Attend our Green Caucus Panel in Seatac on May 16

We're excited to invite you to our upcoming panel on blue green coalitions on Friday, May 16 in SeaTac!

Topic: Blue/Green Coalitions: Building a Foundation for Dialogue between Labor and Our Communities.

What: A panel discussion featuring labor and community activists working together on issues of common interest.

When: Friday, May 16 from 6 to 8:30 pm at the SeaTac DoubleTree.  Dinner is provided.

Who can come: Space is limited to the first 50 people! 

Register online by going to the calendar at wfse.org and clicking on "Policy Committees" on May 17 or follow this link: http://www.wfse.org/ai1ec_event/policy-committees-3-2-2-2/?instance_id=22164. 

Travel is provided by the Council 28 for all Green Caucus members who are not Policy Committee Delegates.

Details on Panelist Topics:

• Blue/Green Coalitions at the national level
• Experiences from Bellingham’s Waterfront Development project
• Experiences from Spokane Coalition Building
• Seattle’s Ballot Proposition #1 regarding transit concerns
• Building regional Blue/Green Coalitions in Thurston County?  Richland?  Vancouver?  Your county?

Green Caucus Meets this Thurs. April 10

Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, April 10 at 6 PM.  
Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  

Agenda

1. Planning for next 3 events (May 16, Oct. 3, and Jan. 2015)

2. Communicating with Green Caucus Members

3. Blue-Green Alliances

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/783430173 to start the videoconference.  ***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

 

2.) Dial (312) 878-3078 from your phone.

3.) Enter the access code 783-430-173.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting. 

Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, WFSE/AFSCME Green Caucus

Green Caucus Meets Thurs. Mar. 13

Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, March 13 at 6 PM.   

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  

Agenda

1. Planning for next 3 events (May 16, Oct. 3, and Jan. 2015)

2. Communicating with Green Caucus Members

3. How can we engage in the Governor's climate agenda?

4. Talking to members about the Green Caucus

5. Joining the Blue-Green Alliance

 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/640798845 to start the videoconference.

      ***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial (773) 945-1032 from your phone.

3.) Enter the access code 640-798-845.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Earth Day and Arbor Day Events 2014

April hosts both Arbor Day and Earth Day and offers us a great chance to connect within our communities.   Wear your WFSE/AFCSCME green t-shirt and join in one of these events happening near you!  Together, we can raise awareness of how public workers are working within our communities to foster a healthy, green economy with family-wage jobs!

