Welcome to the August 2009 Edition of the Laconneau Monthly Newsletter.
IN THIS ISSUE
• Book of the Month
• Political Action Forum
• Laconneau Autumn Festival
• Sentier de la Magdalene
• Regional News
• Regional Calendars
• Contact Laconneau
BOOK OF THE MONTH
The Green Collar Economy:
How One Solution Can Fix Our Two Biggest Problems
by Van Jones
In The Green Collar Economy, Van Jones provides innovative solutions to the economic and environmental issues facing our county. Utilizing a holistic approach, he recognizes the importance of including all segments of our society to create a new "healthy green economy." While you may not agree with Van Jones’ philosophy and proposed solutions, he proves to be an inspiration for thinking creatively and inventing and investing our way into an ecologically responsible, morally just society.
~Elaine Franzetti
POLITICAL ACTION FORUM
Facing and Reversing Global Climate Change
~by Stella Koch
Global climate change is real. The debate ended in 2007, when the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published its findings in a report produced by 620 authors and editors and reviewed by another 600 experts. The IPCC concluded that increasing greenhouse-gas concentrations resulting from human activity such as fossil-fuel burning and deforestation are responsible for most of the observed temperature increase since the middle of the 20th century.[1] The predicted consequences include significant wildlife extinctions (perhaps as many as a million species) as well as changes in rain patterns and distribution that could have significant consequences on food production and fresh-water availability worldwide. In addition, several hundred million people could be displaced, as rising sea levels flood out entire coastal communities and countries. The most vulnerable areas include the world’s island nations, Southeast Asia, and, in the U.S., Louisiana and Florida.
The air surrounding the Earth is made up of different gases: about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other gases.[2] Carbon dioxide in small amounts is natural in the atmosphere. Humans and other animals produce it as we breathe, and plants and algae use it to make sugar through the process of photosynthesis.
Human activity is adding gases to the atmosphere in significant amounts. Our burning of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas, and coal to generate electricity or to power vehicles and manufacturing processes has increased the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the air. Our production and use of fossil fuels and our
agricultural practices, such as livestock farming, release methane (MH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the air. It appears that the amount of carbon dioxide and methane now in the air exceeds the natural range of those two gases in the last 650,000 years. Put simply, we are putting carbon dioxide into the air much faster than plants and algae can absorb it.[3]
These gases are called greenhouse gases because they linger in the atmosphere, trap heat near the Earth’s surface and warm the planet, just as the glass in a greenhouse traps and holds the heat from the sun’s rays. The solution to the problem is obvious: we need to reduce these global-warming greenhouse gases by at least 80 percent by 2050 if we are to stave off the direst consequences of global climate change.[4]
The United States has approximately 5 percent of the world’s population and yet contributed 22.2 percent of the world’s greenhouse gases created by burning fossil fuels.[5] We’ve seen leadership at the city, county, and state levels on this issue (for example, Governor Schwarzenegger of California has pushed various initiatives throughout his tenure to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions), but until recently the U.S. government has done little to address the issue of greenhouse gases and climate change.
This year, with a new Congress and a new president, there is the hope that something of significance can be accomplished at the federal level. By a vote of 219-212, on Friday, June 26, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Waxman-Markey Bill, the American Clean Energy and Security (ACES) Act. This bill, more than 900 pages long, calls for a cap-and-cost on carbon output, and uses the revenues to create green jobs and a new green economy. Implementing this bill will reduce carbon emissions 20 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050.[6] The U.S. Senate also needs to pass a similar bill this year. This legislation needs to be passed and sent to President Obama to sign into law.
You can help Congress pass good climate-change legislation. We are all represented (unless we live in Washington, D.C.) at the federal level by one congressional representative and two senators; you need to contact them. For contact information on your two senators and your representative, use the League of Women Voters Web site: http://takeaction.lwv.org/lwv/dbq/officials/.
Take Action
1. Find out how your member of the House of Representatives voted, by going to
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-06-26-waxman-markey-bill-vote-count/. Then call or email your member. If they voted for the bill, thank them. If they did not vote for the bill, tell them of your disappointment and ask them to support any future efforts to pass good global climate-change legislation.
2. Email or call your two senators. Ask them to support, this fall, a robust climate-change bill that will require the 80 percent reduction of greenhouse gases by 2050.
