Friends —
We're down to the last 100 hours before the People's Climate March.
It's incredible -- we've spent the last six months strengthening this big and beautiful movement of people working together to combat climate change. So many of us experience the climate crisis in such different ways, but coming together for this moment has shown that we all agree that it is time to act.
Now it's time to bring the People's Climate March to life.
This isn't a communications asking you to spread the word or to volunteer (though we'd love you to do that by clicking here). This is all about what you need to know to help make Sunday, September 21st a success. Here are the key logistical details that you need to know:
1. On Sunday, assemble on Central Park West between 65th and 86th Streets.
We want The People's Climate March to tell the story of today's climate movement and all of its parts - so we're trying something new and arranging the march in a way that helps us thread our many messages together. If you're looking to find a specific group of people to march with, or want to learn more about the narrative of the march and the groups, visit the lineup page here.
If you're happy just marching through the streets of New York with more people than have ever come together before to demand action on climate change, head to 86th St and Central Park West. The C and 1 trains are closest - make sure to check http://mta.info for the latest updates on service changes or delays.
2. Show up at 11:00 am (or earlier!) because the march leaves at 11:30am sharp.
If you want to march with a specific group, you should show up earlier - some groups like Labor and Interfaith are holding pre-rallies that you can find more details about here. Most importantly, stay flexible and positive, because the march is going to be great wherever you are. No matter what, you'll be surrounded by other people demanding action on climate change in larger numbers than have ever assembled.
3. At 12:58pm we're holding a moment of silence in commemoration of the victims of climate change worldwide - and at 1:00pm we'll sound the climate alarm.
The march is being led by communities directly impacted by the climate and economic crises, and indigenous groups from around the continent and the world. At 12:58, we'll hold a moment of silence to honor those already lost or feeling the impacts. When you see people start linking hands and holding them above their heads, that's the sign the moment of silence is beginning.
At 1:00pm we are going to end that moment of silence with a great, big noise-sounding the climate alarm that has been ignored for too long. You'll know it's time to ring that alarm and make as much noise as you can when you hear 32 marching bands blowing their horns and church bells ring from around the city (make sure bring your own noisemakers).
Coordinating tens of thousands of people in the streets like this is difficult - to help pull it off, please use your cell phone to text ALARM to 97779. We'll send you a message that marks the moment of silence on Sunday and some basic instructions to help spread the word.
4. The march will end on 11th Avenue, where there will be a huge celebration of everything we just accomplished -- a massive People's Block Party.
The block party will have six different areas, one for each of the march's themes, where you'll be able to learn about the many issues connected to the climate crisis and connect with other people who want to continue to organize around them after the march.
There will be dozens of food trucks parked nearby, stages with music, poetry and performances from around the world, community groups displaying the art they made for the march, and a powerful ribbon-tying ceremony where you can pledge to continue to take action on climate.
It's going to be a huge celebration, not only of what we've done, but also of what we will do -- it's the time to talk and get inspired about what comes next after the People's Climate March.
That's it - that's the plan for Sunday. Until then, the best thing you can do is share this image of the march route to let your friends know you'll be there and that you want them to join you (we also encourage you to forward them this e-mail).
See
you in the streets,
Leslie, Paul, and everyone on the People's Climate March team
315 Madison Ave, 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10017