Saturday, March 29, 2014 8:30 PM	Earth Hour	Lacey	The City of Lacey is joining with communities around the world in support of the Earth Hour participation event. Residents and businesses in cities and towns world-wide are switching their lights off for one hour to show concern for the environment.  Earth Hour 2014 is on Saturday, March 29 at 8:30 p.m. At that time, community members can show their support in switching their lights off for one hour.
April 12 - April 13 10:00 am - 3:00 pm	Earth Day at the Zoo	Tacoma	Celebrate your home planet with the animals that share it! Learn how to shrink your carbon pawprint as Zoo animals receive special enrichment treats and toys.  Earth Day is the perfect time to discover what actions you can take at the Zoo, at home, and in your neighborhood to show love to your planet. Join us in creating a healthy, sustainable Tacoma by participating in projects on grounds and throughout Point Defiance Park.  FREE with paid admission or membership. http://www.pdza.org/calendar?cid=381
Friday, April 18, 1:00-2:00pm	Earth Day Celebration	Everett	Everett Parks & Recreation and View Ridge Elementary School students will plant a tree and clean up the park.  Johnston-Kelly Park, 49th St. SW & Forrest Dr.
Saturday, April 19, 2014	Earth Day	Tumwater	Celebrate with us by volunteering for a local service project. Choose a Parks & Recreation or Stream Team event, or create your own stewardship project. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for more information regarding this year’s planned events.
April 19th, 2014 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM	Earth Day	Newcastle	You'll enjoy the various booths hosted by green businesses and non-profits, kid's activities, electric vehicles, and music by the Boeing Employees’ Concert Band and Hazen Jazz Band. Meet celebs like Bert the Salmon and Ranger Rick. Honor our Earth Heroes from the schools and volunteer groups. Learn about environmental chivalry and stewardship from the Knights of Veritas. Find everything from organic body care products to solar and wind energy solutions, and flower, veggie and native garden plants. Take home a wonderful item from the silent auction, or register your yard as a Wildlife Habitat. Join us as we celebrate the 2014 Earth Day event theme, "Living in Harmony with Nature.” Lake Boren Park, 13058 SE 84th Way Newcastle 98056. For more information visit: www.newcastleweedwarriors.org
April 19, 2014 10:00am- 3:00pm	Earth Day	Seattle	Celebrate spring in Seattle with a day of hands-on environmental activities, tours of the park, art making inspired by the natural world, and performances by local musicians. Bring your family, friends, colleagues, and students—there's something for everyone! Olympic Sculpture Park, 2901 Western Avenue, Seattle, WA 98121.
April 19, 2014 10:00 am-12:00pm	Earth Day Market Ride	Olympia	Meet neighbors, enjoy a Saturday bike ride into town to Heritage Park Fountain and get a head start on your Bicycle Commuter Contest miles while you’re at it! The miles you ride this day can count as your first commute trip on your BCC mileage log. For more information visit: www.bccblog.com
April 19, 12:00pm – 4:00pm	Earth Day Extravaganza	Tacoma	Earth Day Extravaganza is an event designed for families. The Tacoma Nature Center is a great place to take the kids to learn about local flora and fauna anytime, but especially on Earth Day. The Center is also next to the Snake Lake trail so you can enjoy a moderate hike! If you can’t make it to this free event, Tacoma Nature Center hosts Family Nature Walks led by park naturalists twice a month. 1919 S Tyler St, Tacoma, WA 98405
April 20, 2014 12:00pm	Celebrating Our Earth	Seattle	Collaborative celebration of Earth Day, music & science-based activities. Fisher Pavilion 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109.  For more information call (206) 684-7200 or visit www.seattlecenter.com
Tuesday, April 22,  8:00am	Earth Day Free Day	Statewide	Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on designated free days. Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit: www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
April 26 11:00am – 2:00pm	Annual Spring Compost Fair and Arbor Day Celebration	Spokane	Fun and informative activities provided by community resources on home composting, tree care, and sustainability. Sponsored by Finch Arboretum and Spokane’s Master Composters/Recyclers.  John A. Finch Arboretum, 3404 W Woodland Blvd, Spokane, WA 99224.

Are You Joining Us Thurs?

What's going on with current legislation affecting us?  How can we support our AFSCME union brother and sister maintenance workers who need a green certification?   What green events are going on in your community that we should help spread the word about?  

Get answers by joining us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, February 13 at 6 PM.   

 Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.    

How to join from home: 

 1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/986967061 to start the videoconference.
***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.*** 

 2.) Dial (267) 507-0012 from your phone. 

 3.) Enter the access code 986-967-061.  

 4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.  

 We look forward to talking with you Thursday!   

Kerry Graber and Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, WFSE/AFSCME Green Caucus

Green Caucus 2014 Legislative Priorities

What is the Green Caucus of the WFSE / AFSCME Council 28 concerned about during the 2014 session?

1.    WA’s Toxics Account – NO on SB 5990

• SB 5990 would undermine our toxics work by removing public participation grants and program funding
• Let’s fund state cleanup and pollution prevention

2.    Supporting Our State Parks

• Sustainable funding for services – Support Gov's Supplemental Budget amount of $2.9M
• Support SB 6034 / HB 2226 State Parks Partnerships – Section 4 was negotiated with WFSE to create some safeguards when entering into agreements
• Future of the Parks Commission

3.    Taxpayer Protection Act – YES on HB 2743

• Public interest in environmental work is not met when you contract out green work (clean up, research, etc.) to a company trying to make a profit
• We need value for our $

Got a question about how a bill may affect our work to help keep WA green?  Our members are here to help!  Contact WFSE/AFSCME Lobbyist Alia Griffing at 360.352.7603 or WFSE/AFSCME Green Caucus Co-Chair Kerry Graber at 360.481.3230. 

