AboutMassachusetts Power Shift* is a group of students and other concerned citizens who are dedicated to protecting humanity from the unprecedented threat of global destabilization as a result of rapid climate disruption.
We work to mobilize our campuses, communities, and state to raise climate change to the top of the political agenda and stimulate state, national, and global changes necessary to protect the ecosystems that sustain life.
We seek to make Massachusetts a leader in the transition to a society no longer dependent on climate-destroying practices. *While the national Power Shift '07 conference inspired our creation, Massachusetts Power Shift is not formally affiliated with the national Power Shift (a.k.a. Energy Action Coalition).
More InfoHistoryOn a cold Saturday in November 2007, four students gathered at a bagel shop in downtown Boston. They had been inspired by a climate conference they attended in Washington, DC and decided to build power within their own state by holding a 4-day action-oriented conference in Boston. Over the next five months, these four students reached out to fellow students and community members across the state, and built a team that from literally nothing pulled together a 4-day, 500 person conference spanning Boston University, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the Boston Commons, and the Massachusetts State House. The focus of the conference was the passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act, a state bill that set maximum emissions limits for the state in 2020 and 2050. The bill passed in the summer of 2008, as newer information was coming out that demonstrated that the ambitious bill they had fought for had become out-dated. That same summer, Al Gore challenged political leaders to RePower America with 100% Clean Electricity in 10 Years. Inspired by this goal, the students of Massachusetts Power Shift set out to make it happen. Throughout the 2008-2009 school year, they held events on their campuses and in their communities, educating students, community members, and politicians about the important goal. At the end of the year, two members of the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation had signed on to the goal, in addition to both houses of the State Legislature through a joint resolution that was written by members of Massachusetts Power Shift. Over the summer of 2009, students launched Massachusetts Climate Summer, a summer program in partnership with the Massachusetts Council of Churches that saw 20 students bicycle around Massachusetts for two months, putting on events in the community and going door-to-door to raise awareness about the climate crisis. They collected 5,000 signatures in favor of the RePower America goal of 100% Clean Electricity in 10 Years, and made lasting partnerships with community groups. Now, our network is actively engaged on The Leadership Campaign. | What Are We Doing?We are running The Leadership Campaign. Since congress has proven unwilling to act, we have decided to promote the goal of 100% Clean Electricity in 10 Years at the state level, and have Massachusetts lead the clean energy revolution. By obtaining all of our nation's electricity from clean sources in 10 years, we can jumpstart the economy with new green jobs, reduce the funding of terrorists by eliminating our need to import oil from unfriendly regimes, and begin stopping and reversing the effects of global climatic disruption. Where Is MAPS?MAPS is a statewide network, meaning the organization itself is a collection of communities, campuses, groups, and individuals all working to build a clean energy economy, equitable communities, and sustainable solutions to the climate crisis. Want to join the MAPS network? Send an e-mail to swen@masspowershift.org or jbeatty@masspowershift.org. Massachusetts Power Shift has active chapters/affiliates at:
Check back soon for more schools and for updated campus leadership bios! As you know, climate change has the potential to intensify natural disaster, drastically alter ecosystems, affect widespread social conflict, and expedite massive extinction. As a developed country and one of the leading emitters of green house gases, America has a moral obligation to address the risks of climate change and prevent the potential devastation. Luckily, the solutions required to address climate change also help to solve many of our nation's other problems, including the current economic recession by creating millions of green jobs; and terrorism by eliminating the need to import oil from unfriendly regimes. As a state historically at the helm of many progressive movements, Massachusetts must rise to the occasion and lead America by example. Our state can confront climate change when its citizens express concern and get involved! You are crucial to this movement because of the unique insight, passion and talent you possess. You see the importance in public decision-making, challenging apathy and adding your voice to the movement. Together we can solve the defining challenge of this generation. Join the Massachusetts Power Shift! |
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