[1] "Summary for Policymakers," Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. IPCC, Cambridge University Press, 2007. http://ipccwg1.ucar.edu/wg1/Report/AR4WG1_Print_SPM.pdf
[2] “Article 1 – The Air We Breathe,” World Almanac Education Group, Inc., 2005. http://staff.fcps.net/jholley/documents/Article%201-THE%20AIR%20WE%20BREATHE.pdf
[3] "Humans Put CO2 Into Atmosphere 14,000 Times Faster Than Nature," by Deborah Zabarenko, News Daily, April 27, 2008:
http://climatechangepsychology.blogspot.com/2008/04/humans-put-co2-into-atmosphere-14000.html
[4] “World Needs to Axe Greenhouse Gases by 80 pct: Report,” By Alister Doyle, April 19, 2007, Reuters.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSL194440620070419
[5] Compiled in 2007 by the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) in the United States Department of Energy. the CDIAC, and its subsidiary the World Data Center for Atmospheric Trace Gases focus on obtaining, evaluating, and distributing data related to climate change and greenhouse-gas emissions. http://cdiac.ornl.gov/
[6] “Chairmen Waxman, Markey Release Discussion Draft of New Clean Energy Legislation,” March 31, 2009, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, http://energycommerce.house.gov/
If you wish to respond to this article, please send a “Letter to the Editor” to alex@laconneau.org.
LACONNEAU AUTUMN FESTIVAL
Laconneau Autumn Festival
Friday October 30, - Sunday November 1, 2009
Artemis House - Greenville, NC
In the Tradition of Laconneau, the Autumn Festival is a rich and deeply meaningful time. Through this festival, we remember the One we serve as well as our sisters throughout the ages whose courage and self-sacrifice have allowed us to participate in this rich inheritance. We remember them not in sorrow but in joy, for this is the time of the inward journey, the giving up of the old life in the sure knowledge of rebirth. It is a time when we remember with hope the ancient prophecy that forms the heart of our Tradition: “Al cap dels sept cent ans reverdajara lo laurel.”
This year, we will continue to hold the Autumn Festival in the old way and in full accord with the principles of our Tradition. Come join us in Greenville, North Carolina for this wonderful weekend of comradeship, workshops, feminine spirituality and festivities. Lend your voice to the power and love of sisters such as yourself who feel a burning need to see change in this world.
The fee for the festival is $275.00. Please also budget for $20.00 per day to cover lunches and other expenses. Housing is available in the homes of the Greenville sisters and in hotels in the area. If you plan to stay at a hotel, please make your reservations quickly, as space at area hotels will be at a premium the weekend of the festival due to Halloween. Please contact Elaine at carolinas@laconneau.org for more details.
For more Information on the Autumn Festival: http://www.laconneau.org/fallfestival1.html
SENTIER DE LA MAGDALENE
Sentier de la Magdalene
Friday, September 25 – Saturday, October 3, 2009
A Pilgrimage to Southern France
This fall, for the first time, Laconneau will be offering a combination of the Magdalene Pilgrimage and the Sentier des Cathares. We hope this will make the trip both practical and affordable. The trip will include mountain hiking in the Languedoc.
REGIONAL NEWS
Laconneau Scholarship Fund
The Laconneau scholarship fund has been established to assist women who are unable to afford the cost of classes. If you are in need of a scholarship, please contact your local Laconneau coordinator.
If you would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund, please make your check out to Alex Guyol and send it to P.O. Box 261, Kingston, NJ 08528. If you have questions, please email Alex at alex@laconneau.org.
France News
Laconneau is offering the Sentier de la Magdalene this fall from Friday, September 25 to Saturday, October 3, 2009. If you would like more information, please email Alex at alex@laconneau.org.
News from the Carolinas
A Level I Course was held on Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23, 2009 in Greenville, NC. It was well attended by both women new to Laconneau and women who had taken the course previously and wanted to learn more.
The Greenville Circle continues to hold meditations two times a month; one meditation is held on a Sunday at 12:00 PM and the other is held on a Thursday evening at 6:00 PM. Please check the calendar to find the dates of upcoming meditations.
Georgia News
A Level I Course will be held Sunday, August 30, at Cedar Hill Enrichment Center in Gainesville, GA. All those who have completed the course are invited to attend Women Circles held monthly in Gainesville.
This summer, the Gainesville meditation group is meeting on the 3rd Tuesday evening of the month at 6:00PM followed by dinner and discussion. The first series of “how to go green” in a variety of aspects in our lives will continue for the month of July with a second series beginning in August. Participants will discuss how to become politically involved in the local community.
Meditations are held on an ongoing basis in Decatur, Marietta and Gainesville. Women’s Circles are also regularly held in Gainesville. Please check the Georgia calendar for specific times and dates.
The Georgia Circle continues to welcome all women who desire to work together to heal our communities, our country and our world.
Please contact Lynn at Georgia@laconneau.org for additional information regarding courses, Women’s Circles and Georgia Laconneau events/activities or call Lynn @ 770-654-3734.
Pennsylvania News
As always, the Philadelphia Circle welcomes all women to our classes, meditations, dinners, and film screenings as we continue to build a strong foundation for this community of women. Women are an untapped resource who can effectively change the way our world functions. We will become a stronger
community as women continue to find their true power both within themselves and through the comradeship of their sisters.
