April 2, 2014 – 20 Days until Earth Day…
The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when
20 million people across the United States
participated in nationwide rallies celebrating nature
and protested activities that put it at risk
The Beginning
Senator Gaylord Nelson was the driving force behind the adoption of Earth Day as a national and global holiday. After being inspired by anti-Vietnam War “teach-ins,” the senator aspired to direct the attention of the Federal Government to important environmental issues. 44 years and one Presidential Medal of Freedom later, Senator Nelson’s dreams have more than come true.
Now
Today it is easier than ever to get your voice heard on issues that are important to you, all without even leaving your chair. Online resources such as http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ exist to help you locate and contact your local representative through the use of your zip code. https://www.change.org/ and https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/ are also available to help you create as well as participate in current petitions calling for change associated with meaningful causes. The most important online tool you possess however is social media. Websites like Facebook and Twitter allow users to cross geographical barriers and initiate change through their sheer volume.
Whether through a status, an email or the passing along of a petition, your voice has the power to create a difference, use it!
References:
http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/stories/earth-day-facts
http://beyourownwatchdog.org/legislation/how-can-i-get-my-voice-heard/
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/
http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
