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May 12, 2009
Dear Friend,
This Thursday is our big party at Firehouse 13 in Providence. Friday is National Bike to Work Day (ride your bike!). And next week we have two house parties and a Lobby Day. So many opportunities to get involved in our work to get a 21st Century transportation system in Rhode Island.
So what are our state leaders doing about all this? They need to hear from you and your neighbors. The more notes and phone calls they get about transportation choices, the higher the priority. That's why so many well-paid lobbyists are up at the state house every day. But you can be a citizen lobbyist for energy independence by contacting your decision makers too.
| 1) Action Needed: Remind RI Lawmakers to Boost Transit |
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The Rhode Island General Assembly is working through a crippled state budget right now. Among the many parts of that is how we fund our transportation system. The last two weeks have seen hearings on the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority's (RIPTA's) budget in both the House and Senate Finance Committees. The Sierra Club was there, reminding state lawmakers about the importance of transit to our economy and our environment.
 Last fall, lawmakers heard how important transit is to Rhode Islanders. Hundreds of bus riders and transit advocates attended public hearings on proposed bus service cuts. But are our lawmakers forgetting so soon? The less public transit service we have, the more cars are on the road, increasing our dependence on imported oil and pumping out more global warming pollution.
 Don't let state lawmakers forget how important transit is to Rhode Island. Take action today by sending a message to your decision makers, urging them to boost transit service.
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| 2) Spring for Transportation Choices, May 14th 7:00pm |
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 Are you enjoying the flowers as much as I am? I hope you are getting out to enjoy your favorite natural areas.
In the meantime, we thought we'd throw a spring party to give you the opportunity to jump aboard the Club's programs to expand our bus and bicycle system in Rhode Island. Oh, and it just happens to be during National Bicycle Week. And we'll be screening the film, Taken for a Ride.
Let us know you're coming!
Spring for Transportation Choices
Thursday, May 14th, 7:00 pm
Firehouse 13
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| 3) House Parties for Energy Independence: Newport and Providence |
Can't make it to "Spring for Transportation Choices?" Come to a Sierra Club House Party next week! Susan Davis will host in Providence on Tuesday, and Diana Coderre will host in Newport on Wednesday. Find out how to get aboard the campaign to rebuild a 21st Century Green transportation system in Rhode Island.
Photo: Lightbulbs to Leadership House
Party at Susan Davis' home, July 2008.
Photo by Karen Talbot. |
| 4) What are Cool CATs? |
Cool CATs are the Sierra Club's Cool Cities Community Action Teams. Cool Cities or Cool Communities are those local governments that sign on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Sierra Club Community Action Teams are teams of volunteer activists who work together to build environmental communities by hosting house parties, going door to door with our message, or participating in phone banks.
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Thank you for signing up for Cool CATs Weekly. Sierra Club volunteers are working in Newport, North Kingstown and Barrington to make one of those communities the next Cool City or Town. Feel free to contact us if you would like to make your city Cool.
Sincerely,
Chris Wilhite
Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter |
Boost Transit Service in Rhode Island
Solving global warming depends on cutting pollution from cars. But not everyone can afford a Hybrid. We need clean, affordable choices for Rhode Island commuters. But in many cases, transit is still not a viable option because infrequent bus service makes it inconvenient.
10 Minutes for Change
Every Wednesday
5:30 - 9:00 pm
Sierra Club Chapter Office
17 Gordon Ave.
Providence 02905
Sierra Club RI Chapter Meeting
Tuesday, May 12
6:30 - 8:30 pm
Sierra Club Chapter Office
17 Gordon Ave. 2nd Floor
Providence
Spring for Transportation Choices
Thursday, May 14
Firehouse 13
Time: 7:00 - 10:00 pm
41 Central Street
Providence, 02907
RSVP
National Bike to Work Day
Friday, May 15
7:00 - 8:00 AM:
Food and coffee
3:00 - 6:00 PM:
Bike workshops and more...
Market Square in Providence
House Party in Providence
Tuesday, May 19
6:00 - 8:00 pm
RSVP
House Party in Newport
Wednesday, May 20
6:00 - 8:00 pm
RSVP |
