A meeting report is not always the most exciting thing to write or read but our April 1 meeting was an EXCITING meeting. Seven new folks showed up, coming from Amherst, Loudon, Contoocook, Guilford, and Concord. Along with many of our regular attendees returning, attendance nearly doubled from previous meetings!
Positive energy in the room grew as everyone shared something they had done in the past month that helped to lift their spirits above the crisis that surrounds us. Each participant then talked about their experiences of activism over the past month. A lively period of sharing interests, questions, and networking followed, giving people ideas and inspiration for future activism and next steps.
Bill Coder and Laura Magzis talked about citizen action on the local level and the impact that we can make by working together in our own communities. Through collaboration with town and municipal Energy Committees and other boards (Planning Boards, School Boards) and committees in our towns we can support local green energy initiatives. Solar roof top installations on municipal buildings, moving school lunch programs away from single use plastics, town composting efforts, solar installations on capped landfills that are not useful for other purposes–these are a few examples of programs that have had success in NH towns. Bill has a wealth of information and contacts with organizations that offer resources for working locally. Laura shared her experience of attending the Concord Energy and Environment Advisory Committee and suggested anyone could join her at the next meeting on May 28, 6:30-8:30 in the Concord City Council Chambers. For more information contact Laura at hippiedoc2@comcast.net.
Martha Mae handed out the Third Act NH Connects Actions and Activities List for April and went over the updated list of Rallies, Protests, Visibilities, Earth Day Events and other opportunities for ongoing activism. New attendees had the opportunity to join Third Act NH before they left using the TA NH website on an available computer.
Martha Mae will be stepping away from guiding the monthly meetings in order to attend to health concerns that require her attention. The group will continue with the excellent guidance of Laura and Olivia. Bevan Tulk will take on the role of Coordinator between the group and the UU Church.
Join us at our next meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 1:30-3, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 274 Pleasant St., Concord. All are welcome! Please park in the lot on the right beyond the church.
Congratulations to Lena Nirk, member of TA NH and our Democracy and Voting Team, on becoming a board member of the NH Chapter of the Sierra Club!