Washington, DC News
The Washington Circle screened Sicko in July. A large group of women viewed the film and a lively discussion ensued. The films shown by the Washington, DC Circle are chosen for their focus on a particular social injustice and demonstrate the need for people to take action. The next film screening and discussion will be held on Friday, August 14 at 6:30PM, when The Spirit of Sacagawea will be screened. It is the first of several films scheduled by the circle
to highlight the truth of Native American history.
The Washington Circle is pleased to host a Level II Intermediate Course on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9 and welcomes women from all circles to attend.
FRANCE: Upcoming Events
Friday, September 25 to Saturday, October 3, 2009
Sentier de la Magdalene
Southern France
GEORGIA: August Events
Monday August 3, 2009
Meditation 6:30PM
Marietta, GA
Wednesday August 5, 2009
Women’s Circle 8:30PM
Gainesville, GA,
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Monday August 10, 2009
Meditation 6:30PM
Marietta, GA
Sunday August 16, 2009
Meditation 5:30PM
East Decatur, GA
Monday August 17, 2009
Meditation 6:30PM
Marietta, GA
Tuesday August 18, 2009
Meditation, Dinner, & Discussion 6:00PM
How to get politically involved in your community
Gainesville, GA
Wednesday August 19, 2009
Women’s Circle 8:30PM
Gainesville, GA,
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Monday August 24, 2009
Meditation 6:30PM
Marietta, GA
Thursday August 27, 2009
Women’s Circle 8:30PM
Gainesville, GA,
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Sunday August 30, 2009
Level I Beginner’s Course 10:ooAM
Gainesville, GA
Monday August 31, 2009
Meditation 6:30PM
Marietta, GA
Georgia Calendar Online:
http://www.laconneau.com/CalendarAtlantaGA.html
Georgia Region Coordinator: Lynn - georgia@laconneau.org
NORTH CAROLINA: August Events
GREENVILLE, NC
Friday, August 7, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:30PM
Artemis House
Greenville, NC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Meditation, Dinner & Discussion 6:30PM
Artemis House
Greenville, NC
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:30PM
Artemis House
Greenville, NC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Meditation 12:00PM
Artemis House
Greenville, NC
ASHEVILLE, NC
Friday August 7, 2009
Women's Circle 9:30PM
Brevard, NC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Women's Circle 9:30PM
Brevard NC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
North Carolina Calendar Online:
http://www.laconneau.com/CalendarGreenvilleNC.html
Carolinas Region Coordinator: Elaine – carolinas@laconneau.org
PENNSYLVANIA: August Events
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:30PM
Philadelphia, PA
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Monday, August 10, 2009
Meditation 6:30PM
Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:30PM
Philadelphia, PA
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Philadelphia Calendar Online:
http://www.laconneau.com/CalendarPhiladelphiaPA.html
Philadelphia Region Coordinator: Anna - Pennsylvania@laconneau.org
SOUTH CAROLINA: August Events
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:30PM
Simpsonville, SC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:30PM
Simpsonville, SC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
South Carolina Calendar Online:
http://www.laconneau.org/CalendarSC.html
Carolinas Region Coordinator: Elaine – carolinas@laconneau.org
WASHINGTON, DC: August Events
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Meditation & Tea 3:30PM
Falls Church, VA
Friday, August 7, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:30PM
Washington, DC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Level II Intermediate Course 10:00AM
Washington, DC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Level II Intermediate Course (Continued) 10:00AM
Washington, DC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Friday, August 14, 2009
Film Screening & Dinner 6:30PM
The Spirit of Sacajawea
Washington, DC
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Women’s Circle 9:00PM
Washington, DC
For students who have completed the Level I Course
Washington, DC Calendar Online:
http://www.laconneau.com/CalendarWashingtonDC.html
Washington,DC Region Coordinator: Lorely - dc@laconneau.org
CONTACT LACONNEAU
Please contact your coordinator with questions or updated regional information.
In France: Jehanne - jehanne@laconneau.org
In California:Alex - alex@laconneau.org
In the Carolinas: Elaine - carolinas@laconneau.org
In Georgia: Lynn - georgia@laconneau.org
In Pennsylvania: Anna - pennsylvania@laconneau.org
In Washington, DC: Lorely - dc@laconneau.org
Contact Information Online:
http://www.laconneau.com/Contact.html
Laconneau Newsletter Archive:
http://www.laconneau.com/NewsletterArchive.html
Please visit our website, http://www.laconneau.org, for the complete calendar,
further articles, Laconneau’s history and additional information.
You are receiving this newsletter because you attended a Laconneau course or
seminar. If you would prefer not to receive emails from Laconneau, please email
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