the southwest, my research has really helped open my eyes to some of the most pressing environmental issues our nation faces today. But this past weekend I saw everything materialize. This past weekend, the organizing bug bit me!

For the first time in a few months I turned off my Internet, shut down my computer and actually watched my hard work, and the work of my coworkers come together. For someone who does all of his organizing online, it was really inspiring to see Whitman students and Walla Wallans collaborating—knowing that there were hundreds of similar rallies for green jobs all across the country.

From our climate crisis to the economic crisis, I have laid awake at night worrying if we as Americans will be able to come together and collaboratively put an end to all the crises our nation faces. But it’s events like Green Jobs Now, where I am able to witness people from all walks of life working together, that give me hope for our future. Now, the only thing that’s keeping me awake is the organizing itch--but I’m okay with that!

By th way, if you are interested in learning more about green-collar jobs, check out Van Jones' new book, The Green Collar Economy. Click here to pre-order a copy today .