We’re writing to let you know about two upcoming events in Charleston. On Tuesday, June 12 celebrate science and honor two U.S. heroes for their work in defense of America at a luncheon hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby WV. The following week (Monday, June 18) WV Citizens for Clean Elections invites you to a training and discussion on the critical role the courts play in protecting our democracy and fundamental rights with special guest Kanawha County Circuit Judge Tod Kaufman. We hope you can join us at one or both events. See details below. 

Yours for Action,

Team WV CAG

Climate Scientists to Be Honored June 12 

Two American climate scientists–Michael E. Mann Ph.D. and Rear Admiral (Retired) David W. Titley–will be honored at an event Tuesday, June 12 hosted by Citizens Climate Lobby of Charleston, WV. The luncheon will be held at noon at First Presbyterian Church in Charleston on the second floor of the Activities Building (corner of Leon Sullivan Way and Kanawha Boulevard).

Dr. Mann and Dr. Titley have contributed significantly to the public’s understanding of our rapidly changing climate and the implications for the United States and the world.

Dr. Mann will speak briefly about the science behind the graph known as “the hockey stick.” Dr. Titley will speak briefly about connecting meteorology and climate science, and his work with national defense issues.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby will display a hand-crafted 44-foot banner depicting 22,000 years of global average temperature, fashioned after the humorous, yet accurate graph at xkcd.com/1732/. The CCL graph is executed in fabric, ribbon, sequins and thirteen pieces of original artwork by Charleston artists.

The event is free and the public is welcome to bring a bag lunch. Drinks will be provided. Box lunches can be ordered for $10 by calling 304-553-5603 no later than Sunday, June 10.

More about the speakers:

Dr. Michael E. Mann is a distinguished professor of Atmospheric Science at the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Mann’s career of scientific achievements, and his committed efforts to educate the public about the dangers of climate change, have earned him numerous awards. The International Panel on Climate Change was jointly chosen for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, and Mann’s IPCC work was recognized in that decision. Bloomberg News listed him as one of the fifty most influential people in the world in 2013, echoing Scientific American’s selection of him as one of the fifty leading visionaries in science and technology in 2002. This year Mann received the Award for Public Engagement with Science from the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Dr. David W. Titley is a professor of practice in Meteorology at the Pennsylvania State University, the founding director of their Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk and was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s chief operating officer 2012–2013. Dr. Titley served as a naval officer for 32 years and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. During his time with the Navy, he served as commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. In 2009, Dr. Titley initiated and led the U.S. Navy’s Task Force on Climate Change. He is an advisory board member of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, which advocates for pricing carbon emissions.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby WV is a grassroots, non-partisan advocacy and education organization. The Charleston chapter hosts a public meeting every second Saturday of the month at noon at 1506 Kanawha Boulevard West. All are welcome to attend.

Fair Courts 101: Protecting Our Democracy

You are invited to a training and discussion about the critical role the courts play in achieving success on the issues we are fighting for in West Virginia on Monday, June 18th, 2018  at the Four Points Sheraton, 600 Kanawha Blvd. East, Charleston, WV 25301.

With civil rights and democracy increasingly under attack, the strength and impartiality of our courts may be the last mainstay for achieving justice on all of our issues. Our rights as voters, parents, workers, and community members depend on the decisions of our elected judges.

What can you learn about this critical piece of our democracy?

How do the courts play a role in justice for our people?

Please register online at faircourts101.eventbrite.com for your choice of sessions:*

• Afternoon Session 1:00pm- 4:30pm OR
• Evening Session 5:30pm-9:00pm

The Honorable Tod J. Kaufman, a Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge will be in attendance to discuss his experience and perspectives on the judiciary, and expert trainers and facilitators from Wellstone Action be on hand to help facilitate the day’s activities. We will explore the direct link between people power at the community level and the impartiality of our courts. Through a series of interactive discussions and presentations, participants will leave with knowledge about:

• Who sits on the bench in West Virginia
• How judges are selected/elected
• Threats to the courts
• Taking action to strengthen the courts

We hope you will join us for the opportunity to learn more about this often overlooked branch of government and the pivotal role it plays in protecting our democracy and our fundamental rights.

*The workshop is free and includes an appetizer buffet reception 4:30pm-5:30pm, however attendees are asked to please register in advance at faircourts101.eventbrite.com.  

Hosted by WV Citizens for Clean Elections and the WV Association for Justice