Our new Social Justice Council is off the ground and running. At our last meeting on March 22, we had well-attended break-out groups on the topics of Immigration and Environmental Justice. The Immigration group learned about a new initiative, sponsored by GEM and Somos Inmigrantes, that will start training people to accompany vulnerable neighbors to appointments and deliver groceries. This training will begin soon. The Environmental Justice group discussed several pending local issues, the most urgent of which appears to be HB 655, which would enlarge the Crow Creek reservoir to provide more water for Google in The Dalles. This group is already organizing a letter-writing campaign.

At our next meeting on April 26, we will continue work on these issues and in addition get reports on Sustainability, Democracy, and GNAC initiatives. Prior to the meeting, we will have a Social Justice table set up where people can write letters or post cards, learn about other environmental issues, and sign up for a meet up to attend the upcoming Columbia River Round Dance. As you can see, there is a lot going on. Anyone who has ideas about social justice, is ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work, or just wants to learn more is invited to attend. As my mother used to say, “Many hands make light work.”

For more information, you can contact Elaine Castles at elainecastles@gmail.com.