STUDENTS UNITED FOR A HEALTHY GULF

I see students as an incredibly important force for environmental change in the Gulf South, and I have a grand vision. Despite the massive challenges we face, every time I meet with aspiring activists and organizers, my faith in humanity’s ability to overcome our environmental problems is restored.

I just got back from a trip to Mobile, AL where I met with a great group of student activists at USA about the craziness of cypress mulch. Just like everyone who learns of the issue, they were shocked and upset to learn that the Gulf’s beautiful swamps are being ground into cypress mulch. I’m pleased to announce that they’ll be joining the Save Our Cypress campaign next semester! (I look forward to working with y’all and thanks for a great night on the town).

Students at Tulane and Texas A&M have already been successful in keeping cypress mulch off their campuses, and others are in the process. The campaign is gaining momentum, and now with Wal-Mart, Home Depot, and Lowe’s in our sights, the opportunities for entertaining ruckus-raising are endless.

But that’s not my vision— when I close my eyes tight and focus, I see my granddaughter kayaking with her children through an old growth cypress swamp in the Tensaw Delta. Concentrate with me and you’ll see miles of wetlands between New Orleans and the Gulf (hell, you’ll see New Orleans since global warming disaster has been averted). I see engaged and informed citizens who participate in democracy to maintain what’s important to everyone. Your grand-nephew will catch copious amounts of red snapper out in the Gulf and come onshore for a swim in the clean waters off the beaches of Mississippi. I no longer see a fight that falsely pits economics versus sound environmental management. I can see the Nature Coast in Florida, just like it is today. Can you see all that? It’s a long now, and it’s beautiful.

A vision’s only daydreaming if you don’t know how to get there though, and we all know there’s a lot of work to be done. That’s where you come in. Let’s harness the enthusiasm, brainpower, and unclouded vision of youth to chart a new course for the Gulf’s environment.

In the here and now, I’d like to see a student-led environmental movement in the Gulf States. A network of concerned students that drives the work on your campuses, in your states, and throughout the region, a network that shares tips, information, successes, failures, and friendship.

Do you want to create the vision? I want to take the first step down this long, hard road to victory with all of you.

We will build a movement to show the country the new Gulf of Mexico- a Gulf region that recognizes the splendor of its impressive natural resources and fights to protect them. A Gulf of Mexico for the future, for the long-run.

There’s a ton of work to be done, and it starts now. The GRN is announcing a brand-spanking new Regional Internship Program. Check out internship descriptions on our website. Contact me if you want to know more.

Would you like to be part of the movement?

Dan Favre, GRN Campaign Organizer, graduated from Brown University about three years back and is now a proud student of life and environmental organizing. Feel free to call him anytime at 504-525-1528 ext. 209.