Save the Date! Green Caucus Lobby Day 2/6/2014

Join us for our second annual Green Caucus Lobby Day!  We are gathering together to share our priorities and concerns with legislators in Olympia on Thursday, February 6.

Register online at http://www.wfse.org/get-involved/come-to-olympia/ or contact our LPA department at 800-562-6002. 


Airfare or mileage are covered by LPA.  Lunch and snacks are provided. 

We now offer convenient travel planning online https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=Rch9nMxSy7Zcu8dNjFb0Aw#!

WEC focuses on Big Oil & Safety Standards for Oil Spills

The Washington Environmental Council has posted their 2014 legislative priorities.  Check them out here:

http://wecprotects.org/legislation/default-page

During this short 60-day session which begins today, they are focusing on 2 key priorities: closing a tax loophole that benefits Big Oil and passing the Oil Spill Prevention Act to put safety standards in place to reduce the risks associated with moving oil through our state and along our coasts.

Visit their website to learn more about what their efforts.

Join us this Thurs. Jan. 9th

We need your input this Thursday as we make our plans for 2014. Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, January 9 at 6 PM.  

Agenda items include our 2014 lobby day (February 26) and both the failed climate resolution and the passed Big Green Machine proposal from the recent WFSE convention in October.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  Meeting space is also available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest before Wednesday, January 8th at 5 PM.  

 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/513444325 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial (619) 550-0004 from your phone.

3.) Enter the access code 513-444-325.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Sincerely,
Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, Green Caucus

AFSCME and the Environment

Wondering what AFSCME's position is on various environmental issues?  Check out their website's environmental section. 

http://www.afscme.org/issues/environment

We've added this link under "more resources" to the right so you can quickly navigate there in the future as well!

We need you this Thursday, Dec. 12!

We need you this Thursday.  We've got lots of news to share, and need your input on our plans for 2014! 

Join us for our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting this Thursday, December 12 at 6 PM.  

Agenda items include introducing our new co-chair Lisa Randlette, outreach to Local Presidents, 2014 lobby day and conferences, and both the failed climate resolution and the passed Big Green Machine proposal from the recent WFSE convention in October.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  Meeting space is also available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, December 11th by 5 PM.  

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/400381837 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial +1 (267) 507-0003 from your phone.

3.) Enter the access code 400-381-837.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Sincerely,
Kerry Graber & Lisa Randlette
Co-Chairs, Green Caucus

Join us Thurs Nov 14

Dear Green Caucus Friends,

I wanted to follow up on my earlier message to personally invite you to tonight's Green Caucus meeting.  Here's the agenda.  We have important issues to discuss, so I hope you will attend!

Under old business we will discuss:

• Letters to Local Presidents asking for a representative to be appointed to our steering committee
• Feedback on Green Caucus Workshop at convention 

New business:

• Climate change as a standing agenda item
• Planning for January lobby day and strategic planning session face to face
• Natural Resource Task Force update
• Washington State Parks Foundation's Friends of State Parks Program
• "Discover Renewal" documentary

Please help us prepare for a 2014 full of great issues to engage in on behalf of Council 28!  

Join our video/conference call this Thursday, November 14 at 6 PM from your own home , or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  Meeting space is only available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, November 13th during regular business hours.  

