The Unitarian Universalist Society will join over 50 co-sponsoring organizations to rally the media to cover the climate crisis in a parade on Saturday, Feb. 1, in Des Moines. The Des Moines and Quad City UU churches are also co-sponsors. Please see the attached flyer for more details and a current list of sponsors.
Every four years, Des Moines is “media central” during the days leading up to the Iowa Caucuses. To act on the opportunity of national and international coverage, this amazing coalition is creating a Climate Crisis Parade. The Climate Crisis Parade’s mission is to urge the media to give this global emergency the consistent, in-depth coverage it deserves, even as we challenge the presidential candidates — and the general public — to prioritize climate action, since our lives and our future literally depend on it!
The Parade will run from approximately noon to 3 pm, gathering in advance outside Cowles Commons (221 Walnut Street, Des Moines) for a rally and speakers. We will then march a few blocks through the streets or skywalks (weather dependent), to the Iowa Events Center, with our Iowa Caucus message: “We Challenge YOU” There will be a team of parade marshals to direct the parade, which will be civil and nonviolent, urgent and imperative. This parade is family-friendly.
Thematic “Floats” may be prepared by each group. These can be very simple with a theme about climate on signs or more elaborate with a theme using costumes, props, signs, etc. THIS IS AN EVOLVING PLAN: There are still several planning meetings and much work to be done, so watch for additional information.
UUS encourages carpooling for this event. There is also time to register to ride on a commercial bus organized by 100Grannies. There is still plenty of room on the 2nd bus for UUS folks. But sign up soon as the seats are going fast! Contact miriam.kashia@gmail.com to reserve your place on the bus and please include your phone number – just in case. And there will be a table on Sunday mornings during the social hour for info and registration.