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/669438037 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial +1 (786) 358-5420

3.) Enter the access code 669-438-037.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Sincerely,
Kerry Graber
Chair, Green Caucus

B.C. CA, OR, and WA Join Forces to Combat Climate Change

Contacts:

British Columbia: Dave Crebo, David.Crebo@gov.bc.ca or (250) 812-5747

California: Jim Evans, Jim.Evans@GOV.CA.GOV or (916) 445-4571

Oregon: Tim Raphael, Tim.raphael@state.or.us or (503) 689-6117

Washington: David Postman, David.Postman@gov.wa.gov or (360) 902-4136

Resource Media: Eric Jaffe, ejaffe@resource-media.org or (415) 235-7822

 

BRITISH COLUMBIA, CALIFORNIA, OREGON & WASHINGTON 
JOIN FORCES TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE

West Coast Leaders Commit to Accounting for the Costs of Carbon, Clean Fuel Standards, Other Clean Energy Priorities for Region of 53 Million People

SAN FRANCISCO – The leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy today, committing their governments, and a region that represents the world’s fifth largest economy, to a comprehensive and far-reaching strategic alignment to combat climate change and promote clean energy.

California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr., Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Washington Governor Jay Inslee were joined at Cisco SF by British Columbia’s Premier Christy Clark, who participated via TelePresence from Victoria. BC Environment Minister Honourable Mary Polak attended in person.

Through the Action Plan, the leaders agreed that all four jurisdictions will account for the costs of carbon pollution and that, where appropriate and feasible, link programs to create consistency and predictability across the region of 53 million people. The leaders also committed to adopting and maintaining low carbon fuel standards in each jurisdiction. In a joint action plan, the leaders committed to “meaningful coordination and linkage between states and provinces across North America.”

“This Action Plan represents the best of what Pacific Coast governments are already doing, and calls on each of us to do more—together—to create jobs by leading in the clean energy economy, and to meet our moral obligation to future generations,” said Governor Inslee. “Each of the governments here is already taking bold steps on climate change; by joining forces, we will accomplish even more," Inslee said. 

Flanked by supportive business and labor leaders, the governors and Premier redoubled their commitment to growing the region’s clean energy economy. The region covered by the Action Plan has a combined GDP of $2.8 trillion—effectively the world’s fifth largest economy.

“Energy is THE issue of our time–both globally and here in Oregon–and no single issue will have a greater impact on our state’s economy, environment and quality of life in the coming decade,” said Governor Kitzhaber. "The central question is whether we will shape our energy future through intentional investment and development, or whether it will shape us.  Working together across the west coast jurisdictions we can build more resilient economies prepared to face the 21st Century,” Kitzhaber said.

Under the Action Plan, California and British Columbia will maintain their existing carbon pricing programs along with their respective clean fuel standards, while Oregon and Washington have committed to moving forward on a suite of similar policies. The leaders further agreed to harmonize their 2050 greenhouse gas emission targets and develop mid-term targets where needed to set a path toward long-term reductions.

“California isn't waiting for the rest of the world before it takes action on climate change,” said Governor Brown. “Today, California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia are all joining together to reduce greenhouse gases,” Brown said.

The leaders pledged to cooperate with governments and sub-national governments around the world to press for a global agreement on climate change in 2015.

“Taking action to address climate change in our own capitals is an important first step,” said Premier Clark.“By supplying cleaner energy and associated technologies to help others reduce their emissions while growing the economy and creating jobs at home, our generation has an opportunity to lead on the world stage. This agreement signals we are ready to innovate and work together to achieve a healthy, strong, and secure future,“ Clark said.

Business leaders hailed the Action Plan as an important milestone and a boost to efforts for national and international policy change.

“Our company is seeing significant growth on the Pacific Coast, and it is encouraging that the trend is concurrent with this landmark accord,” said Steve Clem, Vice President of Skanska USA in Portland, Oregon, one of the ten largest construction companies in the U.S.

“In this time of political grandstanding and gridlock, private enterprises like ours that are trying to do the right thing are pleased by the recognition here that it really is possible to grow the economy, create jobs and still do our part as a region to fight climate change,” Clem said.

Blair Christie, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Cisco, hosted the signing ceremony with the leaders. Dave Foster, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, and Bill Dewey, President of Taylor Shellfish Farms in Shelton, Washington, also spoke at the event.

The Pacific Coast Collaborative was established to address the unique and shared circumstances of the Pacific coastal areas and jurisdictions in North America by providing a framework for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and the sharing of information on best practices, and a common voice on issues facing coastal and Pacific jurisdictions.

# # #

Join Governor Inslee's Climate Work Group in Spokane or Seattle

October 11, 2013

Contact:   Jaime Smith, Governor Inslee’s Communications Office  |  360.902.4136

ADVISORY: Governor Jay Inslee and climate work group hosting forums, seeking comment on ideas for reducing carbon emissions

Governor Jay Inslee passed legislation this year creating a Climate Legislative and Executive Workgroup (CLEW). CLEW members are tasked with identifying strategies for reducing carbon emissions in Washington and meeting statutory carbon reduction targets for 2020 and beyond.

Inslee and legislative members will be seeking public input on approaches to reducing Washington’s carbon emissions before drafting their recommendations. More information about CLEW’s work is available on Governor Inslee’s website.

When:           October 16 at 5:00pm

Where:          Music Auditorium at Spokane Falls Community College (Bldg. 15, Room 110) - 3410 West Ft George Wright Drive, Spokane

When:           October 23 at 6:00pm

Where:          Bell Harbor International Conference Center (2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle)

# # #

www.governor.wa.gov  |  @GovInslee @WaStateGov  |  www.facebook.com/WaStateGov

Join us this Thurs. Oct. 10th at 6 PM

Our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting is this Thursday, October 10 at 6 PM.  
Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  Meeting space is only available at the Spokane or Seattle Field Offices if we receive notice of your interest by Wednesday, October 9th during regular business hours.  

 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/316291333 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial +1 (267) 507-0004

3.) Enter the access code 316-291-333.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Lean and Green Workshops Today

So excited about our workshops today at WFSE/AFSCME Council 28's convention in SeaTac.  We are honored to be joined by some very talented individuals with much to share.  Come check us out!  

LEAN AND GREEN: CROSSROADS OR CROSSHAIRSThe intersection of Lean & Green initiatives in state government and what it means to represented employees.

Cascade 10  |  1 pm & 3 pmPanel: Jim Wavada, Ecology; Darrell Damron, Results Washington; Renee Smith Nyberg, DES; and Julie Vanneste, Department of Corrections.

This workshop looks at the implementation of the Lean and Green initiatives currently being rolled out in state agencies. Panelist will explain what each of these initiatives is intended to accomplish.  We will explore some of the stereotypes and misconceptions attached to these initiatives.  As recognized experts at agency implementation of these initiatives,  our panelist will help us to explore how the rollouts of these initiatives are meant to affect represented employees at agencies where implementations are underway.  Attendees will be invited to participate in the discussion with their own insights on the issue.

Green Caucus Meeting Sept. 12

Our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting is this Thursday, September 12 at 6 PM.  Join us as we finalize our plan for WFSE's convention in October, brainstorm agendas for next couple meetings, start preparing for the legislative session, and discuss possible resolutions, including whether to join a blue/green alliance.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA.  

 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/861066525 to start the videoconference.

***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial 1 (213) 493-0606

3.) Enter the access code 861-066-525.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Sincerely,
Kerry Graber
Chair, Green Caucus

Green Caucus Meeting August 2013

Our regular monthly Green Caucus meeting is Thursday, Aug 8 at 6 PM.

Join our video/conference call from your own home, or come in person to WFSE Headquarters in Olympia, WA. 

How to join from home:

1.) Visit the website: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/414580813 to start the video conference.
***If you don't want to connect by video, skip below to just dial in by phone.***

2.) Dial 1 (267) 507-0008

3.) Enter the access code 414-580-813.

4.) If you've joined by video in step 1 above, enter the audio pin shown on your screen after joining the meeting.

Join us as we plan a face to face meeting in September and for WFSE's convention in October!